Ben Shaffar

Benjamin Scott Shaffar

• Bats Both, Throws Right
• Height 6' 3", Weight 185 lb.
• School University of Kentucky
• High School Meade County High School

• Born September 28, 1977 in Paducah, KY USA

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

Pitcher Ben Shaffar was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 6th round of the 1999 amateur draft, out of the University of Kentucky. He pitched two and a half seasons in their system until being traded to the Cincinnati Reds on July 20, 2001 along with fellow minor league pitcher Chris Booker in return for major league outfielder Michael Tucker. He had gone 4-5, 5.79 in 14 games for the Eugene Emeralds in 1999 and 6-9, 4.94 in 19 games for the Lansing Lugnuts in 2000, before starting 2001 6-4, 3.12 in 19 games for the Daytona Cubs.

Following the trade, Shaffar completed the 2001 season with the Mudville Nine of the California League, going 3-2, 3.52 for a combined line of 9-6, 3.74. Following the season, he was traded once more, this time going to the Pittsburgh Pirates in return for P Jose Silva. He had his best season in 2002, as he went 8-7, 3.15 for the AA Altoona Curve, and was a winner in his only start in AAA with the Nashville Sounds of the Pacific Coast League. He looked to be on the verge of making his big league deut at that point, but the opportunity never came. In 2003, he was just 1-3 in 17 games between Altoona and Nashville, and also made 5 appearances with the GCL Pirates on a rehabilitation assignment. In 2004, he appeared in just 8 games for Altoona, going 0-1, 7.40. He bounced back to have a good season as a reliever in 2005, with a record of 2-3, 3.44 and 9 saves in 44 outings for Altoona, but by then he was no longer considered a prospect. In 2006, the Philadelphia Phillies gave him a brief look with the AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons, but let him go after he gave up 6 runs in 5 1/3 innings over 3 games, bringing his career to an end.