Bill Risley

William Charles Risley

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 215 lb.
• School Truman College
• High School Marist High School (Chicago)
• Debut July 8, 1992
• Final Game September 26, 1998
• Born May 29, 1967 in Chicago, IL USA

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Biographical Information

Bill Risley was a winner in his major league debut for the Montreal Expos on July 8, 1992 as the starting pitcher in the second game of a doubleheader against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Expos and Dodgers had to playe three consecutive deoubleheaders after a three-game series scheduled to take place in Dodger Stadium in May was postponed due to the riots caused by the verdict in the trial of the policement who had beaten up Rodney King. Two other pitchers made their debut for the Expos during that unusual six-game series - Kent Bottenfield and Matt Maysey. It turned out to be the only start of his career, as his other 156 major league appearances came in relief.

He was originally drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 14th round of the 1987 amateur draft, then was traded to the Expos along with John Wetteland in return for Willie Greene, Dave Martinez and Scott Ruskin on December 11, 1991. While Wetteland quickly took over as the Expos' closer, Risley spent almost all of the next two seasons in the minors, except for his winning start in 1992, and two relief appearances in 1993. His big break came when he was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners during spring training in 1994. He had an excellent rookie season for them , pitching 37 times and going 9-6, 3.44 with 61 strikeouts in 52 1/3 innings.