Jim Hvizda

James John Hvizda
last name also spelled Hvizeda

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 4", Weight 190 lb.
• School Old Dominion University
• High School Conwell-Egan High School

• Born May 12, 1966 in Trenton, NJ USA

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

Reliever Jim Hvizda played in the Texas Rangers system from 1988 to 1990 and in the Milwaukee Brewers system in 1991. He was taken by the Rangers in the 19th round of the 1988 amateur draft, one pick ahead of catcher Mike Durant, and was signed by scout Joe Branzell. He peaked at Double-A.

With the Butte Copper Kings in 1988, he went 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA in 26 appearances, averaging more than a strikeout per inning. He was 8-2 with 35 saves, 54 games finished and a 1.19 ERA in 62 games for the Gastonia Rangers in 1989. In 90 2/3 innings, he had 84 strikeouts while allowing 52 hits and 22 walks (0.816 WHIP). He led the South Atlantic League in saves (7 ahead of #2s Dave McAuliffe and Gab Ozuna) and games finished (2 ahead of #2 Ozuna). He was second in appearances, one behind leader Dan Hitt and 3 ahead of #3 Ozuna. Splitting 1990 between two clubs, he went 4-3 with a 2.89 ERA and 13 saves in 45 appearances. He moved to the Brewers chain for 1991, posting a 3.00 ERA in 3 appearances for the Beloit Brewers to finish up his career.

Overall, Hvizda went 14-8 with 53 saves, 104 games finished and a 2.47 ERA in 136 games over 4 seasons. In 207 1/3 innings, he had 170 strikeouts, while allowing 169 hits and 52 walks (1.066 WHIP).

In August 2012, he was sentenced to life in prison for killing his estranged wife.

Further Reading

• Jim Hvizda, Will Rot