John Costello

John Reilly Costello

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 1", Weight 190 lb.
• School Mercyhurst College
• High School Oceanside (NY) High School
• Debut June 2, 1988
• Final Game October 5, 1991
• Born December 24, 1960 in Bronx, NY USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Pitcher John Costello was signed as a 25th round pick in the 1983 amateur draft by the St. Louis Cardinals and scout Tim Thompson. He had two very good seasons in the St. Louis Cardinals bullpen, going 5-2, 1.81 with 1 save in 36 games in 1988 and 5-4, 3.32 with 3 saves in 48 games in 1989. After that, he imploded, making 8 appearances with sky-high ERAs with St. Louis and the Montreal Expos in 1990, and a final 27 appearances with the San Diego Padres in 1991.

Costello is featured briefly in Steve Fireovid's book The 26th Man; during Steve's 1990 season with the Indianapolis Indians (Triple A affiliate of the Expos), Costello was given big league opportunities Steve and his teammates felt were unwarranted due to his poor numbers. Obviously his history of recent success in the majors explains why the big league club was willing to give him opportunities denied to others.