Jon Hunton

From BR Bullpen

Jonathan P. Hunton

BR Minors page

Biographical Information[edit]

Relief pitcher Jon Hunton played professionally from 2004 to 2017. At all levels, he appeared in 734 games without making a single start, and saved 275 games.

He was originally taken by the Florida Marlins in the 28th round of the 2001 amateur draft, but opted not to sign. He was then taken by the Montreal Expos in the 39th round of the 2002 amateur draft, ahead of future number one overall pick Luke Hochevar, but again, he did not sign. The Expos took him again in the 24th round of the 2003 amateur draft, a few picks ahead of future three-time All-Star closer Brian Wilson, but again, he did not sign. He finally inked a contract after being taken by the Chicago Cubs in the 11th round of the 2004 amateur draft, a few picks ahead of pitcher Daniel Barone. He was signed by scout Steve Riha.

He played in the Cubs system from 2004 to 2006 with limited success, peaking at High-A. On April 20, 2005, he took part in a combined, 10-inning no-hitter while pitching for the Peoria Chiefs. Sean Gallagher started the game, Walt Nolen relieved him and Hunton relieved Nolen. Peoria won 3-2. He joined the independent ranks in 2007 and hit his stride, making 42 appearances and averaging 10.8 strikeouts per nine innings, while posting a 2.45 ERA, between three clubs. With the Fort Worth Cats in 2008, he went 5-1 with 23 saves, 43 games finished and a 0.81 ERA in 48 appearances, while striking out 71 batters and allowing just 26 hits in 55 2/3 innings for a 0.790 WHIP. He led the American Association in appearances and games finished. He played briefly for the Somerset Patriots that year, bringing his season totals to 5-1 with 24 saves, 49 games finished, a 1.14 ERA and a 0.857 WHIP in 56 games; he had 79 Ks in 63 innings.

Joining the Oakland Athletics system in 2009, he went 6-4 with 10 saves and a 2.92 ERA in 53 games between the Stockton Ports (13 G, 1.80 ERA) and Midland RockHounds (40 G, 3.33 ERA). He pitched for the Sacramento River Cats in 2010, going 6-6 with a 3.57 ERA in 51 games. The A's cut ties with him following the season and he re-joined the indy ranks, where he remained for the rest of his career. His time in indy ball was punctuated by a few particular seasons, including 2011, when he went 8-2 with 26 saves, 47 games finished and a 1.82 ERA in 52 games between two clubs (leading the American Association in saves and tying Will Krout and Jameson Maj for the lead in games) and 2013, when he a 3.00 ERA, 37 saves and 53 games finished in 57 appearances for Somerset. He led the Atlantic League in saves and finished behind Jim Ed Warden for the lead in games finished that year. In 59 games with Somerset in 2014, he had 49 saves (breaking Mike Guilfoyle's Atlantic League season record), 54 games finished and a 2.08 ERA. His ERAs crept up in the succeeding seasons, but he had 32 saves in 2015 and 37 in 2016, before calling it quits in 2017. In 2015, he led the Atlantic League in games finished and finished one behind Matt Gorgen for the lead in saves. In 2016, he paced the loop in saves. He set the Atlantic League career record for saves with 167.

Overall, Hunton was 20-21 with 22 saves and a 4.00 ERA in 217 games in the affiliated minors. He allowed 279 hits and 134 walks (1.432 WHIP) in 288 1/3 innings, while striking out 259 batters. In nine years of indy ball, he went 22-23 with 218 saves, 340 games finished and a 2.73 ERA in 412 games. In 415 2/3 innings, he allowed 377 hits and 123 walks (1.203 WHIP), while striking out 343 batters. He was also a frequent participant in the winter leagues, appearing in the Mexican Pacific Winter League and Venezuelan Winter League multiple times. At all levels, including his winter league play, he went 48-58 with 275 saves, 502 games finished and a 3.47 ERA in 734 games. In 801 1/3 innings, he allowed 765 hits and 296 walks (1.324 WHIP), while striking out 672 batters.

He was an American Association All-Star in 2011, the Venezuelan Winter League Reliever of the Year (one source says Closer of the Year) in 2012 and an Atlantic League Mid-Season All-Star in 2013 and 2016. He earned league Post-Season All-Star honors in 2013 and 2014. He was named to the league's Silver Anniversary team in 2023, as the league celebrated its 25th anniversary.

He later coached at Upper Deck Elite Baseball & Softball Academy in New Jersey.

Further Reading[edit]

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