Pete Harnisch

Peter Thomas Harnisch

• Bats Both, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 207 lb.
• School Fordham University
• High School Commack North High School
• Debut September 13, 1988
• Final Game May 7, 2001
• Born September 23, 1966 in Commack, NY USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Pete Harnisch was signed as a 1st round pick in the 1987 amateur draft by the Baltimore Orioles and scout Joe DeLucca.

As a rookie for the Orioles during their 1989 "Why Not?" season, Harnisch was to start in the next-to-last game of the season with the O's trailing the Toronto Blue Jays by 2 games with two to play - just one year after a disastrous 107-loss season in which the Orioles started the year with a record 21 straight losses. However, Harnisch stepped on a nail while walking from the park to the hotel the night before his scheduled start. Dave Johnson made a spot start in his place, and left after 7 innings leading 3-1, but the bullpen blew the lead and the Blue Jays clinched the pennant with a 4-3 win.

Harnisch threw two one-hitters in 1993 when he went 16-9 for the Houston Astros. He quit using smokeless tobacco while with the Cincinnati Reds; his career declined precipitously and irretrievably afterwards.

Notable Achievements

• NL All-Star (1991)
• NL Shutouts Leader (1993)
• 15 Wins Seasons: 2 (1993 & 1999)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 4 (1991-1993 & 1998)