MLB All-Star Game: Each team’s worst All-Star selections ever
Baltimore Orioles – Don Stanhouse (1979)
If there was ever a case for how empty of a statistic saves are, Don Stanhouse is all the evidence you’ll need to make a compelling argument.
The 1979 Baltimore Orioles were a powerhouse, finishing first in the American League East with a record of 102-57 behind manager Earl Weaver. Baltimore would go on to the World Series, where they lost a hard-fought series to the Pittsburgh Pirates in seven games. However, for a roster that featured the likes of Eddie Murray, Ken Singleton, Mike Flanagan, Dennis Martinez, and Jim Palmer to name a few, only Singleton and Stanhouse were selected to the All-Star Game.
Stanhouse is particular is an interesting choice. At the break, he looked great on the surface, having posted a 2.64 ERA, 12 Saves, and was holding opponents to a .196 batting average. However, all was not right here. Stanhouse was walking hitters at an astronomical rate (6.90 BB/9) and opposing hitters were reaching base against him at a .341 clip. He would finish the year with the dubious note of having a higher walk rate (6.3 BB/9) than strike-outs (4.2 K/9) blowing his FIP up to 4.66 as compared to his 2.85 ERA.
At the end of the day, it didn’t really matter. Stanhouse never made an appearance in the game as American League manager Bob Lemon opted to go to Jim Kern one inning too many rather than hand the ball to his own closer, Ron Guidry and the American League blew the save and the win, losing 7-6.
Next: Boston Red Sox - Mark Loretta (2006)