Chris Reitsma
From SoSH
| Born: | December 31, 1977 |
| Birthplace: | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| Hometown: | |
| Height: | 6' 5" |
| Weight: | 214 lbs |
| Bats: | Right |
| Throws: | Right |
| Drafted: | 1996: 1st Round (34th) by the Boston Red Sox |
| College: | |
| High School: | Calgary Christian HS (Calgary) |
| Other Teams: | Cincinnati Reds 2001-2003 Atlanta Braves 2000-2002 Seattle Mariners 2007-Present |
| Years with Boston: | 1996-2000 (Minors Only) |
Contents |
Overall Career
Christopher Michael Reitsma (born December 31, 1977 in Minneapolis, Minnesota) was a first round draft pick (34th overall) by the Boston Red Sox in 1996. Along with fellow minor-leaguer John Curtice, Reitsma was sent to the Cincinnati Reds at the 2000 trade deadline for Dante Bichette. He made his major league debut with the Reds the following season. After three seasons in Cincinnati as both a starter and reliever, Reitsma was traded to the Atlanta Braves prior to the 2004 season.
Having proved serviceable as both a setup man and closer for the Braves in 2004 and 2005, Reitsma struggled in 2006 with injury and ineffectiveness and relinquished the closer's role. He posted an 8.68 ERA in 28 innings before his season was cut short in July with ulnar neuritis in his right arm.
The Seattle Mariners signed Reitsma, a changeup specialist, to a one-year deal with a club option for 2008 on January 5, 2007.
Reitsma's Moment in the Sun
- Named Boston's Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 1996 after going 3-1 with a 1.35 ERA in 6 starts and 1 relief appearance at Gulf Coast League Sarasota.
Trivia
- Graduated from Calgary Christian High School in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with three varsity letters in basketball.
- Pitched for Canada in the 2006 World Baseball Classic.
- His progress through the Sox's minor league system was halted in 1997 when he fractured his pitching elbow.
Transactions
- June 4, 1996: Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 1st round (34th pick) of the 1996 amateur draft. Player signed June 22, 1996.
- December 13, 1999: Drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays from the Boston Red Sox in the 1999 rule 5 draft.
- March 28, 2000: Returned (earlier draft pick) by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays to the Boston Red Sox.
- August 31, 2000: Traded by the Boston Red Sox with John Curtice (minors) to the Cincinnati Reds for Dante Bichette.
- March 26, 2004: Traded by the Cincinnati Reds to the Atlanta Braves for Jung Bong and Bubba Nelson (minors).
- January 5, 2007: Signed as a Free Agent with the Seattle Mariners.
Links
- Baseball-Reference.com - Career Statistics and Analysis
- Reitsma's Relievers
