Cleveland Indians

Date of birth: January 1, 1955 Detroit, Michigan

High School: Frank Cody High School

College: Eastern Michigan University

Location: Spring training pose

First Impression; This was another name that I liked saying as a kid, but he never played for the local teams nor was he a real big name so seeing him on cardboard is most likely the only time I saw him.

Career stats: Best season was his rookie year (1977) after only one year in the minors with Cleveland. After that, performance fluctuated and he never fully locked in as a consistent starter. Walks were a recurring problem, for his career he walked 363 batters and only struck out 490. His career record was 37-60.

All time stat: The A’s released Owchinko just as the 1983 season was set to start. He signed with the Pirates in May, and made one appearance with the club against the Cardinals. The first batter he faced, Andy Van Slyke, clubbed a home run. Owchinko was pulled without recording an out after the second batter, Darrell Porter, doubled to right field.^{That was his full season stat line.}

Fun fact: Traded twice in 1980. February 15, 1980: Traded by the San Diego Padres with Jim Wilhelm to the Cleveland Indians for Jerry Mumphrey. December 9, 1980: Traded by the Cleveland Indians with Gary Alexander, Víctor Cruz and Rafael Vásquez to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Bert Blyleven and Manny Sanguillén.

Ever a Future Star?  No.

Rookie or final card? No

Hall of Fame? Number retired? N/A

Links to stories including Owchinko.