Phorgotten Phillie Phile - Jay Baller

1993 Donruss, Card #356

Even if you don't remember Jay Baller, if you're a Phillies fan, you know something about him. On December 9, 1982, the Phillies traded Baller, Julio Franco, Manny Trillo, George Vukovich, and Jerry Willard to the Indians for Von Hayes.

If you're a long time Phillies fan you'll remember that Von Hayes was often called "Old 5 for 1" while in Philadelphia. Baller was one of the 5.

Baller was the Phillies 4th round draft pick in 1979. He made his debut with the Phillies on September 19, 1982 and managed to get into 4 games, for 8 innings with 2 walks, 7 strikeouts and an ERA of 3.38.

Between 1983 and 1992, when he came back to the Phillies, Jay compiled a 4-9 record with 6 saves in 82 appearances. Most of this was with the Cubs in 1985-1987 but he spent time with the Indians, Cubs, Mariners, Expos, Royals and Astros. The Phillies signed him as a free agent in 1991 but he didn't play. They signed him again in 1992 and he appeared in 8 games for 11 innings and an ERA of 8.18. He retired after the 1992 season when nobody was interested in signing him.