Sunday, August 10, 2014

Goodbye Harvard Heat

the Indians lost their final member of the old Bullpen Mafia when they released Frank Herrmann earlier today. Frankie was pitching for the Columbus Clippers this season. he had Tommy John surgery during spring training of 2013 and missed that entire season. he went through the standard year-long rehab process, and finally made a few appearances in Cactus League games this year. but he was nowhere near the pitcher he used to be, and it was clear that after spring training, he would be spending a lot of the 2014 season in Triple A refining his pitches. and now, for the second time in one week, the Indians decided to part ways with another reliever--the Hermmannator.

Frankie spent his entire career (up to this point anyways) in the Indians organization after signing with them in 2005, so this is another sad move. he pitched with the Tribe from 2010-2012 and was one of the more stable (long) relief men in our bullpen. based on his past, i was confident that after putting in the necessary time at Columbus this season, "The Professor" would be able to get that Harvard Heater back and rejoin/strengthen our bullpen again. but alas, it was not meant to be.

if memory serves, i have his autograph on a baseball and a Batter Up! i know i say this about a lot of players, but he was another one who was very good to his fans. there are certain guys who make an attempt to get their autograph a challenge, but i don't remember Frankie being that way. he was a nice man, he's got himself a nice little family, and i wish him, his wife Johanna, and baby Frankie all the best. i hope he finds himself with another ballclub and gets a chance to pitch in the big leagues again soon, because he has worked hard and he does deserve it.

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