Joe Beimel

49

Joe Beimel : biography

April 19, 1977 –

After the arrival of new manager Joe Torre, Beimel was forced to cut his hair, a situation similar to one Stump Merrill had with now-Dodger coach Don Mattingly when managing the New York Yankees.http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20080418&content_id=2547194&vkey=pr_la&fext=.jsp&c_id=la Press Release

Relationship with fans

Joe gained a cult following in 2008 in a series of fan-made YouTube videos, specifically "The Legend of Joe Beimel." Heavily promoted on Los Angeles Dodgers fan site Dodger Blues, these videos have gained much notice on not only the internet, but in broadcasts and news media.

When the Dodgers conducted their second annual online fan vote during Spring Training to determine what player should be immortalized as part of the team’s bobblehead promotions, Beimel took home the honors for 2008 after a strong Internet turnout, including a campaign that was orchestrated by his parents, Ron and Marge Beimel.

Washington Nationals

On March 18, 2009, Beimel and the Washington Nationals agreed to a one-year $2 million dollar deal; he became their eighth-inning set up man. ESPN, March 18, 2009

Colorado Rockies

On July 31, 2009, Beimel was traded by the Nationals to the Colorado Rockies for Ryan Mattheus and Robinson Fabian. He signed a minor league contract on March 22, 2010, and was brought up to the majors on April 15.

His entrance song is "God’s Gonna Cut You Down" by Johnny Cash.

Return to Pittsburgh

On January 27, 2011, the Pittsburgh Pirates agreed to sign Beimel to a minor league contract. He began the season on the disabled list due to soreness in his forearm and elbow which he experienced midway through spring training. He spent the first weeks of season on rehab assignments with the Advance-A Bradenton Marauders and Triple-A Indianapolis Indians. The Pirates activated Beimel from the disabled list on April 15, 2011.

On May 28, 2011, Beimel was placed on the 15-day disabled list with the same injury which put him on the shelf to begin the season. Daniel Moskos was recalled to take his place. He was designated for assignment on August 23. On August 30 he was released.

Texas Rangers

On February 6, 2012, Beimel signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers.http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/texas-rangers/post/_/id/4877995/rangers-sign-conor-jackson-joe-beimel He was released on March 26. Beimel underwent Tommy John surgery on May 1, 2012 by Dr. James Andrews.

Amateur career

Beimel attended St. Marys Area High School and was a letterman in football, wrestling, basketball, and baseball. He played two seasons of junior college baseball at Allegany College of Maryland in Cumberland, Maryland and one season at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Six former Allegany College players have made it to Major League Baseball. Beimel was the fifth Major League Baseball player to come out of the Allegany College of Maryland program. The five other Allegany Trojans to make the big leagues were John Kruk, Stan Belinda, Steve Kline, Scott Seabol and Scott Patterson. At Allegany, Beimel played for Junior College Hall of Fame Coach Steve Bazarnic. During Beimel’s years at Allegany the Trojans advanced to the Junior College World Series both seasons. At Duquesne University he was the team leader in wins and complete games and was second on the staff in strikeouts and ERA.