Jason Michael Grilli (born November 11, 1976) is an American former professional
baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball games, bat-and-ball sport played between two team sport, teams of nine players each, taking turns batting (baseball), batting and Fielding (baseball), fielding. The game occurs over the course of several Pitch ...
pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throws ("Pitch (baseball), pitches") the Baseball (ball), baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of out (baseball), retiring a batter (baseball), batter, ...
. He played in
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball league composed of 30 teams, divided equally between the National League (baseball), National League (NL) and the American League (AL), with 29 in the United States and 1 in Canada. MLB i ...
(MLB) for the
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are an American professional baseball team based in Miami. The Marlins compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) East Division. The team plays its home games at LoanDepot Park.
The ...
,
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Chicago. The White Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. The club plays its ...
,
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are an American professional baseball team based in Detroit. The Tigers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. One of the AL's eight chart ...
,
Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are an American professional baseball team based in Denver. The Rockies compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Division. Th ...
,
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are an American professional baseball team based in Pittsburgh. The Pirates compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central ...
,
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels are an American professional baseball team based in the Greater Los Angeles area. The Angels compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) West Division. Since 1966, the team has pl ...
,
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are an American professional baseball team based in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The Braves compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Eas ...
,
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a Canadian professional baseball team based in Toronto. The Blue Jays compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League East, East Division. Since 1989, the team has p ...
, and
Texas Rangers. Taken as the fourth overall selection of the
1997 MLB draft by the
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are an American professional baseball team based in San Francisco. The Giants compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Div ...
, Grilli was one of the top
starting pitcher
In baseball (hardball or softball), a starting pitcher or starter is the first pitcher in the game for each team. A pitcher is credited with a game started if they throw the first pitch to the opponent's first batter of a game. Starting pit ...
prospects in all of
Minor League Baseball
Minor League Baseball (MiLB) is a professional baseball organization below Major League Baseball (MLB), constituted of teams affiliated with MLB clubs. It was founded on September 5, 1901, in response to the growing dominance of the National Le ...
, ranked 54th in 1998 and 44th in 1999. The Giants traded him to the Florida Marlins in 1999, for whom he debuted on May 11, 2000.
In 2011, Grilli's career took off as a
relief pitcher
In baseball and softball, a relief pitcher or reliever is a pitcher who pitches in the game after the starting pitcher or another relief pitcher has been removed from the game due to fatigue (medical), fatigue, injury, ineffectiveness, ejection ...
with the Pittsburgh Pirates. That year, he carried a 2.48
earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average (ERA) is the average of earned runs allowed by a pitcher per nine innings pitched (i.e. the traditional length of a game). It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number ...
(ERA) and 10.2
strikeouts per nine innings (K/9) rate in 32
innings pitched
In baseball, the statistic innings pitched (IP) is the number of innings a pitcher has completed, measured by the number of Batter (baseball), batters and baserunners that have been put out while the pitcher is on the Baseball field#Pitcher's mou ...
(IP), and further improved in 2012, when his strikeout rate climbed to 13.8. In 2013, Grilli made his first
All-Star team and became Pittsburgh's
closer at the age of 36. From 2011 to 2014, he compiled a 3.09 ERA with 11.9 K/9, 3.3 BB/9 and a 34.2 percent ground-ball rate in IP.
Amateur career
Although born in Michigan, Grilli moved to
Central New York when his father,
Steve, played for the
Syracuse Chiefs
Syracuse most commonly refers to:
* Syracuse, Sicily, Italy; in the province of Syracuse
* Syracuse, New York, USA; in the Syracuse metropolitan area
Syracuse may also refer to:
Places
* Syracuse railway station (disambiguation)
Italy
* Provi ...
beginning in 1978. Following Grilli's high school career at
Charles W. Baker High School in
Baldwinsville, New York, he was drafted in the 24th round of the
1994 Major League Baseball draft by the
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are an American professional baseball team based in the Boroughs of New York City, New York City borough of the Bronx. The Yankees compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Am ...
, but he chose not to sign. Instead, he opted to play college baseball at
Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University (SHU) is a Private university, private Catholic Church, Catholic research university in South Orange, New Jersey, United States. Founded in 1856 by then-Bishop James Roosevelt Bayley and named after his aunt, Saint Elizab ...
, which he attended from 1995 to 1997.
In his junior year, Grilli struck out 18 batters in a game to break
Charles Nagy's
Big East Conference
The Big East Conference (stylized as BIG EAST) is a collegiate List of NCAA conferences, athletic conference that competes in National Collegiate Athletic Association, NCAA NCAA Division I, Division I in 10 men's sports and 12 women's sports. H ...
record. He pitched to a 6–4
win–loss record and a 4.65
earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average (ERA) is the average of earned runs allowed by a pitcher per nine innings pitched (i.e. the traditional length of a game). It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number ...
(ERA) with 125
strikeout
In baseball or softball, a strikeout (or strike-out) occurs when a batter accumulates three strikes during a time at bat. It means the batter is out, unless the third strike is not caught by the catcher and the batter reaches first base safe ...
s in
innings pitched
In baseball, the statistic innings pitched (IP) is the number of innings a pitcher has completed, measured by the number of Batter (baseball), batters and baserunners that have been put out while the pitcher is on the Baseball field#Pitcher's mou ...
.
[ In 1995, he played ]collegiate summer baseball
Collegiate summer baseball leagues are amateur baseball leagues in the United States and Canada featuring players who have attended at least one year of college and have at least one year of athletic eligibility remaining. Generally, they operat ...
with the Cotuit Kettleers
The Cotuit Kettleers are a collegiate summer baseball team based in the village of Cotuit, Massachusetts, which is in the southwest corner of the town of Barnstable, Massachusetts, Barnstable. The team is a member of the Cape Cod Baseball League ...
of the Cape Cod Baseball League
The Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL or Cape League) is a collegiate summer baseball wooden bat league located on Cape Cod in the U.S. state of Massachusetts. One of the nation's premier collegiate summer leagues, the league boasts over 1,000 forme ...
, and returned to the league in 1996 to play for the Brewster Whitecaps
The Brewster Whitecaps are a collegiate summer baseball team based in Brewster, Massachusetts. The team is a member of the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL) and plays in the league's East Division. The Whitecaps play their home games at Stony Bro ...
.
Professional career
The San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are an American professional baseball team based in San Francisco. The Giants compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Div ...
selected Grilli in the first round, fourth overall, of the 1997 Major League Baseball draft
The 1997 Major League Baseball draft, was an annual choosing of high school and college baseball players, held on June 2 and 3, 1997. A total of 1607 players were drafted over the course of 92 rounds.
First round selections
Supplemental first ...
.
Minor leagues
Grilli earned high reviews from scouts
Scouting or the Scout Movement is a youth social movement, movement which became popularly established in the first decade of the twentieth century. It follows the Scout method of informal education with an emphasis on practical outdoor activi ...
before the draft, who noted his good delivery, size and bloodlines. Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are an American professional baseball team based in Milwaukee. The Brewers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central Di ...
scout Russ Bove wrote that Grilli reminded him of Jim Palmer. As a high draft pick, Grilli was immediately considered to be a top prospect. ''Baseball America
''Baseball America'' (BA) is a sports publication company that covers baseball at every level, including Major League Baseball (MLB), with a particular focus on up-and-coming players in Minor League Baseball (MiLB) college, high school, and inte ...
'' ranked him as the No. 54 prospect in 1998 and the No. 44 prospect in 1999.
Grilli began his professional career in 1998 with the Double-A Shreveport Captains of the Texas League
The Texas League is a Minor League Baseball league which has operated in the South Central United States since 1902. It is classified as a Double-A league. Despite the league's name, only its five South Division teams are actually based in the ...
and the Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies of the Pacific Coast League
The Pacific Coast League (PCL) is a Minor League Baseball league that operates in the Western United States. Along with the International League, it is one of two leagues playing at the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A level, which is one grade bel ...
. In 21 games for the Captains, Grilli went 7–10 with a 3.79 ERA with 100 strikeouts in 123 innings pitched
In baseball, the statistic innings pitched (IP) is the number of innings a pitcher has completed, measured by the number of Batter (baseball), batters and baserunners that have been put out while the pitcher is on the Baseball field#Pitcher's mou ...
. With the Grizzlies Grilli went 2–3 with a 5.14 ERA in eight games, all starts.
Grilli was named a Texas League
The Texas League is a Minor League Baseball league which has operated in the South Central United States since 1902. It is classified as a Double-A league. Despite the league's name, only its five South Division teams are actually based in the ...
All-Star for the 1998 season.
Florida Marlins
On July 25, 1999, the Giants traded Grilli and Nate Bump to the Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are an American professional baseball team based in Miami. The Marlins compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) East Division. The team plays its home games at LoanDepot Park.
The ...
to acquire Liván Hernández.
Grilli made his major-league debut on May 11, 2000.
Grilli missed the entire 2002 minor-league season following Tommy John surgery
Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, sometimes referred to as Tommy John surgery is a surgical graft procedure where the ulnar collateral ligament in the medial elbow is replaced with either a tendon from elsewhere in the patient's body, ...
on his pitching elbow. He returned in 2003, pitching most of the season with the AAA Albuquerque Isotopes
The Albuquerque Isotopes are a Minor League Baseball team of the Pacific Coast League and the Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. They play home games at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at an ...
.
Chicago White Sox
Grilli was drafted by the Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Chicago. The White Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. The club plays its ...
in the 2003 Rule 5 draft
The Rule 5 draft is a Major League Baseball (MLB) player draft that occurs each year in December, at the annual Winter Meeting of general managers. The Rule 5 draft aims to prevent teams from stockpiling too many young players on their minor lea ...
. He had previously been heavily scouted as an amateur by White Sox scout Doug Laumann. He spent 2004 in the White Sox organization after being selected. In January 2005, after the White Sox signed Tadahito Iguchi, Grilli was designated for assignment and eventually released.
Detroit Tigers
In 2005, Grilli signed a minor league
Minor leagues are professional sports leagues which are not regarded as the premier leagues in those sports. Minor league teams tend to play in smaller, less elaborate venues, often competing in smaller cities/markets. This term is used in Nort ...
contract with the Detroit Tigers. Tigers scouts and GM Dave Dombrowski were familiar with his abilities, having previously traded for him while running the Marlins in 1999. After helping the Triple-A affiliate Toledo Mud Hens to the International League
The International League (IL) is a Minor League Baseball league that operates in the United States. Along with the Pacific Coast League, it is one of two leagues playing at the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A level, which is one grade below Major ...
Championship (he clinched the deciding game), Grilli joined the parent club for a brief late-season audition.
Grilli pitched for Team Italy in the 2006 World Baseball Classic. He also had a good spring training
Spring training, also called spring camp, is the preseason of the Summer Professional Baseball Leagues, such as Major League Baseball (MLB), and it is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spri ...
and earned a spot in the Tigers bullpen as a long reliever, leading to his first extended stint in the majors. During the 2006 season, Grilli went 2–3 with a 4.21 ERA. He helped the Tigers to the 2006 World Series where they lost to the St. Louis Cardinals.
In 2007, Grilli posted career highs in almost every category, including games (57), innings (79), strikeouts (62), wins (5), and holds (11). However, Grilli heard boos at Comerica Park
Comerica Park is a baseball stadium located in Downtown Detroit. It has been the ballpark of Major League Baseball's Detroit Tigers since 2000, when the team left Tiger Stadium (Detroit), Tiger Stadium.
History Construction
Founded in 1894, t ...
during the season, mostly due to his home ERA of 7.96. He was much more effective away from home, posting a 1.91 ERA in road games. Tigers manager Jim Leyland defended Grilli: "I like Grilli because he's got a resilient arm. ... There's a lot to be said for that."
It was during his time with the Tigers that Grilli decided to abandon his big-breaking curveball in favor of a slider. The move coincided with a transition from starting games in the minor leagues to relief pitching in the major leagues. Tigers teammate Jeremy Bonderman, known for throwing a very effective slider, helped Grilli tweak his grip and delivery. "I knew I could throw a slider because it's just a minor adjustment on how you release the ball", Grilli said."
Colorado Rockies
On April 30, 2008, Grilli was traded to the Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are an American professional baseball team based in Denver. The Rockies compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Division. Th ...
for minor-league relief pitcher Zachary Simons. This move was made to clear a roster spot for incoming reliever Francisco Cruceta.
In January 2009, Grilli announced that he would again pitch for Team Italy in the 2009 World Baseball Classic
The 2009 World Baseball Classic (WBC) was an International Baseball Federation, international baseball competition. It began on March 5 and finished March 23.
Unlike in 2006 World Baseball Classic, 2006, when the Round-robin tournament, round- ...
.
On June 5, 2009, Grilli was designated for assignment by the Rockies.
Texas Rangers
On June 9, 2009, Grilli was acquired by the Texas Rangers for cash considerations. In October 2009, Grilli was granted free agency.
Cleveland Indians
On December 2, 2009, Grilli signed a minor-league contract with the Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Guardians are an American professional baseball team based in Cleveland. The Guardians compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. Since , the team ...
with an invitation to spring training. Grilli suffered a severe knee injury in spring training
Spring training, also called spring camp, is the preseason of the Summer Professional Baseball Leagues, such as Major League Baseball (MLB), and it is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spri ...
while running sprints and would later undergo surgery for a torn quadriceps muscle
The quadriceps femoris muscle (, also called the quadriceps extensor, quadriceps or quads) is a large muscle group that includes the four prevailing muscles on the front of the thigh. It is the sole extensor muscle of the knee, forming a large ...
. The injury and rehabilitation caused him to miss the entire 2010 season. Grilli filed for free agency on November 6, 2010.
Philadelphia Phillies
On January 30, 2011, Grilli signed a minor-league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are an American professional baseball team based in Philadelphia. The Phillies compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) East Division. Since 2004, the team's home stadium has ...
. He pitched for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League (IL) and the Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. They are located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and they are named in reference to pig iron, used ...
, posting a 1.93 ERA in 32 innings, before being released on July 20.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Grilli signed a minor-league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are an American professional baseball team based in Pittsburgh. The Pirates compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central ...
on July 21, 2011, and spent the rest of the season on the Pirates major-league roster. The signing reunited Grilli with Pirates manager Clint Hurdle, who had been Grilli's manager with the Rockies several years earlier.
Grilli played in 64 games for the Pirates in the 2012 season, recording a 1–6 record and 2.91 ERA. His 32 holds were second-best in the National League, and his 13.8 strikeouts per nine innings was the fourth-best among NL relievers with 40 or more innings pitched. Grilli's fastball averaged 93.6 mph that season, his top velocity since 2007.
On December 12, 2012, the Pirates announced that they had re-signed Grilli to a two-year contract, the first multi-year deal of his career. Several sportswriters noted that Grilli turned down more lucrative offers from other teams to remain with the Pirates. Just two weeks later, the Pirates made a major trade by sending incumbent closer Joel Hanrahan along with infielder Brock Holt to the Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Boston. The Red Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League East, East Division. Founded in as one of the Ameri ...
for infielder Iván DeJesús Jr., relief pitcher Mark Melancon, relief pitcher Stolmy Pimentel and outfielder Jerry Sands. The move opened up the Pirates closer role for the upcoming season, with Grilli as the presumed favorite.
Grilli again pitched for Team Italy in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.
Grilli opened the 2013 season as the Pirates closer. Before 2013, he had accumulated five career saves spanning 10 seasons. After the end of April in the 2013 season, Grilli was named the Delivery Man of the Month. He finished April 2013 with 12 game appearances, a 0.82 ERA and 10 saves in 10 save opportunities through 11 innings of work. Grilli became just the second Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher to save 10 games in the month of April since Mike Williams in 2002. Jason Grilli tied Jim Johnson of the Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles (also known as the O's) are an American professional baseball team based in Baltimore. The Orioles compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) East Division. As one of the America ...
, Sergio Romo
Sergio Francisco Romo (born March 4, 1983) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Marlins, Minnesota Twins, Oakland ...
of the San Francisco Giants and Mariano Rivera
Mariano Rivera (born November 29, 1969) is a Panamanian Americans, Panamanian-American former professional baseball pitcher who played 19 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees, from 1995 to 2013. Nicknamed "Mo" and " ...
of the New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are an American professional baseball team based in the Boroughs of New York City, New York City borough of the Bronx. The Yankees compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Am ...
for the most saves in the MLB that month. Grilli again was named the Delivery Man of the Month for May 2013.
Grilli was named to the 2013 National League All-Star team, and pitched the ninth inning of the 2013 MLB All-Star Game. After giving up a leadoff triple to Prince Fielder, he retired the next three batters for a scoreless inning. On July 22, Grilli became the first Pirate since 1992 to be on the cover of ''Sports Illustrated
''Sports Illustrated'' (''SI'') is an American sports magazine first published in August 1954. Founded by Stuart Scheftel, it was the first magazine with a circulation of over one million to win the National Magazine Award for General Excellen ...
''; in that night's game, he injured his forearm and was placed on the 15-day DL, another victim of the magazine's cover jinx. His replacement at the closer position was Mark Melancon. Grilli was activated from the DL on September 3, resuming his role as closer. He helped the Pirates to the 2013 playoffs, the team's first postseason appearance since 1992. Grilli pitched a scoreless ninth inning in the Pirates win over the Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are an American professional baseball team based in Cincinnati. The Reds compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central Divisi ...
in the 2013 National League Wild Card Game. He appeared in three games in the Pirates series loss to the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2013 National League Division Series. Grilli has not had a run charged against him in nine career playoff appearances spanning 6 innings. In his 54 appearances in 2013, Grilli went 0–2 with a 2.70 ERA going 33 for 35 in save opportunities, striking out 74 in 50 innings.
In 2014, Grilli struggled with effectiveness and an oblique muscle injury. He lost the closer role to Melancon.
Los Angeles Angels
On June 27, 2014, Grilli was traded to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels are an American professional baseball team based in the Greater Los Angeles area. The Angels compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) West Division. Since 1966, the team has pl ...
in exchange for relief pitcher Ernesto Frieri. Grilli's performance improved following the trade.
Atlanta Braves
On December 23, 2014, Grilli signed a two-year contract with the Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are an American professional baseball team based in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The Braves compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Eas ...
. Grilli's original intended role was to serve as Craig Kimbrel's setup man in the eighth inning of games. However, when Kimbrel was traded to the San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are an American professional baseball team based in San Diego. The Padres compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Division. ...
on the day before opening day of the 2015 season, April 5, Grilli had to assume the closer's role. He had done well, earning 24 saves for the Braves during the first half of the season. On July 11, in a game against the Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are an American professional baseball team based in Denver. The Rockies compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Division. Th ...
, Grilli was covering first base on a ground ball when he tripped and ruptured his left Achilles, causing him to miss the rest of the season.
Toronto Blue Jays
On May 31, 2016, the Braves traded Grilli to the Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a Canadian professional baseball team based in Toronto. The Blue Jays compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League East, East Division. Since 1989, the team has p ...
for Sean Ratcliffe. Grilli earned his first save as a Blue Jay on June 12, closing out a 10–9 win over the Baltimore Orioles. On July 2, he recorded his first win as a Blue Jay in a 9–6 victory over the Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Guardians are an American professional baseball team based in Cleveland. The Guardians compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. Since , the team ...
. In 42 regular season innings with the Blue Jays, Grilli posted a 6–4 record, 3.64 ERA, and 58 strikeouts. He made five appearances in the postseason, and allowed one hit in 3 total innings. On November 5, 2016, the Blue Jays picked up Grilli's $3 million option for the 2017 season. In a June 3, 2017, game against the New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are an American professional baseball team based in the Boroughs of New York City, New York City borough of the Bronx. The Yankees compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Am ...
, Grilli gave up four home runs in a single inning of relief, becoming the first Blue Jays reliever to do so. On June 27, Grilli was designated for assignment.
Return to Texas
On July 2, 2017, Grilli was traded to the Texas Rangers for minor league outfielder Eduard Pinto. He became a free agent following the season.
Personal life
Grilli's nickname is Grilled Cheese
A grilled cheese, toasted sandwich, cheese toastie ( UK) or jaffle ( AU) is a hot cheese sandwich typically prepared by heating slices of cheese between slices of bread with a cooking fat such as butter or mayonnaise on a frying pan, griddle, ...
. He is the son of former major-league pitcher Steve Grilli, who pitched for parts of four seasons in the late 1970s, including three with the Detroit Tigers. Jason was born in the Detroit suburb of Royal Oak after his father's second season with the Tigers. His father is also known for being the losing pitcher for the Rochester Red Wings
The Rochester Red Wings are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals. They are located in Rochester, New York, and play their home games at Innovative Fie ...
in the longest professional baseball game on June 23, 1981. Jason wore number 49 during his time with the Tigers in honor of his father, and the two spoke after every game in which Jason appeared.
Grilli and his wife, Danielle Hurt, had their first child in February 2008. Although the Pittsburgh Pirates traded him on June 27, 2014, Grilli and his wife decided to continue living in Pittsburgh all year round. In December that year, they purchased a home for $1.6 million in the suburb of Pine Township. Nearly one year after the trade, Grilli made his first appearance back at PNC Park, as a member of the Atlanta Braves. There he revealed to the Pittsburgh media his intention to continue residing in Pittsburgh.
See also
* List of second-generation Major League Baseball players
References
External links
*
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Grilli, Jason
1976 births
Albuquerque Isotopes players
21st-century American sportsmen
Altoona Curve players
American people of Italian descent
American expatriate baseball players in Canada
Atlanta Braves players
Brevard County Manatees players
Brewster Whitecaps players
Calgary Cannons players
Charlotte Knights players
Chicago White Sox players
Colorado Rockies players
Cotuit Kettleers players
Detroit Tigers players
Florida Marlins players
Fresno Grizzlies players
Frisco RoughRiders players
Gulf Coast Marlins players
Jupiter Hammerheads players
Lehigh Valley IronPigs players
Living people
Los Angeles Angels players
Major League Baseball pitchers
National League All-Stars
Sportspeople from Baldwinsville, New York
Pittsburgh Pirates players
Portland Sea Dogs players
Seton Hall Pirates baseball players
Shreveport Captains players
Texas Rangers players
Toledo Mud Hens players
Toronto Blue Jays players
2006 World Baseball Classic players
2009 World Baseball Classic players
2013 World Baseball Classic players