The Legend of Steve Pearce Continues to Grow
By Nate Wardle
Apr 6, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter (26) shakes hands with first baseman Steve Pearce (28) after they beat the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Baltimore Orioles defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Steve Pearce‘s importance to the Baltimore Orioles is something that could have never been predicted, even just one year ago.
How many people shed a tear last year when the Orioles designated Steve Pearce for assignment?
Pearce was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 8th round of the 2005 MLB Draft after attending the University of South Carolina.
He would go on to make his major league debut when the rosters expanded in 2007, playing his first game on September 1.
Pearce would spend the next few years between Pittsburgh and AAA Indianapolis, before a subpar 2011 season.
In 2012, Pearce started Spring Training with Minnesota, but was cut when rosters were set. He would go on to spend time with four other teams that year, including the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles twice.
In 2013, Pearce played in 44 games for the O’s. He hit .261 with 4 home runs, 7 runs and 13 RBIs.
The team resigned him heading in to 2014 to a one year deal. He made the Opening Day roster, but one month later was released. However, the O’s promised they would bring him back if he didn’t sign with anyone else, and when Chris Davis went on the DL, that is what they did.
Pearce had offers from the Blue Jays, among other teams. But he trusted the Orioles’ Front Office. And he rewarded that trust as well.
Steve had never played in more than 60 games in one season. Until last year.
Pearce finished 2014 with a career year, hitting .293, 21 HRs, 26 2Bs, 39 RBIs and 55 Rs. All coming while playing in 103 games, at the age of 31.
Pearce led the Orioles in batting average in 2014, and was given a 1 year, 3.7 million dollar contract for 2015.
Now, that looks like a steal.
Pearce’s WAR in 2014 was one of the best in the AL, at 9th best.
He has been drafted in 100 percent of ESPN fantasy baseball leagues. He is hitting .429 in this young season, with 2 home runs, 3 RBIs, 4 Rs.
The O’s have a player who can play the corner outfield positions, first base, and even third base. The Oriole fans have a likable player who is easy to root for. And, my wife doesn’t mind looking at him either.
Steve Pearce is a great story for the Orioles, and maybe he is just one of those players who needed numerous years of experience to blossom.
The O’s will continue to enjoy the fruit of Pearce’s labor.