Jason Grilli

Jason Michael Grilli is a professional baseball pitcher who plays in his home country, the United States of America. Grilli was born to a former MLB pitcher, Steve Grilli, Jason went to the Baker High School in Baldwinsville and his impressive high school career prompted a direct move to the MLB. At the 1994 MLB Draft, the New York Yankees picked him up however, Grilli chose to go to college and raise his draft standing.

Grilli attended the Seton Hall University where he played for from 1994 and 1997. His major achievement, besides the many other records he broke, was the Big East record he created by striking out 18 batters in a single game. Excellent throughout his college days, Grilli declared for the 1997 MLB Draft and true to his collegiate promises, was picked at fourth overall by the San Francisco Giants.

A few months into his career at the Giants, Grilli was traded out in midseason to the Florida Marlins. His presence in the trade was considered of prime importance as Livan Hernandez came to the Giants with Grilli and Nate Bump going to Florida. In two seasons at the Marlins’ organization, Grilli played just a handful of games while most of his time was spent in the AA and AAA leagues.

He moved to the Chicago White Sox after being picked in the Rule 5 Draft of 2005 and had his first losing season with a 2-3 record and an ERA of 7.40 in 8 games. Grilli’s performances made coaches hesitate to give him a longer run out at the top level and he spent most of his time in the minor leagues.

After just a single season at Chicago, Grilli moved to the Detroit Tigers and after a first season spent mostly in the minors, he rose through the ranks to make the MLB roster in 2006. In 2006, Grilli played 51 games at an ERA of 4.21 while pitching in just 62 innings. The following season, his appearances improved by 6 while he pitched in 79.2 innings, his ERA rose to 4.74.

In 2008, after just 9 games for the Tigers, Grilli moved to the Colorado Rockies in another midseason trade. He would play 51 games for the Rockies in 2008, ending with a 3-2 record and a 2.93 percent ERA in 61.1 innings. 2009 didn’t start too well for Grilli as with 20 games played in the season, he is going at an ERA of 6.06.

At the international level, although Grilli was born in America, he played for Team Italy at the 2006 World Baseball Classic, a feat he would repeat again in 2009.

Outside of baseball, Grilli owns a company manufacturing video phones and other telecommunication equipment, called Perfect Pitch Marketing.