Baseball History: Five Interesting Statistical Quirks

Jamie Quirk hits home run in only career at bat with Cleveland Indians

Jamie Quirk had an 18 year career, existing as a utility man. Primarily a catcher, he spent time at third, in the outfield, and even had 22 appearances at shortstop. He bounced between the majors and the minors, a solid depth option, but not a player that one would rely upon as a primary option.

That was definitely the case in 1984, when Quirk appeared in just four games in the majors, with just three at bats. He was part of a rare September trade, being sent from the Chicago White Sox to the Cleveland Indians on September 24. His Indians career was brief, consisting of just a single at bat in his only appearance in an Indians uniform.

But what an appearance it was. On September 27, Quirk entered the game in the top of the ninth as a defensive substitute, taking over for pinch runner Tony Bernazard. He had a relatively quiet inning, and then came to bat with two out in the bottom of the frame, with Cleveland tied 3-3 with the Twins.

In what would be his only at bat in an Indians uniform, Quirk sent the fans home happy. He took Ron Davis deep, hitting a home run in his only Indians plate appearance. Davis had struck out the previous two batters, and prior to that homer, Davis was 0-2 with two strikeouts and a sacrifice fly. Quirk also had just 43 homers in those 18 years, and was not considered a threat with the bat at all. However, for one night, Quirk became the slugger the Indians needed.

Maybe all Jamie Quirk needed was to play in Cleveland more often. After all, he had a perfect career for the Tribe.