Steve Karsay: a great career (or HOF that never was?)

by iceplant on Jun 20, 2006 3:38 PM PDT

Listening to the A's broadcast last night, I heard Ken Korach make a comment about Karsay: a great guy with a great career who went out on top (or something to that effect). All I could think was how completely bogus that comment was. By all accounts, Steve Karsay was a good guy. I don't doubt that at all.

But when I think of Karsay, I think of a tragic career career that was derailed just as it was about to materialize. When Karsay came up to the majors in the early 90's, he had as nasty a repertoire as anyone in baseball. He threw mid-90's with ease, breaking balls, change up, etc... He truly was the whole package. He reminded me of a young Orel Hershiser, only he could throw much harder. I say "could", because he was one of the few young pitchers I've ever seen that could throw a blazing fast ball, yet didn't depend on it. He was just a very good pitcher with a great fastball, not a "power pitcher" per se. And he wasn't just another Rick Ankiel or Todd Van Poppel (a remarkable young talent whose stuff - or head - didn't translate in the bigs). Karsay came up and dominated professional hitters.

But it didn't last long. He was beset by injuries almost immediately, and before long a guy with stuff as good as anyone in baseball was bouncing around as a journeyman middle reliever. I read somewhere that he finished with a record of 39-32 (or something like that) and an era of around 4. I don't know - it doesn't matter.

For his sake, I hope baseball has set him up financially for an easy life, and I am glad that he retired on his own terms. But I can't help but weep for the fact that he was never able to play on his own terms. In his heart, he must know this, too. He must know that he was better than 99% of all those chumps that make more money than he'll ever know. He must that there is an empty plaque in Cooperstown that should bear his name.

I remember a poll here on AN that listed the most dominant pitchers that have ever pitched for the A's, and I submitted my choices as Norris, Harden and Vida. Karsay should have been in that company, which begs another question: What will Harden's legacy be?

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I think what he meant was

He wasn't FORCED out due to not performing well. He ended it with a Win and one final strike out.

He was doing fine, but he could see the end was near. He said that himself. He could tell that his time was very limited and he didn't know how much success he would continue to have. Each game was getting a little rocky for him.

The most telling statement I heard from Karsay was - His first game was with the A's and his last game was with the A's, His first game he won and his last game he won, His first batter he struck out and his last batter he stuck out, this is as it should be. It was kind of a beautiful way to go out if you ask me.

HOF or not, the guy had a decent run. I know I appreciated the time he was here, both times. And I wish him all the best in what ever he does in the future.

"Now, I'm not the guy who's in trouble, it's the guy on the mound who's in trouble.'' Swisher Pics

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Jun 20, 2006 3:52 PM PDT reply actions

Steve Karsay made $26 million

over his career. He also will receive a very nice pension for the rest of his days. He should be fine, financially.

He was 32-39 with a 4.01 era over 603-1/3 innings.

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by devo on Jun 20, 2006 4:03 PM PDT reply actions

But my point is

that a "fine" career is a lost opportunity for a guy that was as good as he was. Rich Harden has nothing on Steve Karsay, circa 1992. If Harden pitches another 10 years and finishes with a record of 32-39, as a middle reliever, what will you say? Even if you'd say "Good for him", won't you have wondered what could've been? I'm betting that thought haunts Karsay every day. I like Karsay, I just think he was another in a litany of casualties to beset the greatest baseball talents that never were.

by iceplant on Jun 20, 2006 4:37 PM PDT reply actions

one problem

I disagree entirely that Rick Ankiels stuff ddn't translate to the majors. Rick Ankiel had it all. He was great in the majors...until he developed Steve Blass syndrome.

by SeanR on Jun 20, 2006 7:28 PM PDT reply actions

He meant his 'head'

VanPoppel would be the 'stuff' read above

"I see Milton Bradley being the Oaktown player that breaks out this year." breaks out... breaks out of where? jail?

by gdub171 on Jun 20, 2006 11:31 PM PDT up reply actions

94'

I remember when he came up, one of the few legit hopes the A's had at the time and his stuff was great....potential the key word. Started out the year great then the arm problems. Really sad. Its great he kept bouncing back to hang in there as a serviceable reliever, even a very good one for a few years before tailing off. What could of been is what I think when I see or hear Karsays name. Glad he retired as an Athletic and went out after a win in the fashion it was(17 innings, pitched well, won the game, etc.)

Thinking about it, what a great trade it was Herrera and Karsay for a rental of Rickey...too bad the top prospects they were, never panned out :(.

Gas to Chicago- $23.87 A's/White Sox Tix- $28 Watching the A's whipping the Sox in July 05'- Priceless

by WiscoFan on Jun 20, 2006 10:30 PM PDT reply actions