TTM Stats
- Sent: 6/8/2021 | Received: 4/4/2022 | 236 Days
- ’90 Score, ’90 Topps, ’91 Upper Deck, ’94 Score Rookie Traded
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Roger Salkeld is a former right-handed starting pitcher in the major leagues. His baseball journey is one of early promise, untimely injuries, and the perseverance to carve out a place in the game despite setbacks. He played over three seasons from 1993 to 1996 with the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds.
Born on March 6, 1971, in Burbank, California, Salkeld was a highly touted prospect. Growing up in Southern California, Salkeld quickly made a name for himself as a standout pitcher. His combination of size, power, and pitching acumen made him a top prospect from a young age. By the time he graduated from Saugus High School, Salkeld was regarded as one of the most promising young arms in the country.
In 1989, the Seattle Mariners selected Salkeld with the third overall pick in the MLB Draft. The Mariners were impressed by his fastball, which could reach the mid-90s, and his advanced understanding of pitching for such a young player. Salkeld was expected to be a future ace and a cornerstone of the Mariners’ pitching staff.
Salkeld’s professional career began with high expectations, and he quickly made his mark in the Mariners’ minor league system. By 1992, he was one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, and it seemed only a matter of time before he would make his MLB debut. However, Salkeld’s career took an unfortunate turn when he suffered a significant shoulder injury in 1992. The injury required surgery and forced him to miss the entire season, a devastating blow to a young pitcher on the cusp of reaching the majors. The recovery process was long and arduous, and Salkeld faced the difficult task of regaining his form and velocity.
Despite the setback, Salkeld’s determination paid off, and he made his MLB debut with the Mariners on September 8, 1993. He pitched in three games during his rookie season, starting two of them. In his second year he finished with a 2-5 record and a 5.26 ERA. While his performance was inconsistent, it was clear that the potential that had made him a top prospect was still there. Salkeld’s career, however, never fully blossomed as many had hoped.
After two seasons with the Mariners, he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 1995. With the Reds, Salkeld had moments of success, particularly in 1996 when he posted a 8-5 record with a 5.20 ERA over 29 games. Yet, injuries continued to plague him, and his time in the majors came to an end after the 1996 season.
Salkeld’s MLB career statistics include a 10-10 record, a 5.61 ERA, and 141 strikeouts over 45 games. Though his time in the big leagues was brief, his perseverance in the face of adversity left a lasting impression on those who followed his career.
After retiring from professional baseball, Salkeld transitioned into coaching and mentoring young players. He used his experiences—both the highs and the lows—to help guide aspiring pitchers. His insight into the challenges of dealing with injuries and the mental toughness required to succeed in baseball made him a valuable resource for young athletes. Salkeld also stayed connected to the game through various roles in baseball operations and player development. His deep knowledge of pitching mechanics and his understanding of the psychological aspects of the game allowed him to contribute to the sport beyond his playing days.
The Score on Roger Salkeld – 6.5
Roger has great signature and he used a great marker that made his signature stick out really well. There’s one of these, the 1990 Score, that smudged or ran a bit, but it’s not too bad. I think I might try him again on that one because that card is one that I remember really well from my youth. I think my favorite one is the 1994 Score.
Thanks Mr. Salkeld! I’m giving this return a 6.5.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.