TTM Stats
- Sent: 3/16/2022 | Received: 4/11/2022 | 25 Days
- ’84 Topps, ’86 Fleer, ’86 Topps, ’87 Donruss, ’87 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Chris Codiroli, a right-handed pitcher known for his determination and consistency, carved out a respectable career in Major League Baseball during the 1980s. Though he never reached the status of an ace, Codiroli became a reliable arm in the starting rotation, particularly during his years with the Oakland Athletics. He also played for the Cleveland Indians and Kansas city Royals.
Born on March 26, 1958, in Long Beach, California, Codiroli grew up immersed in baseball, playing the game throughout his youth. He attended Archbiship Mitty High School in San Jose, California, where he developed as a pitcher with a good fastball and excellent control. After a strong high school career he went to San Jose City College, where he continued to hone his craft.
Codiroli’s performances at the collegiate level caught the attention of professional scouts, and in 1978, he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the first round of the MLB Draft with the 11th overall pick. But he would be released by the Tigers in 1981 before he could make his debut appearance. The A’s signed him as a free agent in 1981.
He made his Major League debut with the Oakland Athletics on September 11, 1982. He was part of a rebuilding Oakland team, and while he faced the usual challenges of adjusting to big-league hitters, Codiroli quickly established himself as a dependable part of the A’s rotation.
Codiroli’s best season came in 1985, when he led the A’s pitching staff with 14 wins and posted a 4.46 ERA over league leading 37 starts. His ability to eat innings and keep his team in games was a valuable asset for Oakland during a time when they were transitioning into a more competitive team. He finished the 1985 season with 226 innings pitched, proving his durability as a starter.
Though he didn’t overpower batters with strikeouts, Codiroli relied on his control and pitch placement to get outs. During his time with Oakland, Codiroli was part of a developing team that would soon become a powerhouse in the late 1980s. While he wasn’t around for the A’s dominant run during the late ’80s and early ’90s, his contributions in the years prior helped set the stage for the team’s success.
After his solid 1985 season, injuries began to take a toll on Codiroli’s career. His performance fluctuated over the next few seasons, and he struggled to recapture the form that made him a reliable starter. He spent time with the Cleveland Indians and Kansas City Royals organizations, but by the late 1980s, his time in the majors was nearing its end.
Codiroli retired from professional baseball in 1990 after spending parts of eight seasons in the majors. Over the course of his career, he compiled a 38-47 record with a 4.87 ERA in 144 games. While his numbers may not have stood out, Codiroli’s dedication to the game and his ability to bounce back from adversity were traits that defined his career.
After retiring from baseball, Codiroli moved away from the public eye, focusing on family and personal pursuits. He remained connected to the game through coaching and mentoring young players, sharing his knowledge and experience from his years in professional baseball. Codiroli’s journey from college standout to reliable big-league pitcher is a testament to his work ethic and passion for the game.
While he may not have achieved superstar status, his perseverance in the face of challenges and his contributions to the Oakland Athletics during a pivotal time in the franchise’s history ensure that his career is remembered fondly by those who followed him.
This is my second successful return from him. To see the first successful return, check out my post from November 2020.
The Score on Chris Codiroli – 7.0
Chris has both a bubbly and maybe wiggly signature. He definitely has flare. The bottoms of his “Cs” are really cool. He also has the benefits of having that repetitive letter in his name that always has the chance to make for an interesting autograph. But something else he does that helps that too is that he stacks it so they the start of his first and last names are really close to each other. I think my favorit of this bunch is the 1987 Topps because it give the best chance to show off the signature, but also it’s an ultra cheezy/cliche pose.
Thanks Mr. Codiroli! I’m giving this return a 7 overall.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.