John Bale

Major League Baseball pitcher John Bale currently plays with the Kansas City Royals.

Prior to his MLB career Bale attended the University of Southern Mississippi. He was originally drafted on June 2, 1994 by the St. Louis Cardinals, but chose to continue college. He was drafted for a second time on June 1, 1995 by the Baltimore Orioles, but again declined to sign.

In 1996, Bale was drafted yet again, this time signing with the Toronto Blue Jays on June 17, 1996. He was placed with the Blue Jays minor league affiliates for his first few years. On September 30, 1999 he was called up to make his MLB debut, playing in only one game that season. He started the 2000 season again in the minors, joining the Blue Jays for two games, pitching just over three innings.

Following the season Bale was traded to the Baltimore Orioles on December 11, 2000. Bale joined the Orioles for 14 games during the 2001 season, pitching in 26 innings. After failing to make the Orioles roster in 2002, he was traded to the New York Mets on April 3, 2002, where he was again sent to the minors for the entire season.

On May 8, 2003 Bale signed as a free agent with the Cincinnati Reds. He played 10 games with the Reds during the 2003 season. Bale then decided to leave the country and played for Japan's Central League during the 2004, 2005 and 2006 seasons.

Bale returned to the MLB, signing with the Kansas City Royals on December 8, 2006. Bale joined the Royals for only 26 games during the 2007 season. He is expected to see more playing time in the 2008 season, following strong play during spring training. Fast Facts:

1. Born: May 22, 1974
2. Birthplace: Cheverly, Maryland
3. MLB Debut on September 30, 1999 with Toronto Blue Jays
4. Pitched for Japan's Central League for over 2 years

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