Garrett Stephenson

Garrett Charles Stephenson (born January 2, 1972), is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He played eight seasons in the majors, from 1996–2003.

Stephenson's father, Rich, pitched briefly in the Pittsburgh Pirates system and the family were observant Mormons.[1] Stephenson played baseball at Linganore High School[2] and later Boonsboro High School in Boonsboro, Maryland and also averaged 24 points per game as a basketball player. His only college scholarship offers for baseball were a half-scholarship offer from BYU and a full ride from Ricks College. He accepted the latter and, after two years at Ricks, he was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 18th round of the 1992 Major League Baseball draft.[1]

Stephenson made his Major League debut with the Orioles on July 25, 1996 and was traded later that season along with Calvin Maduro to the Philadelphia Phillies for Todd Zeile and Pete Incaviglia.[3] In May 2000, Stephenson was named National League Pitcher of the Month[4] after winning 5 games and posting a 1.42 earned run average.[5]

Stephenson suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in Game 3 of the 2000 National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves. The injury led to him having Tommy John surgery and missing the entire 2001 season.[6]

Although he did not pitch in the series, Stephenson was sued for allegedly punching a San Francisco Giants fan following a game in the 2002 National League Championship Series. Stephenson and teammates conceded that he confronted and shoved the fan but argued that he threw no punches.[7]