George Cappuzzello

Infobox MLB retired
bgcolor1=#bcbcbc
bgcolor2=#bcbcbc
textcolor1=black
textcolor2=black
name=George Cappuzzello
position=Pitcher
birthdate=birth date and age|1954|1|15
bats=Right
throws=Left
debutdate=May 31
debutyear=1981
debutteam=Detroit Tigers
finaldate=August 5
finalyear=1982
finalteam=Houston Astros
stat1label=Record
stat1value=1-2
stat2label=Earned run average
stat2value=3.23
stat3label=Strikeouts
stat3value=32
teams=
*Detroit Tigers (by|1981)
*Houston Astros (by|1982)
highlights=

George Angelo Cappuzzello (born on January 15, 1954) is a former American baseball player who pitched for the Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros. He played with two different teams over two seasons and ended his playing career in 1982.

Early years

Cappuzzello was born in Girard, Ohio, and attended Youngstown State University.cite news
title = George Cappuzzello Eyes Starting Spot with Tigers
work = The Youngstown Vindicator
page = 14
date = February 26, 1982] He completed his studies at Florida State University, where he played baseball. Cappuzzello was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 27th round of the 1972 amateur draft.

Cappuzzello spent a good number of years in the farm system before he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds on March 6, by|1978, along with fellow teammate John Valle, in exchange for Reds pitcher Jack Billingham. Just two years later, Cappuzzello was released by the Reds and subsequently picked up by his former team, the Detroit Tigers. After sparkling in Triple-A ball that season, Cappuzzello was called up to the big leagues.

Major League debut

Cappuzzello made his debut with the Tigers on May 31, by|1981 against the Baltimore Orioles. Cappuzzello did not fare well, giving up three earned runs and walking three batters in just an inning of work. Nonetheless, Cappuzzello stayed with the team for the remainder of the season, starting in three games and coming in relief during 15 others. He posted a 3.48 ERA and went 1-1 in the season.

Later career

Before the start of the 1982 season, Cappuzzello was released by the Detroit Tigers and picked up a week later by the Houston Astros. With the Astros, Cappuzzello worked in relief and pitched brilliantly in 19.3 innings of work, giving up 16 hits, and striking out 13 while posting a 2.79 ERA. This high point, however, turned out to be George Cappuzzello's final performance as a major league pitcher. His professional baseball career came to an unexpected end.

References

External links

* [http://www.baseball-reference.com/c/cappuge01.shtml Baseball Reference Player Page]
* [http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/George_Cappuzzello BR Bullpen Player Page]
* [http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/hittinglogs.php?p=cappuge01&y=1982 Baseball Almanac Player Page]