Kirt Ojala

Kirt Ojala (born December 24, 1968) is a former American major league baseball player who is most noted for being the pitcher who gave up the 400th career home run to Barry Bonds. He was a left handed thrower who pitched for the Florida Marlins from 1997–99, when he was released from his contract.

Ojala pitched mostly in long relief, although he made 5 starts for the Marlins in 1997 after being called up from the minor league Charlotte Knights, and 13 the following year. On August 23, 1998, he gave up a solo home run to Bonds in the top of the third inning in Pro Player Stadium, giving Bonds 400 homers for his career. Ojala is also remembered for being among those pitchers who struck out four batters in a single inning. He spent time in the Cincinnati Reds organization prior to the Marlins. Following his release by Florida, he briefly was a member of the Boston Red Sox. He finished with a career record of 3 wins and 10 losses.

Ojala was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and graduated from Western Michigan University. Since retiring, he has been in the commercial real estate / property management business in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

ee also

* Florida Marlins all-time roster