Jason Pearson enjoyed everything about being in the big leagues: the atmosphere; the luxury; the carrying a Barbie bag around.
“There definitely was some rookie hazing up there,” The Southern Maryland pitcher said. “I was proud to carry the (Barbie) bag though because it meant I made it.”
Pearson said he’d carry the bag along the sideline to the bullpen before every game.
“You probably didn’t stop to sign too many autographs, did you?” I ask.
“No, I stopped and people would make comments, but, like I said, it meant I made it,” The former San Diego Padres pitcher answered.
In order for Pearson to make it, he had to make several different stops – in and out of affiliated ball. It all started when the Florida Marlins signed the Illinois State University product as a non-drafted free agent in 1998, only to release him one year later.
“I was surprised, especially being a left. I had a good year and was upset because I didn’t know what was going on.”
Pearson spent the next two seasons in the Northern League. (He said he heard of the Atlantic League at the time, but probably didn’t have enough experience to play there.) With Sioux Falls and Fargo-Moorhead, the left-hander put together a 21-5 record, struck out 130 and posted an ERA around 3.00. The San Diego Padres took notice.
“A lot of guys were getting picked up out of Indy ball. I was happy to be one of them,” Pearson said. “The only disappointing thing was when the Padres put me on waivers.”
San Diego made the move after giving him a shot in the big leagues. In two games, Pearson didn’t allow a run, striking out the side (Tampa Bay’s Ben Grieve, Aubrey Huff, John Flaherty) in his last appearance.
The San Francisco Giants claimed him — which angered the Padres, who were hoping to send him to the minors – then released him after 34 games in Triple-A Fresno. The St. Louis Cardinals signed him, then, they too, released him — but not after bringing him up for one inning. His line: four hits, seven runs, three walks.
“It was just one of those days. I gave up that seven spot and just couldn’t get it going,” he said. “I turned on the TV that night and saw they signed another pitcher and knew I was going to be the odd man out.”
In 2005, Pearson dabbled in Indy ball for a second time. This time the left-hander had enough experience to play in the Atlantic League, signing with the Nashua Pride. He was stellar, going 6-1 with a 1.69 ERA. The Baltimore Orioles liked what they saw and inked him.
“Playing for Butch was a lot of fun that season. It was really a great experience. I did well and was able to get out.”
After two seasons in the Orioles organization and a year hiatus to spend time with his wife and new son, Pearson is back playing for Hobson.
“I want to get back to where I was when I was playing for Bowie,” Pearson said, talking of the 3-6 record, 3.02 ERA and 61 strikeouts he had for the Orioles’ Double-A affiliate. “I want to show people I can still pitch.”
Early on, Pearson would tell himself he just had to be in the right place at the right time. He hopes Southern Maryland is that place. The time is now.
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