Jeff Innis: Late Eighties / Early Nineties Sidearmed Mets Reliever (1988-1993)

The six foot one, right hander Innis was a submarine style pitcher that threw two different type curve balls. Innis was groomed as a reliever in the minor leagues, saving 25 games at AA Jackson in 1986, as the big league club was winning the World Series.
Mets Career: In 1987 he was brought up to an injury ridden Mets pitching staff in mid May. In his first outing at Shea Stadium he took a loss after allowing a run in the top of the 10th inning against the San Francisco Giants. It would be his only decision on the year, pitching in 17 games, posting a 3.16 ERA and going back to AAA Tidewater in August.
.jpg)
In 1988 he began the season with the club, after a good Spring Training. On April 24th he allowed three runs through the 5th & 7th innings taking a loss to the Cardinals in St. Louis. He earned his first career victory on June 4th, beating the Chicago Cubs in two innings of late relief.
A week later, although he had a 1.89 ERA after 19 innings pitched in 12 games, he was sent back down to AAA Tidewater where he struggled going 0-5 the rest of the year.

In 1991 after going 0-2, he went into the record books by setting a strange MLB record. Innis appeared in over 60 games of relief, without earning a win or a save.
In 1992 he earned the win on Opening Day in St. Louis in relief of David Cone, when Bobby Bonilla hit a 10th inning game winning HR.
.jpg)
In 1993, he returned again, to make 67 appearances, going 2-3 with three saves & a 4.11 ERA. By 1994 the Mets lost interest in him & he went to the Minnesota Twins signing as a free agent. But Innis never pitched for the Twins big league staff & retired after spending two seasons in the minor leagues.
After a seven year MLB career, Innis was 10-20 with five saves. He struck out 192 batters, walking 121 in 360 innings pitched while posting a 3.05 ERA in 288 appearances. At the plate he came to bat 12 times and never reached first base.
Family: Jeff married cross country, indoor track runner Kelly McNee in 1992. They divorced in 2005. She graced the cover of Runners magazine in July 1993.
Comments