Brian Shouse may be the best example one could possibly use to make the argument that it's never to late to start a major league career as a left-handed reliever. When he turned 33 Shouse had made just 13 big league appearances, but went on to pitch eight more seasons in the majors. Shouse was 37 when the Brewers acquired him from the Rangers for infielder Enrique Cruz on this day in 2006.
Shouse found an immediate niche retiring lefties in the Brewer bullpen, making 201 appearances but pitching just 133 innings over three seasons in Milwaukee. He was particularly dominant in 2008, when lefties hit just .180/.196/.290 against him. He also recorded three saves in a Brewer uniform before heading to Tampa Bay as a free agent for the 2009 season.
Shouse was 41 years old when he finally hung up the spikes following the 2010 season. He has a career 3.72 ERA over 467 games.
With help from the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to:
- 2006 and 2008 Brewer Zach Jackson, who turns 29.
- 1999-2000 Brewer Lyle Mouton, who turns 43.