Guessing random Atlanta Braves players from the past: Wicked difficult
Can you guess this former Atlanta Brave in before using all five of our hints?
The daily trivia game 'Immaculate Grid' has been a fun and exciting challenge for baseball fans. We wanted to create something similar related to the Atlanta Braves. Welcome to House that Hank Built's latest series: Guessing random Atlanta Braves players from the past! Take the opportunity to participate in our daily guessing game every morning at 3:00 pm EST. Missed yesterday’s? Play here.
We will give you five hints at a random player who donned an Atlanta Braves jersey and see if you can guess from there! Have fun and no cheating! Here we go!
Hint #1 (Career Length): This player spent a total of 15 seasons in the MLB. During this time, he made appearances for the following teams: New York Yankees, Cleveland, Milwaukee Brewers, Arizona Diamondbacks and Atlanta Braves
Hint #2 (Jersey Numbers): During his 15 seasons in the big leagues, this player wore the following jersey numbers: 31, 27, 37, 26, 28 and 32. He wore 28 with the Braves.
Do you think you know it already? If so, jump to the last slide to check your answer. If not, use the next page for more hints.
Hint #3 (Individual Accolades): This player was an all-star two times in his career (2000 and 2005). He also finished 26th in Most Valuable Player voting in 2005. That may not sound too impressive but for a closing pitcher, that is a remarkable feat.
Hint #4 (Braves Stats): This player was with the Braves for the end of 2006 and the beginning in 2007. He finished the 2007 season with Arizona Diamondbacks where his career would come to an end.
He was a relief pitcher that appeared in 77 games for the Braves. He posted 38 saves and struck out 60 in his 69.2 innings of work. Unfortunately he was also known to blow games as he had a 3-5 record with Atlanta. His ERA across this time was 2.84.
Hint #5 (Random Fact): This player had two seasons where he led his league in a category. In 1994 with the New York Yankees, he led the American League in game appearances for a reliever at 53. In 2005 with Cleveland, he led the American League in saves with a total of 45.
Do you know it now? if so, check yourself on the last page. If not, click next anyway to see if you remember this player in a Braves jersey.
Answer: Bob Wickman
Bob Wickman began his MLB career with the New York Yankees back in 1992. The Yankees let him try his hand at being a starting pitcher in 1993 and he had some success with a 14-4 record but his ERA was well over 4.00.
Wickman found his way back into the bullpen and turned out to be a reliable arm for high stress situations for a long time.
He found his way to the Atlanta Braves organization at the tail end of his career. After going 3-5 with 38 saves and a 2.84 ERA in almost 70 innings of work, Wickman went to the Diamondbacks where his career would come to a close following the 2007 season.