David Von Ohlen (born October 25, 1958 in Flushing, New York) is a former professional baseball pitcher. Von Ohlen pitched in all or part of five seasons in Major League Baseball from 1983 through 1987. He appeared in 181 Major League games, all in relief.
Early career
Von Ohlen’s potential was shown early on, as he pitched a no-hitter for his Little League Baseball team in Queens, NY.[citation needed] He was selected by the New York Mets out of Flushing High School in the 17th round of the 1976 Major League Baseball Draft. He spent six seasons in the Mets farm system without making it to the majors, and he was granted free agency after the 1982 season.
Major League career
Von Ohlen signed with the St. Louis Cardinals, who finally gave him a Major League trial. He pitched two seasons for St. Louis, appearing in 73 games with an ERA of 3.23. Despite this moderate success, he was released by the Cardinals and signed with the Cleveland Indians. In 1985, Von Ohlen once again pitched reasonably well, putting up an ERA of 2.91 in 26 appearances, but was released after the season.
Von Ohlen started the 1986 season with the Miami Marlins, an independent team in the Florida State League. He was purchased from them in June by the Oakland Athletics, where he pitched in 28 games between 1986 and 1987 before again being released. He returned to the Marlins to start the 1988 season before being re-signed by Oakland, finishing his professional career with the Tacoma Tigers in the A’s organization.
MLB statistics
Win–loss record 7–7
Earned run average 3.33
Strikeouts 59