Former Mets Relief Pitcher: Dale Thayer (2011)

Dale Scott Thayer was born on December 17, 1980 in Fountain Valley, California. The six foot right hander was signed as a free agent out of California State University in 2002. In the minors his career began well as he saved twenty games or more or five straight seasons at all levels. His totals went down at AAA Durham when he lost his closer status to Scott Dohmann in the Tampa Rays organization where he was traded in 2006. 

In 2009 he was 2-5 with 17 saves getting a September call up to the Rays. He pitched in 11 games finishing three games with one save. He was the subject of good natured jokes with his thik seventies porn start styled moustache. In 2010 he was back at AAA Durham, going 4-1 with just three saves, getting to Tampa for one game and granted free agency.

He was picked up by the New York Mets as a free agent in February 2011, reporting to AAA Buffalo for the 2011 season. He pitched in 54 games with the Bisons going 4-3 with 21 saves posting a 2.66 ERA. In late May the 29 year old was brought up for the first time in New York, to fill a roster spot, pitching out of the Mets bullpen.

Thayer made his Mets debut against the Philadelphia Phillies on May 28th at Shea Stadium pitching one inning allowing a run. He made four appearances until early June, taking a loss to the Brewers in Milwaukee in his first decision. He returned in September when rosters expanded and took two losing decisions, going 0-3 on the year with a 3.48 ERA, five strikeouts in 10.5 innings pitched in 11 appearances.

In October 2011 he was granted free agency & eventually signed with the San Diego Padres. In 2013 he was 3-5 with a 3.32 ERA making 69 appearances & one save.

In 2014 he tied Padre reliever Alex Torres with 70 appearances, the most on the San Diego club. Thayer was 4-5 with a 2.34 ERA, recording 13 holds setting up for Huston Street. In a six year career he is 9-15 with nine saves, 188 strike outs & 51 walks in 214 innings over 226 games.