Antonio Bastardo

Antonio Bastardo, born in 1985, was a professional baseball pitcher whose career spanned from 2009 to 2017. Known for his left-handed throwing and effective strikeout ability, Bastardo played a pivotal role in the bullpen for several Major League Baseball teams, most notably the Philadelphia Phillies. Over the course of his career, he compiled a record of 27 wins and 20 losses, with an earned run average (ERA) of 4.01. His strikeout total reached 470, showcasing his capacity to dominate hitters, particularly during high-pressure situations. Bastardo's playing style was characterized by a powerful fastball and a devastating slider, which he used to great effect against left-handed batters. He also contributed a total of 12 saves, indicating his reliability as a late-inning option. His career unfolded during a time when relief pitching began to gain more prominence in the game, and he was part of a generation of pitchers who emphasized strikeouts as a critical part of their arsenal. While he retired from professional baseball on July 7, 2017, his contributions to the teams he played for, especially in the Phillies' bullpen, left a lasting impact on the franchise's competitive history.