Less than two years after finishing his Illinois State baseball career, Jeremy Accardo is realizing his dream of being a major leaguer. The relief pitcher, who also starred at shortstop for the Redbirds, has been added to the San Francisco Giants major league roster in the wake of a leg injury to closer Armando Benitez.
Advancing from Class AA Norfolk in the Eastern League to the major league level, Accardo is bypassing Class AAA, the highest rung of minor league baseball. The right-hander had a 1-0 record, four saves and 0.93 earned run average in eight appearances for the Navigators this season.
With a fastball in the mid-90 mile per hour range, Accardo struck out 15 batters and walked just one in 9 2/3 innings at Norfolk. At San Francisco, Accardo will join a bullpen that already features former Illinois State star Matt Herges, (ISU 1990-92). Accardo met the seven-year major league veteran in spring training.
Matt Herges is one of the nicest guys Ive ever met, said Accardo. He understands what it takes to be in the big leagues. Ive also talked to (former ISU star and 17-year major leaguer) Dave Bergman. Lots of guys have helped me.
Herges, Accardo, Chicago White Sox lefty Neal Cotts (ISU 1999-01) and Atlanta Braves closer Dan Kolb (ISU 1994) give the Redbirds four major league relievers.
Ironically, Accardo joins the Giants in Arizona, where the Diamondbacks Bank One Ballpark is just a 20-minute drive from Accardos boyhood home in Mesa. His parents, Doug and Chris Accardo, will have an easy opportunity to see their son model a major league uniform for the first time as the Giants and D-backs open a three game series Monday.
The 23-year-old is the youngest member of the San Francisco roster. He is still a bit stunned at the promotion, but is ready to pitch for the Giants.
Things havent really sunk in yet; its like living a dream, said Accardo. But, as far as pitching goes, if I can just throw strikes, and get ahead of the hitters, I feel like I can do the job.
Playing at Illinois State from 2000-2003, Accardo was the regular Redbird shortstop for three seasons. His best offensive season was 2003, when his .333 batting average, six home runs and 31 runs batted in earned him First Team All-Missouri Valley Conference, Second Team American Baseball Coaches Association All-Midwest and Illinois State Most Valuable Player honors.
In 33 appearances over two seasons on the mound at Illinois State, Accardo had a 5-4 record with a school-record 12 saves. He signed with the Giants organization as an undrafted free agent in August, 2003 after pitching for Athletes in Action in the Alaska Summer Baseball League. Last year, his first in professional baseball, Accardo was 3-3 in 48 games with 28 saves and a 4.41 ERA while splitting time between Class A San Jose and Norfolk.
Redbird head coach Jim Brownlee is excited about Accardos quick advancement.
Any time a player signs for a small bonus like Jeremy did, you have hope that he can reach the big leagues, said Brownlee. But, for him to advance as fast as he did is amazing. Really, there isnt much difference between AA pitchers and major league pitchers. All have ability, but the difference is opportunity. Were thrilled for Jeremy to have earned this opportunity in such a short time.
Accardo appreciates the opportunities he had at Illinois State, playing for Brownlee and former head coach Jeff Stewart as well as pitching coaches Seth Kenny and Tim Johnson.
I still love the fact that I went to Illinois State and got a chance to learn from coach Stew, coach Brownlee, coach Johnson and coach Kenny. I didnt start pitching until I got to ISU, so I guess that says a lot about what they did to get me where I am now,said Accardo. I also made friends for life at Illinois State and thats important too. My time at Illinois State was hard work, but because of that -- and my coaches, my friends and my family -- I can see for sure that the rewards are there.
