Brandon League

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name=Brandon League

|image=Brandon League on April 19, 2013.jpg

|image_size=250

|caption=League with the Los Angeles Dodgers

|team=

|number=

|position=Pitcher

|bats=Right

|throws=Right

|birth_date={{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1983|3|16}}

|birth_place=Sacramento, California, U.S.

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate=September 21

|debutyear=2004

|debutteam=Toronto Blue Jays

|finalleague = MLB

|finaldate=September 27

|finalyear=2014

|finalteam=Los Angeles Dodgers

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label=Win–loss record

|stat1value=27–35

|stat2label=Earned run average

|stat2value=3.65

|stat3label=Strikeouts

|stat3value=375

|stat4label=Saves

|stat4value=74

|teams=

Toronto Blue Jays ({{mlby|2004}}–{{mlby|2009}})
Seattle Mariners ({{mlby|2010}}–{{mlby|2012}})
Los Angeles Dodgers ({{mlby|2012}}–{{mlby|2014}})

|awards=

All-Star (2011)
Pitched a combined no-hitter on June 8, 2012

}}

File:Brandon League 2010.jpg]]

Brandon Paul League (born March 16, 1983) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He is a former closer and one-time All-Star.

Professional career

=Toronto Blue Jays=

He was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the second round of the 2001 MLB Draft out of Saint Louis School, and was signed on July 3, 2001.{{cite web|title=Brandon League Statistics and History|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/leagubr01.shtml#trans|url-status=live|access-date=September 4, 2012|work=Baseball-Reference.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421042954/http://www.baseball-reference.com:80/players/l/leagubr01.shtml |archive-date=2009-04-21 }} He made his major league debut on September 21, 2004 against the New York Yankees as he pitched a solid inning and a third.{{cite web|date=September 21, 2004|title=September 21, 2004 Toronto Blue Jays at New York Yankees Play by Play and Box Score - Baseball-Reference.com|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYA/NYA200409210.shtml|url-status=live|access-date=September 4, 2012|work=Baseball-Reference.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080204221819/http://www.baseball-reference.com:80/boxes/NYA/NYA200409210.shtml |archive-date=2008-02-04 }}

Following League's breakout season in 2006, he engaged in strength conditioning during the offseason, and at the behest of the Blue Jays, did not pitch until spring training. As a result, he overdeveloped some shoulder muscles, resulting in a significant drop in his fastball velocity.{{cite news|last=Bastian|first=Jordan|date=March 25, 2007|title=Notes: League headed to Syracuse|work=Toronto Blue Jays|publisher=MLB.com|url=http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070325&content_id=1858813&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor|url-status=dead|access-date=July 11, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080416063743/http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070325&content_id=1858813&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor|archive-date=April 16, 2008}} League was placed on the 60-day disabled list and missed the majority of the 2007 season. Both his velocity and effectiveness recovered the following season.

=Seattle Mariners=

On December 22, 2009, League was traded to the Seattle Mariners along with minor-league outfielder Johermyn Chávez for pitcher Brandon Morrow.{{Cite web|last=Bastian|first=Jordan|date=December 23, 2009|title=Jays get Morrow, send League to M's|url=http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091223&content_id=7849562&vkey=news_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091226145712/http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091223&content_id=7849562&vkey=news_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor|archive-date=December 26, 2009|access-date=January 21, 2010|website=Toronto Blue Jays|publisher=MLB.com}} He signed a one-year, $1.08 million contract for 2010.{{Cite web|last=Baker|first=Geoff|date=January 20, 2010|title=Felix Hernandez arrives in Seattle: deal done pending physical, press conference scheduled for tomorrow afternoon|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/marinersblog/2010846701_felix_hernandez_arrives_in_sea.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124072632/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/marinersblog/2010846701_felix_hernandez_arrives_in_sea.html|archive-date=January 24, 2010|access-date=January 21, 2010|website=The Seattle Times}} Because of an injury to David Aardsma, League started the 2011 season as the Mariners' closer.{{cite news|date=April 23, 2011|title=Aardsma Set to Pitch Again on Sunday|work=NBC Sports|publisher=|url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/42734267/ns/sports-player_news/|url-status=dead|access-date=April 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110427014049/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/42734267/ns/sports-player_news|archive-date=April 27, 2011}} He was selected to his first All-Star game as a relief pitcher for the 2011 All-Star game. In a 2011 interview, veteran outfielder Coco Crisp named League as one of the four toughest pitchers he had ever faced.{{cite web|last1=|first1=|date=January 20, 2011|title=Oakland Athletics' Coco Crisp Reveals The Toughest Pitchers He's Ever Faced|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/579763-oakland-as-cf-coco-crisp-reveals-the-top-toughest-pitchers-hes-ever-faced|url-status=live|access-date=May 9, 2015|website=Bleacher Report|publisher=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110126093728/http://bleacherreport.com:80/articles/579763-oakland-as-cf-coco-crisp-reveals-the-top-toughest-pitchers-hes-ever-faced |archive-date=2011-01-26 }} On June 8, 2012, League was one of six Mariners to throw a combined no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Safeco Field.{{Cite web|date=June 9, 2012|title=6 Mariners pitchers throw no-hitter|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/6-mariners-pitchers-throw-no-hitter/|url-status=live|access-date=December 17, 2021|website=CBS News|publisher=Associated Press|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006185826/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/6-mariners-pitchers-throw-no-hitter/ |archive-date=2014-10-06 }} After a series of blown saves, League was replaced by Tom Wilhelmsen as closer. In 2{{fraction|1|2}} seasons with the Mariners, League had converted a total of 52 saves in 69 chances with a 3.26 ERA.

=Los Angeles Dodgers=

File:20140919 Brandon League pitch.JPG

On July 30, 2012, League was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for minor leaguers Leon Landry and Logan Bawcom.{{cite web|last=Shelburne|first=Ramona|date=July 31, 2012|title=Los Angeles Dodgers acquire Brandon League from Seattle Mariners|url=https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/mlb/story/_/id/8217110/los-angeles-dodgers-acquire-brandon-league-seattle-mariners|url-status=live|access-date=September 4, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802013759/http://espn.go.com:80/los-angeles/mlb/story/_/id/8217110/los-angeles-dodgers-acquire-brandon-league-seattle-mariners |archive-date=2012-08-02}} He became the Dodgers closer in September after Kenley Jansen was sidelined with an irregular heartbeat. In 28 games with the Dodgers, he was 2–1 with a 2.30 ERA and six saves. On October 30, the Dodgers re-signed League to a three-year, $22.5 million deal with a vesting option worth $7.5 million for 2016.{{cite web|last=Gurnick|first=Ken|date=October 30, 2012|title=Dodgers ink League to three-year deal|url=http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121030&content_id=40129448&vkey=news_la&c_id=la|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102073528/http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121030&content_id=40129448&vkey=news_la&c_id=la|archive-date=November 2, 2012|access-date=November 2, 2012|work=Los Angeles Dodgers|publisher=MLB.com}} On June 11, League was demoted from the closer role after blowing his fourth save in 17 chances, and he was replaced by Jansen.{{Cite web|last=Saxon|first=Mark|date=June 11, 2013|title=Dodgers change closers: League out, Jansen in|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/9371925/los-angeles-dodgers-change-closers-brandon-league-kenley-jansen-in|url-status=live|access-date=December 17, 2021|publisher=ESPN|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217202736/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/9371925/los-angeles-dodgers-change-closers-brandon-league-kenley-jansen-in |archive-date=2021-12-17 }} He was used primarily in low pressure situations the rest of the season. Overall, in 2013, he was 6-4 with a 5.30 ERA in 58 appearances, with 14 early season saves. In 2014, the Dodgers used League primarily in middle relief. He finished the season with a 2–3 record and a 2.57 ERA in 63 games.

League underwent an MRI during spring training in 2015 which revealed serious shoulder damage, causing him to miss the first couple months of the season.{{cite web|last=Saxson|first=Mark|date=March 28, 2015|title=Brandon League out two months|url=https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/mlb/story/_/id/12572149/brandon-league-los-angeles-dodgers-injured-right-shoulder-least-two-months|url-status=live|access-date=April 26, 2015|work=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328030941/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/story/_/id/12572149/brandon-league-los-angeles-dodgers-injured-right-shoulder-least-two-months |archive-date=2015-03-28}} After spending a month rehabbing in the minors, League was designated for assignment on July 2, 2015.{{cite web|last=Lempert|first=Jason|date=July 2, 2015|title=Dodgers RP Brandon League designated for assignment|url=http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/update/25232000/dodgers-rp-brandon-league-designated-for-assignment|url-status=live|access-date=July 2, 2015|work=CBS Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709013905/http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/update/25232000/dodgers-rp-brandon-league-designated-for-assignment |archive-date=2015-07-09}}{{cite web|last=Stephen|first=Eric|date=July 2, 2015|title=Dodgers designate Brandon League for assignment|url=http://www.truebluela.com/2015/7/2/5249978/brandon-league-dfa-dodgers|url-status=live|access-date=July 2, 2015|work=SB Nation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703203836/http://www.truebluela.com/2015/7/2/5249978/brandon-league-dfa-dodgers |archive-date=2015-07-03}} He was released on July 10.{{Cite magazine|last=|first=|date=July 11, 2015|title=Dodgers release reliever Brandon League|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2015/07/11/los-angeles-dodgers-release-brandon-league-injury|url-status=live|access-date=December 17, 2021|magazine=Sports Illustrated|language=en-us|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712021245/http://www.si.com/mlb/2015/07/11/los-angeles-dodgers-release-brandon-league-injury |archive-date=2015-07-12}}

=New Britain Bees=

League did not play professional baseball at any level in 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.cgi?id=league001bra|title=Brandon League Register Statistics & History|work=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=January 7, 2017}} On January 7, 2017, League signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals that included an invitation to spring training.{{cite web|last=Wilmoth|first=Charlie|date=January 7, 2017|title=Royals Sign Chris Withrow, Al Alburquerque, Brandon League To Minor League Deals|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/01/royals-sign-chris-withrow-al-alburquerque-brandon-league-to-minor-league-deals.html|url-status=live|access-date=January 7, 2017|work=MLB Trade Rumors|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108003034/http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/01/royals-sign-chris-withrow-al-alburquerque-brandon-league-to-minor-league-deals.html |archive-date=2017-01-08 }} He was released prior to the start of the season on March 19.{{cite web|last=Eddy|first=Matt|date=March 29, 2017|title=Minor League Transactions: March 18–24|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/minor-league-transactions-march-18-24/#VqckUQ6l8P7EEaHh.97|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330012842/http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/minor-league-transactions-march-18-24/|archive-date=March 30, 2017|access-date=March 29, 2017|work=Baseball America}}

On April 20, 2017, League signed with the New Britain Bees of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.{{Cite web|date=April 20, 2017|title=BEES SIGN LEAGUE, ANNOUNCE 2017 OPENING DAY ROSTER|url=http://nbbees.com/team/news/index.html?article_id=470|url-status=live|access-date=December 17, 2021|website=New Britain Bees|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512173703/https://nbbees.com/team/news/index.html?article_id=470 |archive-date=2021-05-12 }} In 44 appearances for the Bees, he compiled a 2-3 record and 4.57 ERA with 38 strikeouts and 1 save across {{fraction|43|1|3}} innings pitched. League became a free agent after the season.

Coaching career

On January 30, 2025, the Cleveland Guardians hired League to serve as the pitching coach for their Triple-A affiliate, the Columbus Clippers.{{Cite web|title=Guardians Announce 2025 Player Development Staff Assignment|url=https://www.mlb.com/amp/press-release/press-release-guardians-announce-2025-player-development-staff-assignment.html|access-date=February 3, 2025|website=mlb.com|language=en}}

Pitching style

League's main pitch is a very hard sinker averaging 96 mph. (In 2011, he had the hardest sinker of any relief pitcher, at 97.3 mph.){{cite web|title=PitchFX Leaderboards|url=http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pitchfx/leaderboards/index.php?hand=&reportType=pfx&prp=RP&month=&year=2011&pitch=SI&ds=velo&lim=200|url-status=live|access-date=September 20, 2012|work=Baseball Prospectus|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304111747/http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pitchfx/leaderboards/index.php?hand=&reportType=pfx&prp=RP&month=&year=2011&pitch=SI&ds=velo&lim=200 |archive-date=2016-03-04 }} He also has an upper-80s slider that he uses primarily early in the count to right-handed hitters. He also has a splitter that he uses as a strikeout pitch. The splitter has a whiff rate of 55%.{{cite web|title=Brooks Baseball · Home of the PitchFX Tool - Player Card: Brandon League|url=http://brooksbaseball.net/player_cards/player_card.php?player=434181|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120822115650/http://brooksbaseball.net/player_cards/player_card.php?player=434181|archive-date=August 22, 2012|access-date=September 4, 2012|website=Brooks Baseball|publisher=}}

Personal life

League resides in Honolulu, and is hapa Yonsei. His maternal great-grandparents were born and raised in Fukuoka prefecture on Kyushu Island in Japan.{{cite book|last=Sogi|first=Francis Y.|title=Riding the Kona Wave: Memoirs of A Japanese American|publisher=The Cheshire Press|year=2004|isbn=0-9762575-0-5|location=New York, New York|page=xiii, 1, 163}}

League's wife, Sasha League, attended Mt. Carmel High School in San Diego, California. She holds a psychology major from the University of Hawaii. They have been married since 2005. Brandon and Sasha League are parents to four girls.{{Cite web|last=Shimabuku|first=Christian|date=July 18, 2020|title=Former MLB All-Star and Saint Louis alum Brandon League holds Hawaii close to his heart with clothing line|url=https://www.khon2.com/sports/former-mlb-all-star-and-saint-louis-alum-brandon-league-holds-hawaii-close-to-his-heart-with-clothing-line/|url-status=live|access-date=December 17, 2021|website=KHON2|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719074550/https://www.khon2.com/sports/former-mlb-all-star-and-saint-louis-alum-brandon-league-holds-hawaii-close-to-his-heart-with-clothing-line/ |archive-date=2020-07-19 }}

After his playing career, League founded Parallel X League, a Southern California-based clothing line, in 2019.{{Cite web|last=Shimabuku|first=Christian|date=July 18, 2020|title=Former MLB All-Star and Saint Louis alum Brandon League holds Hawaii close to his heart with clothing line|url=https://www.khon2.com/sports/former-mlb-all-star-and-saint-louis-alum-brandon-league-holds-hawaii-close-to-his-heart-with-clothing-line/|url-status=live|access-date=December 17, 2021|website=KHON2|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719074550/https://www.khon2.com/sports/former-mlb-all-star-and-saint-louis-alum-brandon-league-holds-hawaii-close-to-his-heart-with-clothing-line/ |archive-date=2020-07-19 }}