Brett Eibner

{{Infobox MLB player

|name=Brett Eibner

|image=Marlins Brett Eibner from the Nationals and Marlins at Nationals Park, August 24, 2020 (All-Pro Reels Photography) (50265473788) (cropped).jpg

|image_size=

|caption= Eibner pitching for the Miami Marlins in 2020

|position=Pitcher / Outfielder

|team=

|number=

|bats=Right

|throws=Right

|birth_date={{birth date and age|1988|12|2}}

|birth_place=San Diego, California, U.S.

| debutleague = MLB

| debutdate = May 27

| debutyear = 2016

| debutteam = Kansas City Royals

| finalleague = MLB

| finaldate = September 22

| finalyear = 2020

| finalteam = Miami Marlins

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label = Win–loss record

|stat1value = 0-0

|stat2label = Earned run average

|stat2value = 13.50

|stat3label = Strikeouts

|stat3value = 4

|stat4label=Batting average

|stat4value=.191

|stat5label=Home runs

|stat5value=8

|stat6label=Runs batted in

|stat6value=28

| teams =

Kansas City Royals ({{mlby|2016}})
Oakland Athletics ({{mlby|2016}})
Los Angeles Dodgers ({{mlby|2017}})
Miami Marlins ({{mlby|2020}})

|show-medals=no

|medaltemplates=

{{Medal|Country|{{bb|USA}}}}

}}

Brett William Eibner (born December 2, 1988) is an American former professional baseball pitcher and outfielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins.

Amateur career

Eibner attended The Woodlands High School in The Woodlands, Texas, and helped them win the 2006 5A state championship as a junior, with teammate Kyle Drabek. As a senior, Eibner was named 15-5A first-team all-district outfielder. Despite being drafted by the Houston Astros in the fourth round of the 2007 MLB draft, Eibner did not sign and attended the University of Arkansas.

File:Brett Eibner pitching UArk.jpg in 2009]]

As a freshman, Eibner led the team in RBI and had three game-winning hits. For his efforts, Eibner was named to Baseball America's Freshman All-American team in 2008. The following season, Eibner was named SEC Pitcher of the Week for his complete-game one-hit shutout win against the #1 Georgia Bulldogs.{{cite web |title= College Baseball: Razorbacks' Eibner Nabs Player Of Week Honor For SEC |work= Arkansas Business |url= http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/13641/college-baseball-razorbacks-eibner-nabs-player-of-week-honor-for-sec |date= April 20, 2009 |publisher= ArkansasSports360.com |accessdate= July 7, 2013 }} Eibner struggled significantly at the plate, with his average dropping to .231 and striking out 60 times. However, when the 2009 Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team reached the College World Series, Eibner hit "one of the most memorable home runs in program history" when he tied an elimination game vs Virginia in the top of the ninth with a two-run home run.{{cite web |title= Brett Eibner |url= http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=1388221 |date= January 29, 2009 |first= Zach |last= Lawson |publisher= University of Arkansas athletics |accessdate= July 7, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121103071755/http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=1388221 |archive-date= November 3, 2012 |url-status= dead }} Eibner returned for his junior season with the Razorbacks, hitting .333 with 22 home runs. On the mound, Eibner went 3–5 in 58 innings for the Razorbacks in the regular season. In the 2010 Tempe, Arizona Super Regional, Eibner hit a game-tying home run with the Razorbacks down to their final strike, extending the game to extra innings where the Razorbacks lost in the 12th.{{cite news |title= Maggi's home run sends ASU to College World Series |first= Nick |last= Kosmider |date= June 14, 2010 |publisher= The State Press }} Following the 2010 season, Eibner became the fourth Razorback to be named both a freshman All-American and All-American, including teammate Zack Cox.{{cite web |title= Cox adds NCBWA All-America honors |first= Zach |last= Lawson |url= http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=204961159&SPID=2415&SPSID=30667 |date= June 17, 2010 |publisher= University of Arkansas athletics |accessdate= July 7, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121104094606/http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=204961159&SPSID=30667&SPID=2415&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=6100 |archive-date= November 4, 2012 |url-status= dead }} He was also a John Olerud Award Semifinalist, Second Team All-SEC, and ABCA/Rawlings First Team All-South Region player.{{cite web |title= Arkansas Baseball Media Guide |url= http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com//pdf8/739189.pdf?SPSID=30667&SPID=2415&DB_OEM_ID=6100 |page= 85 |publisher= University of Arkansas athletics |year= 2011 |accessdate= July 7, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130709101725/http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com//pdf8/739189.pdf?SPSID=30667&SPID=2415&DB_OEM_ID=6100 |archive-date= July 9, 2013 |url-status= dead }}

In 2008 and 2009, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League.{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.capecodbaseball.org/news/league-news/index.html?article_id=1919 |title=Pawtucket, Omaha list 18 CCBL grads for Triple-A title game Tuesday in Charlotte |publisher=capecodbaseball.org |date= |accessdate=September 25, 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thebaseballcube.com/college/summer/stats.asp?Y=2008&T=Wareham_Gatemen |title=2008 Wareham Gatemen |publisher=thebaseballcube.com |accessdate=September 23, 2021}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thebaseballcube.com/college/summer/stats.asp?Y=2009&T=Wareham_Gatemen |title=2009 Wareham Gatemen |publisher=thebaseballcube.com |accessdate=September 23, 2021}}

Professional career

=Kansas City Royals=

The Kansas City Royals selected Eibner in the second round of the 2010 MLB draft.[http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article64148852.html The Kansas City Star] (subscription required)

In 2013, Eibner played for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals of the Double–A Texas League.{{cite web |first= Chris |last= Breece |title= Former Hog Brett Eibner on Naturals 2013 Roster |url= http://5newsonline.com/2013/03/29/former-hog-brett-eibner-on-naturals-2013-roster/ |date= March 29, 2013 |accessdate= July 7, 2013 }}

File:Brett Eibner swngs at a pitch (25089513893) (Cropped).jpg]]

After the 2015 season, Royals added him to their 40-man roster.{{Cite web|url=http://m.rockies.mlb.com/news/article/157821672/rockies-john-axford-designated-for-assignment|title=Axford among four DFAed by Rockies|accessdate=25 June 2023|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304125731/http://m.rockies.mlb.com/news/article/157821672/rockies-john-axford-designated-for-assignment|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.omaha.com/sports/brett-eibner-shows-he-can-hit-plenty-for-the-storm/article_31d32025-a7d9-527e-acd9-87ffab7f749c.html|title = Brett Eibner shows he can hit plenty for the Storm Chasers when healthy| date=May 3, 2016 }}

On May 26, 2016, Royals promoted Eibner to MLB. He made his MLB debut the following night at Kansas City's Kauffman Stadium, going 1-for-3 and scoring a run while striking out twice in the Royals' 7–5 win over the Chicago White Sox.{{cite web |title= CWS vs. KC - 05/27/2016 |url= http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2016_05_27_chamlb_kcamlb_1#game=2016_05_27_chamlb_kcamlb_1,game_tab=box,game_state=Wrapup |date= May 27, 2016 |accessdate= May 27, 2016 }} Facing off against the White Sox on May 28, 2016, the Royals were trailing 7–1 in the 9th inning, but Eibner completed the rally with a walk-off single to win it for the Royals 8–7.

=Oakland Athletics=

File:Brett Eibner batting for the Oakland Athletics in 2016 (Cropped).jpg]]

On July 30, 2016, the Royals traded Eibner to the Oakland Athletics for Billy Burns.{{cite web|url=http://fox4kc.com/2016/07/30/as-trade-burns-to-royals-for-eibner/|title=A's trade Burns to Royals for Eibner|work=WDAF-TV|agency=Associated Press|date=July 30, 2016|accessdate=July 30, 2016}} Eibner was designated for assignment by the Athletics on January 20, 2017.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/01/as-designate-brett-eibner-for-assignment.html|title=A's Designate Brett Eibner For Assignment|last=Adams|first=Steve|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=January 20, 2017|accessdate=January 20, 2017}}

=Los Angeles Dodgers=

On January 25, 2017, Eibner was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, in exchange for Jordan Tarsovich{{cite web|url=http://m.athletics.mlb.com/news/article/214358502/as-sign-adam-rosales-trade-brett-eibner/|title=A's sign IF Rosales, deal OF Eibner to Dodgers|work=MLB.com|date=January 25, 2017|accessdate=January 25, 2017|archive-date=January 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126110612/http://m.athletics.mlb.com/news/article/214358502/as-sign-adam-rosales-trade-brett-eibner/|url-status=dead}} and assigned to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers to begin the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/okc-dodgers/news/okc-dodgers-release-2017-opening-day-roster/c-222441954/t-196093382|title=OKC Dodgers Release 2017 Opening Day Roster|work=milb.com|author=Oklahoma City Dodgers|date=April 5, 2017|accessdate=April 5, 2017}} The Dodgers called him up to MLB on April 19.{{cite web|url=http://www.truebluela.com/2017/4/19/15364950/brett-eibner-recalled-rob-segedin-disabled-list-dodgers|title=Brett Eibner recalled from Triple-A, Rob Segedin placed on DL

|first=Eric|last=Stephen|date=April 19, 2017|accessdate=April 19, 2017}} After playing in 17 games for the Dodgers, he was returned to the minors where the Dodgers attempted to convert him to a pitcher. However, he injured his elbow and underwent Tommy John surgery, ending his season.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/dodgers-brett-eibner-out-for-year-following-tj-surgery/|title=Dodgers' Brett Eibner: Out for year following TJ surgery|work=CBS Sports|date=August 1, 2017|accessdate=September 1, 2017}} On September 1, 2017, he was designated for assignment{{cite web|url=https://www.truebluela.com/2017/9/1/16238334/dodgers-roster-moves-september-clayton-kershaw-alex-verdugo-andre-ethier-okoyea-dickson|title=Dodgers make flurry of roster moves as rosters expand|work=SB Nation|first=Eric|last=Stephen|date=September 1, 2017|accessdate=September 1, 2017}} and released the following day.{{cite web|url=https://federalnewsradio.com/sports-news/2017/09/sundays-sports-transactions-344/|title=Sunday's Sports Transactions|agency=Associated Press|date=September 3, 2017|accessdate=September 4, 2017}}

=Texas Rangers=

On December 22, 2017, Eibner signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/12/rangers-sign-shawn-tolleson.html|title=Rangers Sign Tolleson, Espino, Eibner To Minor League Deals|last=Adams|first=Steve|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=December 22, 2017|accessdate=December 22, 2017}} He was released on March 19, 2019.

=Texas AirHogs=

On June 7, 2019, Eibner signed with the Texas AirHogs of the independent American Association. In 36 games he slashed .167/.310/.319 with 3 home runs and 5 RBIs, he also pitched in 16 games throwing 18 innings with a 1.00 ERA and 27 strikeouts.

=Sugar Land Skeeters=

On August 30, 2019, Eibner was traded to the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He became a free agent following the season. He pitched in 8 games throwing 8 innings with a 2.25 ERA and 8 strikeouts.

=Eastern Reyes del Tigre=

In July 2020, Eibner signed on to play for the Eastern Reyes del Tigre of the Constellation Energy League (a makeshift 4-team independent league created as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic) for the 2020 season. He pitched in 5 games throwing 5.1 innings with a 0.00 ERA and 8 strikeouts.

=Miami Marlins=

On August 2, 2020, the Miami Marlins purchased Eibner's contract. Eibner was selected to the major league roster on August 18 and made his MLB debut as a pitcher that night in the ninth inning against the New York Mets. On August 29, Eibner was designated for assignment by the Marlins.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/08/marlins-announce-several-roster-moves.html|title=Marlins Announce Several Roster Moves|date=29 August 2020|website=MLB Trade Rumors|accessdate=25 June 2023}} Eibner was re-selected to the active roster on September 21. Eibner was designated for assignment a second time on September 23, after Stephen Tarpley was activated from the injured list.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/09/marlins-designate-brett-eibner-for-assignment.html|title = Marlins Designate Brett Eibner for Assignment| date=September 23, 2020 }}

On April 10, 2021, Eibner re-signed with the Marlins on a minor league contract.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/04/marlins-sign-brett-eibner-to-minors-deal.html|title=Marlins Sign Brett Eibner To Minors Deal|date=10 April 2021|website=MLB Trade Rumors|accessdate=25 June 2023}} He spent the season with the Triple–A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, for whom he made 11 appearances and logged a 3.46 ERA with 14 strikeouts and 3 saves in 13.0 innings of work. Eibner elected free agency following the season on November 7.{{cite web|title=2021-22 Minor League Free Agents For All 30 MLB Teams|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2021-22-minor-league-free-agents-for-all-30-mlb-teams/?amphtml|access-date=July 29, 2023|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 9, 2021 |language=en}}

On May 1, 2023, Eibner announced his retirement from professional baseball via Instagram.{{Cite Instagram |user=beibner |last=Eibner |first=Brett |author-link=Brett Eibner |postid=CruQBzZszGe |title=After 13 years it's finally that time. |date=May 1, 2023 |access-date=May 15, 2024}}