Joey McLaughlin

Who is Joey McLaughlin?

Joey Richard McLaughlin was a right-handed relief pitcher who played for the Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, and Texas Rangers between 1977 and 1984. McLaughlin was drafted by the Braves in the second round of the 1974 amateur draft. He played his first game with the Braves on June 11, 1977, against the Philadelphia Phillies. McLaughlin did not play for the Braves in 1978, but he returned to the team for the 1979 season. After the 1979 season, McLaughlin was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays along with Barry Bonnell and Pat Rockett in exchange for Chris Chambliss and Luis Gómez.

Almost exclusively used as a reliever, McLaughlin became increasingly unpopular in Toronto in the 1983 season in which he recorded 9 saves, but also recorded 11 blown saves. He remained with the Blue Jays until May 13, 1984, when he was released by the team. McLaughlin was signed by the Texas Rangers ten days later on May 23, but he was released by the Rangers after the season, ending his career. McLaughlin's son, also named Joey, played in the minor leagues from 2004 to 2006 but never made the majors.