Elmer Dessens

Between 1996 and 1998, Elmer Dessens was 2-8 for the Pittsburgh Pirates, with an ERA above 6.00. He didn’t pitch all that often, but for some reason, probably because of his first name, I seized on him as emblematic of the team’s futility. Ten years and five teams later, at age 36, with a lifetime record of 48-61, the Pirates have just offered him a minor league contract. Here’s to another last place finish in ’08!