Jim Corsi – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Jim Corsi called it a career in 1999, wrapping up a solid 10-year MLB run that took him through five different teams. As a right-handed reliever, he built a reputation for dependability out of the bullpen, especially when he pitched for the Oakland Athletics during their strong years in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Corsi ended up with a respectable 3.25 ERA over 368 appearances—pretty consistent numbers for a decade in the majors.

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Corsi circled back home for the tail end of his career, pitching for the Boston Red Sox before a short stint with the Baltimore Orioles in his final season. His baseball journey really showed persistence; he debuted as a rookie in 1983 but didn’t lock down a regular MLB spot until much later with Oakland.

After retiring, Corsi stayed close to the game, working four seasons as a studio analyst. Sadly, in January 2022, the baseball world lost this steady arm when Corsi passed away at age 60. He left behind a reputation for professionalism and steadiness, both on the field and off.

Jim Corsi’s Baseball Career Overview

Jim Corsi spent a decade pitching in the big leagues, moving through five different teams between 1988 and 1999. His path from Massachusetts to MLB really highlighted his determination and love for the game.

Early Life and Bellingham Beginnings

Corsi was born September 9, 1961, in Newton, Massachusetts. He got his start in baseball right at home, sharpening his pitching before heading down to Saint Leo College in Florida.

The New York Yankees picked him in the 25th round of the 1982 MLB draft, kicking off his pro career. He spent time in the minors with the Bellingham Mariners, where he worked on his craft as a reliever.

Those early years weren’t easy. Corsi kept grinding through the minors for several seasons before finally getting his shot at the big leagues.

Major League Debut and Early Seasons

Corsi made his MLB debut on June 28, 1988, with the Oakland Athletics. That came after six long years in the minors.

He quickly became a reliable bullpen arm in the American League. His first few seasons showed he could handle pressure situations and help his teams in big moments.

Corsi didn’t overpower hitters—he focused on control and pitch movement. That approach made him a valuable middle reliever.

During those early MLB years, Corsi put up solid numbers and earned his spot. Teams counted on him in all kinds of situations.

Professional Teams and Key Seasons

Corsi bounced around during his MLB career, pitching for five teams over 10 years. He spent the most time with the Oakland Athletics and Boston Red Sox, finishing up with the Baltimore Orioles in 1999.

Oakland Athletics Era

Corsi started out with the Oakland Athletics in 1988 and ended up having three separate stints with them. In his first go-round (1988-1989), he was part of the A’s 1989 World Series team, though his role was pretty limited.

He came back to Oakland in 1992 and really carved out a spot as a reliable middle reliever. His best years with the A’s came during his third stint (1995-1996), when he put up some of his top numbers.

In 1996, Corsi managed a 2.54 ERA over 56.2 innings and became a key piece of the bullpen. His sinker and command worked especially well at the Oakland Coliseum, where the big foul territory definitely helped his style.

Boston Red Sox Tenure

The Massachusetts native came home and joined the Boston Red Sox in 1997. Over three seasons (1997-1999), he delivered some of his most consistent work.

In 1998, Corsi put together a 2.59 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP across 59 innings—he was one of manager Jimy Williams‘ most trusted bullpen options. He pitched in 147 games for Boston during those three years.

Despite Fenway’s hitter-friendly reputation, Corsi thrived there. Playing in front of hometown fans, with family and friends in the stands, meant a lot to him.

Baltimore Orioles Experience

Corsi wrapped up his MLB career with the Baltimore Orioles in 1999, after a midseason trade from Boston. At 37, he made 25 appearances for Baltimore, posting a 3.35 ERA in 37.2 innings.

His time with the Orioles was short, but he brought some veteran calm to a bullpen that needed it. Manager Ray Miller appreciated having Corsi around during a tough season.

His last professional appearance came on October 3, 1999, at Camden Yards—facing his old team, the Red Sox.

Career Moves: Trades, Free Agency, and Contracts

Corsi’s career took him through a handful of teams, with trades and free agency moves shaping his path. He built a reputation as a steady reliever that clubs could count on.

Notable Trades and Transactions

Several key moves defined Corsi’s journey. He started with the A’s, but moved around thanks to trades and free agency.

He missed all of 1990, and after that, signed with the Houston Astros as a free agent in March 1991, making a comeback to the majors.

Corsi later rejoined Oakland and then headed to Boston, where he enjoyed some of his best seasons in the late ’90s.

Free Agent Signings and Waivers

Corsi’s free agency moves shaped the second half of his career. The Boston Red Sox re-signed him to a one-year deal with a 1999 option, a contract worth about $600,000.

He finished up with Boston, retiring after 1999. Teams kept bringing him in because he delivered steady work out of the bullpen.

Performance Highlights and Career Statistics

Corsi brought consistency and dependability to every team he pitched for. His stats tell the story of a reliever who got the job done, year after year.

Pitching Style and Signature Moments

Corsi relied on a sharp sinker to get ground balls when it mattered. At 6’3″, he used his size to put a downward angle on his pitches. His smooth, repeatable delivery helped him keep his control.

One of his standout stretches came during Oakland’s 1992 playoff run, when he appeared in 59 games and posted a 3.25 career ERA. Right-handed hitters had a tough time against him, and managers often called on him in those situations.

His most productive years came with the A’s (1992-1995), where he handled pressure with a calm, steady presence.

Strikeouts, Home Runs, and Notable Games

Corsi struck out 290 batters in 481⅓ innings—not a flamethrower, but he got outs when it counted. He kept the ball in the park, giving up relatively few home runs thanks to his ground-ball approach.

In his last season with the Orioles in 1999, he put up a 3.48 ERA over 17 road games, pitching 18.1 innings, allowing 14 hits and just 1 home run, though he did walk 12.

Here’s a quick look at his career numbers:

• Career ERA: 3.25
• Innings Pitched: 481⅓
• Strikeouts: 290
• Saves: 7
• WHIP: 1.33

He made his MLB debut on June 28, 1988, after being picked by the Yankees in the 1982 draft.

Key Players and Influences Throughout His Career

Corsi spent a decade in the majors, crossing paths with some of the game’s biggest names. Those relationships and rivalries really shaped his experience.

Teammates and Opponents

With the Oakland A’s, Corsi shared the bullpen with stars like Dennis Eckersley, who probably served as a mentor at times.

In Boston, he pitched alongside Pedro Martinez, one of the best of his era. Their work together helped solidify the Red Sox bullpen during some key playoff pushes.

Corsi faced off against hitters like Derek Jeter and Manny Ramirez—never easy, but those matchups helped him grow as a reliever. He also pitched to Johnny Damon before they became teammates in Boston.

Managers and Notable Matchups

Tony La Russa managed Corsi in Oakland and left a mark on how the reliever approached the game. La Russa’s strategy and bullpen management skills probably influenced Corsi’s view of his own role.

Jimy Williams, his manager in Boston, trusted Corsi in high-leverage spots. That trust said a lot about the respect he earned around the league.

He went up against sluggers like Sandy Alomar and Jermaine Dye—always a challenge. Corsi’s ability to handle those matchups helped him stick around for so long.

Facing guys like Roger Clemens and Dwight Gooden—sometimes as opponents, sometimes as teammates—gave Corsi a look at different pitching philosophies. Those experiences definitely added some depth to his own approach, especially during his final season in 1999.

Legacy with the Boston Red Sox

Jim Corsi left a memorable mark on Red Sox history during his three seasons from 1997 to 1999. Growing up in Newton, Massachusetts, he brought a sense of reliability to the bullpen and wore his hometown colors with real pride.

Impact on the Team

As a hometown reliever, Corsi brought stability to the Red Sox bullpen in the late ’90s. The team showed their trust in him by re-signing him for another year with an option for 1999. That says a lot about how much they valued what he did on the mound.

Corsi’s time as a World Series champ with the 1989 Oakland Athletics gave the Red Sox clubhouse a bit of that winning edge. He offered younger pitchers the kind of veteran leadership that’s tough to teach.

When you look at his Boston years, Corsi kept his ERA under 4.00 every season. Managers Jimy Williams and Kevin Kennedy knew they could count on him when the pressure was on.

Memorable Games and Contributions

Corsi had some clutch outings in 1998 as the Red Sox chased a Wild Card spot. He had a knack for getting ground balls when the team needed them most, helping to lock down some big wins during that playoff run.

Opening Day meant the world to Corsi. As a Massachusetts kid, taking the field at Fenway in a Red Sox uniform was a dream come true.

After his MLB days, Corsi stayed close to Boston baseball. He became the first former Red Sox player to play in the Oldtime Baseball Game, showing up in both 2002 and 2003.

Corsi’s impact went way beyond numbers. People in Boston kept loving him long after he retired. He kept showing up at charity events and baseball clinics all over New England, representing the Red Sox with that same easygoing charm.

Retirement in 1999 and Life After Baseball

Jim Corsi wrapped up his 10-year Major League Baseball career in 1999. He moved from pitching to the broadcast booth, but never really left the Boston baseball scene behind.

Circumstances of Retirement

Corsi called it a career after the 1999 season, hanging up his cleats at 38. He’d been a journeyman across five teams. His last MLB game came with the Baltimore Orioles, where he put up a solid 3.83 ERA in 56 games during his final season. Over his career, he put together a 22-24 record and a 3.25 ERA in 368 games.

People knew Corsi for his durability and steady hand in the bullpen. He didn’t leave at the top of his game, but he made the call when he felt his stuff slipping—a pretty common story for relievers nearing 40.

He didn’t get a big send-off, which isn’t unusual for middle relievers. Sometimes, you just quietly step away.

Post-Retirement Career and Activities

After retiring, Corsi didn’t waste time finding a new gig. He spent four seasons as a studio analyst for Red Sox TV coverage. Fans in New England seemed to appreciate his insights and his easygoing style.

He kept strong ties to Boston, showing up at alumni events and charity gigs. Corsi used his local fame to give back, getting involved in all sorts of community projects.

Later in life, things took a tough turn. In early 2022, at 60, he passed away from advanced liver and colon cancer. Just before he died, he gave a heartfelt interview about his diagnosis, hoping others would get screened earlier than he did.

He stayed honest and brave talking about his cancer battle, showing the same grit he brought to baseball.

Health, Legacy, and Personal Life

After baseball, Jim Corsi’s life centered around family and, later, his very public fight with cancer. He didn’t shy away from talking about his illness, and his openness helped spread the word about the need for preventive screening.

Colon Cancer Diagnosis and Advocacy

In late 2021, doctors diagnosed Corsi with advanced liver and colon cancer. The news was grim, but he decided to go public.

He sat down for an emotional interview with WBZ-TV’s Steve Burton, urging others to get regular colonoscopies. “I made a mistake when I was younger by not getting a colonoscopy,” he admitted.

Corsi passed away on January 4, 2022 at 60, just days after sharing his story. His final message really struck a chord across the baseball world and beyond.

Even though he didn’t have much time, his push for cancer screening could end up saving lives. That’s a legacy that goes well beyond baseball.

Family and Community Involvement

Born September 9, 1961, Corsi stayed close to his Newton roots and his family. After his MLB career, he stayed involved with local baseball.

The Newton native was especially loved in Boston, where he pitched for the Red Sox from 1997-1999. Teammates and fans talk about his generosity and how he always made time for younger players.

Corsi had four kids, and they were with him during his last days. In his final interview, he said his biggest worry was making sure his family would be okay after he was gone.

A lot of old teammates and baseball folks came to his memorial, which says plenty about how much he meant to the game and to his hometown.

Jim Corsi’s Influence in Major League Baseball

Jim Corsi made a real impact in baseball, even if he never became a household name. His steady, flexible approach in the bullpen helped change how teams viewed middle relievers in the ’90s.

Role in Bullpen Development

Corsi showed up during a time when teams were rethinking how they used their bullpens. At 6-foot-3 with that memorable mustache, he specialized in middle relief before it was really a thing. He could go more than one inning if needed, and that became a big asset as MLB teams started getting more specialized.

Instead of relying on a blazing fastball, Corsi got by on pinpoint control and a delivery that kept hitters guessing. He averaged just 2.9 walks per nine innings, which is pretty impressive.

With the Oakland Athletics (1988-1989, 1992-1995), Tony La Russa often used Corsi as a bridge between starters and closers. That sort of role helped set the stage for today’s specialized bullpens.

Contributions to Team Success

Corsi’s 22-24 win-loss record doesn’t jump off the page, but he put up a solid 3.25 ERA across 368 games and played on three playoff teams.

He played a key role with the 1989 World Series champion Oakland Athletics. While he wasn’t a big star on the “Bash Brothers” A’s, he gave the bullpen some much-needed stability in a stacked American League.

Later, he came home to the Red Sox (1997-1999) and posted a 3.35 ERA in 147 games. Fans at Fenway appreciated his steady presence.

Corsi’s influence reached beyond stats. Younger pitchers often mentioned how he’d help them with pitch selection and the mental side of facing hitters.

Other Teams and Leagues Associated with Jim Corsi

Jim Corsi’s career took him well beyond the Oakland Athletics and Boston Red Sox. He bounced around Major League Baseball, making stops with a few other clubs along the way.

Stints with Other MLB Franchises

Corsi’s MLB journey included more than just his main teams. He pitched for the Houston Astros in 1991 and the Florida Marlins in 1993, showing he could be a reliable arm for both American and National League squads.

The Yankees actually drafted Corsi in the 25th round of the 1982 amateur draft, but he never played for them in the majors. He didn’t end up with teams like the Cardinals, Indians, or Giants either.

His best years still came with the Athletics (1988-89, 1992, 1995-96) and the Red Sox (1997-99), where he finished out his career. That versatility as a middle reliever made him a good fit for multiple teams during his 10-year run in the majors.

Brief Involvement with Minor or Foreign Leagues

Before he made it to the majors, Corsi spent years sharpening his skills in the minor leagues. The Yankees picked him up in the 1982 draft, and he had to grind his way through their farm system for a while.

Getting to the big leagues didn’t come easy for Corsi. He had to push through a lot of ups and downs in the minors. He played college ball at Saint Leo College, which gave him a solid base before he turned pro.

Corsi’s baseball journey started back in Massachusetts. He played in Newton Little League and at Newton North High School. Those early days on the field definitely helped shape him before he went pro.

Some players from his era took a shot at leagues in Japan or Mexico, but Corsi pretty much stuck to the American baseball system his whole career.