Bale moved into a relief role with the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays in 1998,going 4–4 with four saves and a 4.64 ERA in 24 games (nine starts). He also spent time with the Double-AKnoxville Smokies,recording a 6.75 ERA in three games.[4]
In 1999,Bale spent the majority of the season in the minor leagues,posting a 2–5 record with one save and a 3.81 ERA in 39 games (eight starts) with Double-A Knoxville and the Triple-A Syracuse SkyChiefs.[4] He made his Major League debut with the Blue Jays on September 30 against the Cleveland Indians,allowing three earned runs,two hits and two walks in two innings pitched.[5]
Bale appeared in 21 games (12 starts) with Triple-A Syracuse in 2000,going 3–4 with a 3.19 ERA.[4] He also appeared in two games with Toronto,recording an ERA of 14.73.[6]
In 2001,his only season with the Orioles,Bale had a 1–0 record and a 3.04 ERA in 14 relief appearances.[6]
Bale was designated for assignment by the Orioles on March 31,2002.[8] He was traded to the New York Mets for Gary Matthews,Jr. on April 3,2002.[9] For the season,Bale was assigned to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides,where he finished 2–2 with a 3.54 ERA in 12 games (two starts).[4]
In 2003,Bale began the season with Norfolk,going 0–1 with a 3.29 ERA in eight games.[4] He was released by the Mets on May 3.[6]
Cincinnati Reds
On May 8,2003,Bale signed as a free agent with the Cincinnati Reds.[6] He made his first appearance with the team on August 3,allowing one earned run in two innings while walking one and striking out three in a 7–3 loss to the San Francisco Giants.[10] After this game,he moved into the Reds' starting rotation for the remainder of the season.[11] In his first major league start on August 8,Bale tossed 4+2⁄3 scoreless innings, allowing five hits and two walks in a no-decision.[12] On August 13, he posted the best start of his career, tossing six shutout innings while allowing just three hits and striking out a career-high nine batters. Despite his efforts, Bale earned another no-decision in the 3–1 loss.[11]
In 10 games (nine starts) with Cincinnati, Bale went 1–2 with a 4.47 ERA while striking out 37 batters in 46+1⁄3 innings.[6] On December 10, 2003, Bale was placed on outright release waivers, and the Reds sold his contract to the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in Japan'sCentral League.[13]
Hiroshima Toyo Carp
In 2004, the Carp used Bale exclusively as a starting pitcher. He finished the season with an 11–10 record and a 4.21 ERA in 25 starts.[4] Bale was named the team's closer for 2005, and he went 2–1 with 24 saves and a 3.19 ERA in 51 relief appearances.[4] In 2006, he served in a starting, middle relief, and closer role, going 1–2 with six saves and a 2.93 ERA in 30 games (five starts).[4][14]
Kansas City Royals
On December 8, 2006, it was announced Bale would return to Major League Baseball, after signing a two-year contract with the Kansas City Royals.[14]
Bale appeared in 26 games for Kansas City in 2007, all in relief. He had a 1–1 record with a 4.05 ERA, surrendering 45 hits in 40 innings.[6]
Bale began the 2008 season in the Royals' starting rotation after a strong spring training.[15] "Bale earned it," Royals manager Trey Hillman said to The Kansas City Star on March 25. "Johnny has been outstanding all through spring training. He's been hit in spots but, pretty much, from day one he's commanded three pitches."[16] However, after going 0–3 with a 7.63 ERA in his first three starts, Bale was placed on the disabled list with left shoulder fatigue on April 17.[17]
In one of the more bizarre instances in recent Royals history, Bale, while still on the disabled list due to his shoulder injury, broke his left (pitching) hand in May 2008 when he punched a hotel door. He later apologized for his actions and called it "a moment of frustration."[18] After rehabbing in the Royals' minor league system, Bale was activated when rosters expanded on September 1.[19] He was assigned to a bullpen role upon his return, and did not allow a run in his final 10 appearances.[20] Overall, Bale was 0–3 with a 4.39 ERA in 13 games (three starts) with Kansas City in 2008.[6] On December 16, 2008, Bale signed a one-year deal with the Royals for the 2009 season.[20]
Bale recorded his first, and only career MLB save on June 24, 2009, pitching a perfect 11th inning against the Houston Astros.[21] In 43 relief appearances with the Royals, he was 0–1 with one save and a 5.72 ERA.[6] Bale was released by the Royals on December 10, 2009.[22]
Hiroshima Toyo Carp (second stint)
On February 19, 2010, Bale signed a contract to return to the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of Nippon Professional Baseball.[23] He became a free agent following the season.
Detroit Tigers
On December 1, 2010, Bale signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers.[24] He was released on March 25, 2011.[6]
Bale and his wife, Genevieve, reside in Niceville, Florida, with their daughters, Madison and Olivia, and their son, Zachary. Genevieve's brother is NHL player Vincent Lecavalier.[25]
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