Charlie Kerfeld
Houston Astros (1985-1990)
On this day in 1987, relief pitcher Charlie Kerfeld signed a one year contract to return to the Houston Astros. The 23 year old was coming off of a strong rookie season in which he finished 4th in the voting for NL Rookie Of The Year (ahead of Will Clark and Barry Bonds) with a 2.59 ERA and a record of 11-2 and 7 saves.
Despite the success of his 1986 season, the right hander from Knob Noster, Missouri was not able to persuade the club to meet his salary demands of $150,000 However, he and the team did negotiate a compromise: a one year contract for $110,037.37 plus 37 boxes of orange Jell-O.
Before the start of the 2007 season, Mr. Kerfeld was hired by the Phillies to be the special assistant to the general manager. Two years later, he was instrumental in bringing Pedro Martinez to Philadelphia and he has worked as a special assignment scout in the organization for over a decade. I was unable to confirm if he is being partially paid in Jell-O.
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| Separated at birth? pitcher Charlie Kerfeld (left) and catcher John Candy, aka: Spike Nolan (right) |
