David Aardsma on the twists and turns of life as an MLB reliever
This week's guest on "Stitch x Stitch'' is David Aardsma, a 2003 first-round draft pick who pitched for eight MLB clubs and made 18 stops in the minors and independent ball during his professional career. "You fall in love with the grind,'' he told us. David shares some entertaining stories about how he met his wife, his days as Barry Bonds' teammate in San Francisco, and his experiences in the negotiating room during collective bargaining. His long and winding journey prompted him to take an active role in player leadership as a member of the Executive Subcommittee, and he gained an appreciated for the importance of the union in protecting the rights of players on issues big and (seemingly) small. He never lost sight of his responsibility to leave it better for the game or the players who followed.
“Stitch x Stitch’’ is part of a year-long recognition of the 60th anniversary of the union’s founding under executive director Marvin Miller. The weekly podcast is hosted by Jerry Crasnick, associate director of player, agent and media affairs at the MLBPA and a former baseball journalist for more than 30 years. Previous guests include the late Phil Garner, Reggie Smith, Dave Stewart and Rick Monday, the No. 1 pick in the first MLB amateur draft in 1965.
Future episodes will recognize the contributions of Miller, Curt Flood, Andy Messersmith, Dave McNally, Catfish Hunter and numerous other baseball trailblazers, while emphasizing the bond players share and the mission that has united them across generations.
“Stitch by Stitch’’ is available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.
