Baltimore's gritty, do-it-all workhorse has returned to town. The Orioles traded for Steve Pearce on Monday in a move that delighted many fans who appreciate having a familiar face back in the fold. Just how familiar are you with Pearce? Find out with this Steve Pearce trivia:
1. Steve Pearce has four career multi-homer games, three with the Orioles and one with the Tampa Bay Rays. Two of those multi-homer games have come against pitchers who have suited up for the O's. Who are they?
The first is a former Oriole. Joe Saunders, winner of the 2012 American League Wild Card game for the Orioles, surrendered two home runs to Pearce on June 30, 2014, as a starter for the Texas Rangers. Then there's the newest Orioles pitcher. Wade Miley, who made his first start for the Orioles on Thursday, allowed two Pearce homers earlier this season on May 10, 2016.
2. Pearce won the team Triple Crown award in consecutive seasons at the University of South Carolina. He also set a school record in which category?
Despite his offensive exploits at South Carolina, Pearce's school record was for fielding percentage. He was perfect at first base for the Gamecocks in 2014 with 416 putouts, 22 assists and zero errors in 50 games. Check out his Gamecocks bio to learn more.
3. Before he starred at the University of South Carolina, Pearce played two seasons of baseball at Indian River Community College in Fort Pierce, Fla. His baseball resume overlaps with this former Oriole, who, like Pearce, played for Indian River as well as the Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays. Name that former Oriole.
The former Oriole in question is Luke Scott. You receive bonus points if the name Ryan Ripken came to mind for you. Ripken pulled a reverse Steve Pearce, playing first at the University of South Carolina before transferring to Indian River.
4. Pearce debuted with the Pittsburgh Pirates as a late-season call-up in September 2007. The 2007 Pirates roster included five additional players besides Pearce who have appeared in an Orioles uniform. Can you name three of the five? (Hints: Two of the five played for the O's in 2012. Three of the five played only one season in Baltimore).
The five members of the 2007 Pirates to have played for the Orioles are: John Wasdin (2001), Jose Bautista (2004), Cesar Izturis (2009-2011), Ronny Paulino (2012) and Nate McLouth (2012-2013).
5. Pearce has appeared at first base, second base, left field and right field for the Orioles, as well as serving as the team's designated hitter. What is the one position he has played for other major league teams but not for the O's?
Third base. Pearce has 12 career games at the hot corner, 10 for Pittsburgh in 2011 and two for Tampa Bay this season.
Matthew Taylor blogs about the Orioles at Roar from 34. Follow him on Twitter: @RoarFrom34. His ruminations about the Birds appear as part of MASNsports.com's season-long initiative of welcoming guest bloggers to our site. All opinions expressed are those of the guest bloggers, who are not employed by MASNsports.com but are just as passionate about their baseball as our roster of writers.
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