Within the early years of Nationals baseball, Chad Cordero was a fixture within the nearer position. The Chief as he was recognized had a enjoyable persona, and gave the Nats some elite play throughout their infancy. Specifically, his 2005 season was one thing magical.
That season, he led the league with 47 saves. He additionally posted a 1.82 ERA with a sub-1 WHIP. That yr, he racked up the accolades, with an all-star look, a high 5 Cy Younger end, and even completed 14th in MVP voting. Together with that manufacturing, the 23 yr outdated Cordero had a charismatic presence that captivated the brand new Nationals followers. Cordero was among the best up and coming relievers in baseball on the time.
Cordero had a considerably uncommon journey to the large leagues. After being drafted within the first spherical in 2003, he made his large league debut that very same yr for the Expos, and rapidly grew to become a fixture.
From 2004 to 2007, Cordero averaged 72 appearances per season, posting a 2.83 ERA in that span. In a humorous twist, Cordero would all the time outperform his superior stats. From 2004 to 2007, his FIP was 4.08, properly above a run over his ERA in that point. Nonetheless, with that lengthy of a pattern measurement, it was clear the sabermetrics missed one thing with Cordero The Chief was one of the crucial dependable pitchers in baseball.
Nonetheless, in 2008 Cordero’s profession would abruptly halt. At simply 26 years outdated, Cordero would blow out his shoulder. He by no means pitched for the Nationals once more, and solely pitched in 9 extra MLB video games after that. Cordero tried very onerous to comeback however might by no means recapture his outdated magic.
Whereas he might have performed a lot extra within the sport if his physique held up, Cordero’s pleasure and enthusiasm made him beloved in DC. As somewhat child, the Chief was one among my favourite gamers. My dad, who took me to so many video games as a small baby additionally beloved Cordero, and brings him as much as me every so often to today.
Whereas the crew was by no means nice with him round, he introduced a lot pleasure to a burgeoning fanbase. When the Nationals introduced the Chief again to hitch their youth academy final June, it introduced again some fond recollections. When baseball got here again to DC, the brand new fanbase wanted characters to latch on to, and Cordero was definitely one among them.
