Randy Tomlin’s MLB Debut, 35 Years Later

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.–Randy Tomlin has enjoyed a coaching career lasting a quarter century. His expertise has taken him to the Washington Nationals, Liberty Christian Academy, and for the last two years, the Charlottesville Tom Sox.

While Tomlin is a leader, he’s a self-described “shy” person. His quiet personality causes him to refrain from boasting about his previous career as a MLB pitcher. Tomlin spent five seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, starting in 1990.

His debut in the majors was one to remember.

Tomlin tossed a nine-inning complete game in a 10-1 rout of the Philadelphia Phillies. His phenomenal introduction puts him in a group of 104 MLB pitchers since integration (1947) to throw a complete game in their debut. Other members of this group include Hall of Famer Juan Marichal, and two-time ERA leader, Luis Tiant.

But Tomlin’s call-up to the big leagues was unusual. He was brought up directly from Double-A Harrisburg, skipping Triple-A Buffalo entirely, a process not often seen in today’s game. Perhaps what garnered the attention of Pirates manager Jim Leyland though was when Tomlin faced the Pittsburgh starting lineup in spring training before the 1990 season.

“I pitched really good,” Tomlin said. Among other major leaguers, Tomlin went toe-to-toe with future 1990 National League MVP Barry Bonds, who started in left field during Tomlin’s debut.

Tomlin continues to imitate aspects of Jim Leyland’s management style, the manager under which he played the entirety of his career. He also remains grateful for the opportunity Leyland provided him so that he could pursue his career.

“I know in today’s game, I probably would never have gotten an opportunity to pitch in the big leagues,” Tomlin said. “He gave me an opportunity to fulfill my lifelong dream and showed confidence in me.”

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