Todd Frohwirth, 1994 Topps #242

As long as we're on the topic of 1990s Oriole relievers, there was some sad news in Birdland last week. Todd Frohwirth, who pitched out of the O's pen from 1991 through 1993, and had been a scout for the organization since 2003, died at age 54 after battling cancer. The Milwaukee native was known for his unconventional sidewinder delivery, and he appeared in 186 games for the Orioles in three seasons, compiling a record of 17-13 with 10 saves and a 2.71 ERA. In recent years, he was also active back home as a youth and high school basketball coach for a number of different boys' and girls' teams. You'll be missed, Todd. Rest in peace.

Todd Frohwirth, 1994 Score #226

I feel like I do one of these "ex-Orioles returning as Spring Training instructors" blog entries at least once a year. If not, I really should. Nostalgia is one of the chief motivating factors behind this enterprise, to be honest. Anyway, one name from my childhood who came to Sarasota this winter (check the calendar, the vernal equinox won't be here for another ten days) was Todd Frohwirth. The submarine-style reliever, who toiled for the O's from 1991 through 1993, is now a scout in the Baltimore organization. The team invited him to the Ed Smith Stadium complex a few weeks back and he spent some time with kindred spirit Darren O'Day, helping the sidewinding setup man to hone a changeup. Although O'Day was as dependable as ever in 2013, pitching to a 2.18 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP, there is room for improvement. His strikeout-to-walk ratio dropped by a full strikeout, from 4.93-to-1 in 2012 to 3.93-to-1 last season. Lefties also tattooed the righthander to a .309/.367/.556 tune. If Darren can add another weapon to his utility belt, he could turn those troubling numbers on their heads. Then the next time you see Darren O'Day cross up an opposing batter with an offspeed pitch, you can say, "Thanks, Todd!".

Todd Frohwirth, 1993 Topps #415

Why this card, and why today?

• Because "Todd Frohwirth" is fun to say.
• Because nothing says "Tuesday night in December" like Todd Frohwirth and 1993 Topps.
• Because submarine-style pitchers are always cool, especially when that odd underarm delivery is coming right for you.
• Because I'm thinking about starting a 1993 Topps blog, and I want people to tell me that I'm crazy for even considering it.
• Because 1993 Topps reminds me of a time when I actually did walk down to the drug store to buy 79-cent packs of cards, and then traded with my friends. (Suddenly I want to have a warm glass of milk and an early bedtime.)

Todd Frohwirth, 1992 Topps Gold Winner #158

Happy Todd Frohwirth Day! Yes, I know what you're thinking: every day is Todd Frohwirth Day. After all, he's the greatest Milwaukee-born submarine pitcher who ever played at Northwest Missouri State University (go Bearcats!). But today is also the 47th birthday of the greatest underhand-tossing relief pitcher on the Orioles' roster in 1991. In all seriousness, Todd did have one excellent season in Baltimore, one very good one, and then one mediocre year. That's more than you or I ever did, unless you happen to be Tippy Martinez, in which case you probably have better things to do than to read this blog. Froh also held Kirby Puckett to a .490 OPS in 22 career matchups, but your probably knew that.

Someone has to celebrate Todd's birthday, especially when the alternative is talking about yet another loss and Dave Trembley's extremely tenuous job status. I'll pass.

Todd Frohwirth, 1993 Stadium Club #445

Given my previously-mentioned affinity for pitchers who throw at odd angles, I'm cautiously optimistic about the Orioles' recent acquisition of sidearmer Cla Meredith (even if they did have to part with Oscar Salazar to get him). He certainly helped ease his transition to a new team and fanbase by hitting a Yankee with a pitch right off the bat, and striking out Derek Jeter for the cherry on top.

When I first started rooting for the O's, Todd Frohwirth was the resident oddball hurler. He had a few effective years, baffling hitters with his submarine style. It's been said that throwing the ball underhanded is a more natural motion, putting less strain on the arm than the overhand method, but looking at the action shot above it seems hard to believe. There's nothing natural about that. But hey, Todd got 284 games out that right arm, to the tune of a 3.60 ERA (including marks of 1.87 in 1991 and 2.46 in 1992 with the Birds), so it worked for him. But it makes my back hurt just looking at him, you know?