"Nothing is really a shock anymore," Vosberg told The Philadelphia Inquirer. "This is part of the game. This is what they felt like they had to do. Still, in the back of my mind, I thought there was a chance I might stay here."
Vosberg had already stayed, or returned to the majors, in parts of nine major league seasons. He would return again that season and again for one final stint the next year.
But, having played his first professional game back in 1983, Vosberg wouldn't play his last until 2007.
Vosberg's career began that year in 1983 as a third round pick by the Padres out of the University of Arizona.
Vosberg started at single-A Reno, moving to AA Beaumont in 1984, then AAA Las Vegas in 1986. He also made his debut in the majors in 1986, in September.
With the Padres that year, Vosberg got into five games, three starts. He gave up 10 earned runs in 13.2 innings of work.
He then didn't return to the majors until 1990, with the Giants. In the meantime, Vosberg went through the Dodgers and Astros systems, landing with San Francisco in 1990. He got into 18 games in relief, posting a 5.55 ERA.
Vosberg's next time in the majors then came in 1994, with the Athletics. This time, he went through the Mariners and Cubs systems. He also went through Italy. This time, also, Vosberg would return to the majors each year but one through 2002. The year he didn't make it, he was injured.
Vosberg got into 16 games with the Athletics in 1994, then moved to the Rangers. He topped 40 outings in 1995, then 50 in 1996 and 1997.
With the Rangers in 1996, Vosberg helped Texas to the playoffs. In 1997, Vosberg moved to the Marlins mid-year, helping Florida on its World Series run. "Last year was exciting," Vostberg told The Associated Press after arriving with the Marlins, "and hopefully it will be the same this year."
Vosberg spent 1998 out injured, returning to the majors in 1999, playing with the Padres and the Diamondbacks. He moved to the Phillies in 2000, coming back for 2001.
He played his final major league game in 2002, then his final minor league game in 2003. In 2007, though, Vosberg tried a comeback at the age of 45, playing in Mexico. The comeback lasted 15 starts.
"The last couple of years I have gotten the itch," Vosberg told The Tucson Citizen as he started his comeback attempt. "When I retired five years ago I think I still could have done it physically, but mentally it is such a grind. It is such a great life, but it is a grind. It is difficult being away from your family. I needed these years to get the love of the game back and get on the field again."
- Washington Observer-Reporter, Associated Press, Aug. 19, 1997: Florida errors lead Bucs to victory
- Philadelphia Inquirer, June 29, 2001: Lefthander Vosberg sent back to minors
- Tucson Citizen, Jan. 29, 2007: Vosberg returns to pro ball at age 45
Cards Featured: 793/880 - 90.1%
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Made the Majors: 551 - 69%-X
Never Made the Majors:253-31%
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 246-X
10+ Seasons in the Minors: 150
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