Al Sontag - 2000 Atlantic League Pitcher of the Year

Autographed 2000 Bridgeport Bluefish Multi-Ad Team Set #38 (Pitch/YR Card)
Autographed 2001 Bridgeport Bluefish Multi-Ad Team Set # 38

Having the distinction of being the first pitcher to toe the mound in Bluefish history, Al Sontag would leave the mound in Bridgeport 5 years later (1998-2003) as the franchise leader in wins (45), innings pitched (677), games started (97) and complete games (15).

The Plainedge High School (Massapequa, Long Island) grad was drafted twice by the Baltimore Orioles in 1983, but began his affiliated career by being successfully drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 1984, eventually reaching as high as AAA ball with Edmonton in the Angels’ organization. In 1985, Sontag would lead the Midwest League in innings pitched (220.1), complete games (15), shutouts (6) and strikeouts (213) which would foreshadow a record-setting 2000 Atlantic League season.

Serving the dual role as both starting pitcher and the Bluefish pitching coach during his tenure in Park City, Sontag had a commitment to strong pitching mechanics that served him well with durability and success during his 'Fish years.

These mechanics allowed Sontag to set the Atlantic League single-season record for innings pitched (207) -- a mark that still stands to this day -- on his way to claiming the 2000 Atlantic League Pitcher of the Year Award.  In addition to leading the league in innings pitched that year, Sontag led the league in ERA (2.70), strikeouts (158), shutouts (3) and WHIP (1.01).

Sontag concluded his Atlantic League and baseball career in 2002, after 15 years in professional ball, within the top eight of Atlantic League career leaders in wins (45), innings pitched( 677), and strikeouts (460).