Chris Tillman Appreciation Thread

[Grt 2BA FL Gator]

It could be argued that Tillman was just as important as any Oriole of the past 5-10 years and our return to winning. He was solid each year we made the playoffs and virtually anchored the staff. 

He was also the first one of the "cavalry" to show up to The Show and I remember being enamored with his mid 90's fast ball and the spike curve ball. 

I think my favorite Tillman moment was when he came out throwing straight gas against the Tigers in the ALDS. It was thrilling. 

He's still relatively young and I am of the opinion that the shoulder injury from 2016 never quite healed up right. The first half of 2016 was the most complete pitching that I remember from him, only to be derailed by injury in a contract year. 

I am sad he had to go out this way, but it was more than time to say good bye to this current version of Tilly. Thanks for the memories Chris. You were a great Oriole. One of my favorites. 

 

[wildbillhiccup]

He was a gamer, but this thread is really 2+ years overdue. We kept his career on life support when the merciful thing to do would have been to let it die. Water under the bridge. Thank you for your service, Chris Tillman. Best of luck in the next chapter of your life. 

[Nevermore]

Tilly truly is a gamer. Even in past year, when he had nothing, he kept trying. I suspect that he still will keep trying. Whether within the Orioles farm system or in some other team's farm system. Hope he can remain patient and listen to coaches as they advise him.

[webbrick2010]

Truly gutsy max effort guy. Got more outs with bad stuff than most pitchers. Always took the ball. Never any theatrics. Hey and I'm sure Buck loved his amazing TTP

[Finisher]

No coincidence our mini resurgence directly coincided with Tillman's quality run from 2012-2016. Right when he lost his mojo last year, we completely collapsed. 

While he wasn't an ace he was as close to front of rotation as it got for us. Had a nice thing going for a few years there with Tillman/Chen and Miggy. Also did not see an Oriole out signing more autographs than Tillman. Don't know any of these guys personally but you can tell he's a good guy and class act.

[Spy Fox]

Chris Tillman's run of success mirrored the team's. From 2012-2016, he was 65-33 with a 3.81 ERA in 844.2 innings. His three best seasons by ERA+ were the three seasons we made the playoffs. 

Nobody else pitched as many innings or won as many games for this decade's winning O's. Thanks, Chris. 

[sportsfan8703]

1 hour ago, Spy Fox said:

Chris Tillman's run of success mirrored the team's. From 2012-2016, he was 65-33 with a 3.81 ERA in 844.2 innings. His three best seasons by ERA+ were the three seasons we made the playoffs. 

Nobody else pitched as many innings or won as many games for this decade's winning O's. Thanks, Chris. 

If Buck would have pitched him vs the Yankees in 2012 things coulda been different. 

His start at Toronto in the 2016 WC game was nails. He may have literally left it all out on the mound that game.  Let’s be real, he likely took the needle for that game and sacrificed his FA market for the team. He doesn’t deserve the bashing. 

[Il BuonO]

One of my favorite players during the team’s success and he had a lot to do with it. I feel bad for him that he didn’t get to sign a deal worthy of those efforts, but he had a good run. 

 

[NashLumber]

He was a favorite at our house, especially our daughter when she was 7. My wife even did a good impersonation of his stretch wind up. Time to move on, though. We appreciate you, Chris. Some good times. Best of luck. 

 

 

[Rene88]

One of my favorite O’s, I really thought his signing was a no-brainer and would regain his form. Hope he stays in Norfolk and I will be pulling for him.

[atomic]

Great competitor and helped solidify the rotation and got us to be a winning team again.   Seems like the teams fortune mirrored Tillman's. He will be missed. 

[Il BuonO]

3 hours ago, wildbillhiccup said:

He was a gamer, but this thread is really 2+ years overdue. We kept his career on life support when the merciful thing to do would have been to let it die. Water under the bridge. Thank you for your service, Chris Tillman. Best of luck in the next chapter of your life. 

I wonder if he has any interest in coaching. Often saw him talking to the younger guys when he wasn’t pitching.

[Moose Milligan]

Great piece of winning teams here.  Can't talk about those teams and not mention Tillman.  Liked watching him pitch and seemed like a good dude. 

[Grt 2BA FL Gator]

All these impactful players leaving little by little reminds me of the end of The Sandlot. One by one they fade out as they play catch.

Every couple of days we’re saying goodbye to someone. 

[Frobby]

Tillman hadn’t left the organization yet, so I’ll hold off on saying too much.    Tillman was a gamer and if he got a lead after the third inning, I always felt like he’d go 7-8 innings and keep us in the lead.   Unlike many of our pitchers, he often got stronger as the game went on.    I hope he figures a way to regain effectiveness, though I doubt it’ll be as an Oriole.