Darrel Akerfelds

Darrel Wayne Akerfelds (June 12, 1962 – June 24, 2012) was an American professional baseball pitcher. He also served as the bullpen coach of Major League Baseball's San Diego Padres, from until his death. Akerfelds pitched in the major leagues in parts of five seasons, from to for the Oakland Athletics, Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, and Philadelphia Phillies.

Early life and career Akerfelds graduated in 1980 from Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. He was named a Parade High School All-American as a linebacker in football. He was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the ninth round of the 1980 Major League Baseball draft, but chose to attend the University of Arkansas to play football and baseball. He played football at Arkansas under coach Lou Holtz, appearing in the 1981 Gator Bowl. He transferred from Arkansas to Mesa State College to focus on baseball. His brother Duane was drafted out of Columbine High School by the Mariners in the 22nd round in the same draft, but he never played professional baseball.

Just over five months after the draft, Akerfelds was traded to Oakland, with pitcher Bill Caudill for pitcher Dave Beard and catcher Bob Kearney. He appeared in one more games for the A's in 1986.

Akerfelds was traded to Cleveland in July 1987 and spent the rest of the 1987 season in the majors, appearing in 16 games, 13 as a starter, with a win–loss record of 2–6 and a 6.75 earned run average (ERA). After spending all of down in the minor leagues, he was removed from Cleveland's 40 man roster, then selected in the Rule 5 draft by the Texas Rangers in December 1988. After the season, the Phillies purchased Akerfelds contract. His only full season in the majors came in 1990. He appeared in 71 games for the Phillies, all in relief. He had a 5–2 record with three saves and an ERA of 3.77. He was a replacement player with the Angels in spring training in 1995 during the ongoing players' strike. After the strike ended, he became a coach with their Single-A affiliate. He finished his career that year without returning to the majors. He continued to coach for the Padres in the 2011 season, regularly balancing his treatment plan with the team's schedule. Akerfelds died in Phoenix, Arizona on June 24, 2012, from complications of the disease.