1. Overview
Dennis Lee Tankersley (born February 24, 1979) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. Known for his right-handed pitching and batting, he played for the San Diego Padres in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2002 to 2004. His career began with being drafted by the Boston Red Sox before being traded to the Padres, and he later played for several other minor league affiliates of MLB teams. After an initial retirement, he attempted a comeback with the Padres.
2. Early Life
Dennis Lee Tankersley was born on February 24, 1979.
3. Professional Career
Tankersley's professional baseball journey began with being drafted by the Boston Red Sox, leading to his major league debut with the San Diego Padres, and continued with various minor league stints before his retirement and a brief comeback attempt.
3.1. Draft and Minor League Beginnings
Tankersley was first drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 38th round of the 1997 Major League Baseball draft, but he did not sign with the team at that time. The following year, in 1998, the Red Sox drafted him again, also in the 38th round, and on this occasion, he signed his first professional contract. On June 30, 2000, Tankersley, along with Cesar Saba, was traded to the San Diego Padres in exchange for third baseman Ed Sprague, marking a significant step in his early career with a new organization.
3.2. Major League Stint
Dennis Tankersley played for the San Diego Padres at the major league level from 2002 through 2004. During his time in MLB, he batted and threw right-handed. Over a three-season career in the major leagues, Tankersley compiled a record of 1 win and 10 losses, recorded 68 strikeouts, and held an ERA of 7.61 over 86.1 innings pitched.
3.3. Post-MLB Career and Retirement
After his tenure with the San Diego Padres in Major League Baseball, Tankersley continued his professional career in the minor leagues. Before the 2005 season began, the Kansas City Royals acquired Tankersley along with outfielder Terrence Long from the Padres in a trade that sent pitchers Darrell May and Ryan Bukvich to San Diego. Later, on December 16, 2006, the Detroit Tigers signed him to a minor league contract. His career path continued as, on November 27, 2007, Tankersley signed another minor league contract, this time with the Washington Nationals, which included an invitation to their spring training camp. He became a free agent at the end of that season, and in 2008, he announced his retirement from professional baseball. However, Tankersley decided to come out of retirement in 2012 and attempted a comeback, again joining the San Diego Padres organization.
3.4. Career Accolades
A notable recognition in Dennis Tankersley's career came in 2001 when he was selected to play in the All-Star Futures Game, showcasing his potential as a promising young player.
4. Personal Life
Dennis Tankersley's daughter, Ava Tankersley, is also an athlete who played college soccer for the Arkansas Razorbacks.