Les Walrond Gets First Major League Win (Cue The Balloons!)

by Al Yellon on Sep 28, 2008 7:40 PM CDT

Since I've spent a lot of time making fun of ol' Les on this site, I wanted to acknowledge that, after 11 minor league seasons in which he made 221 appearances (71-63, 4.05 ERA) and 22 major league appearances with the Royals, Cubs and Phillies before today, Les Walrond got his first major league win in the Phillies' 8-3 win over the Nationals today.

Philly starter Kyle Kendrick was pulled after four innings, so he couldn't qualify for the win, and Les came in and threw two shutout innings with four strikeouts, and was awarded the victory.

Congratulations, Les. (But your career major league ERA is still 7.07, so don't get too excited.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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We make a lot of jokes about him

but you can’t help but root for guys like him. 11 years in the minors knowing that he’ll never really have a major league career. Congratulations, Les.

by rlpete on Sep 28, 2008 8:00 PM CDT reply actions

Actually...

…. let me say something nice about Les. All reports from spring training had him with a great attitude and a willingness to work with the younger pitchers. I suspect he’ll make a fine pitching coach — maybe the Cubs can get him back in the organization.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Sep 28, 2008 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions

When did he get in Phillies system?

I thought he was playing Spring Training this year?

Al I remember you telling us on here you think he might be a coach in Cubs organization or in Majors in general?

Well good for him!

by ak123 on Sep 28, 2008 8:16 PM CDT reply actions

I believe the Cubs released him earlier this year.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Sep 29, 2008 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions

He was an Iron Pig

I live in Allentown PA and the Phils AAA team is here (this was their first year and they’re called the Iron Pigs). Les was picked up by the phillies sometime around June I think, the Cubs released him. In late July/August he was hottest pitcher in the minors for a few weeks. He is a hard working guy and one you have to wish luck (unless he pitches against us in the NLCS, which is unlikely).
Scott Eyre is his teamate on the Phils.

by thisisitflyfishing on Sep 28, 2008 9:29 PM CDT reply actions

Thank You Les

The victory assured the Nationals of the first pick in next year’s draft.

by 08Cubs on Sep 28, 2008 9:30 PM CDT reply actions

HEY HEY

I met Les a few times in my times working with the Iowa Cubs. He’s a class act.

For your information, the Supreme Court has roundly rejected prior restraint.

by Less is Walrond on Sep 28, 2008 10:16 PM CDT reply actions

Fear the Walrus!

Chicago Cubs Jokes, Humor and Parody at The Cubs Brickyard

by Brett Taylor on Sep 29, 2008 6:57 AM CDT reply actions

Good For Les

I saw him pitch plenty of times with the Memphis Redbirds and the Iowa Cubs. I hope he wins more games in the major leagues, just not any against the Cubs.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Sep 29, 2008 7:13 AM CDT reply actions

So Les Walrond has a major league W...

…and Angel Guzman still does not. A cruel game, this baseball. Still, good for Les.

The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions

by daver on Sep 29, 2008 10:25 AM CDT reply actions

I always enjoyed chatting with him before and during games...

He knew most of the season ticket holders behind the Iowa Cubs bullpen and often joked with them during the games. My lasting memory of him was his quirky run to the clubhouse between each inning and his constant sprinting and stretching…

Good for Les!

Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.

by IowaCubs- on Sep 29, 2008 10:28 AM CDT reply actions

Totally agree..a more personable guy you'll rarely meet....

Truly glad he got that win!

Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

by cubfever7 on Sep 29, 2008 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions

Is Les on the Phils' playoff roster?

Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.

by IowaCubs- on Sep 29, 2008 2:33 PM CDT reply actions

Um...

… no.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Sep 29, 2008 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions

That's one more career win

than Larry Rothschild had. But Rothschild still has the lead in saves, 1-0.

by Josh Timmers on Sep 29, 2008 4:17 PM CDT reply actions

I wonder....

….if ol Les will be considered in the Cy Young race…you can simply can’t ignore his pitching prowess…..I think he’ll give Brandon Web a run for his money

Chuck Norris is a Cubs fan...

by Walker71421 on Sep 29, 2008 4:50 PM CDT reply actions