Pete Harnisch - New York Mets

New York Mets

Harnisch's first season in New York did not go well, as he went 2–8 with a 3.68 ERA in eighteen starts. His record improved to 8–12 in 31 starts in 1996, although, he drew an eight game suspension for his part in a brawl with the Chicago Cubs on May 11.

Harnisch quit chewing tobacco during Spring training 1997. Shortly afterwards, he complained to Mets trainer Fred Hina of sleeplessness and a lost appetite. Hina prescribed sleeping pills for Harnisch prior to his opening day start for the Mets against the San Diego Padres. After pitching five scoreless innings, Harnisch was pulled after starting the sixth inning by giving up consecutive home runs to Chris Gomez, Rickey Henderson and Quilvio Veras. He was pulled from his next scheduled start on April 6, and sent back to New York for tests. Following which, he received a diagnosis of clinical depression.

He revealed his condition in a conference call with sportswriters later that month, and began a rehabilitation program that kept him from the Mets' line-up for four months. He returned to the Mets on August 5, pitching six innings and giving up two runs to the St. Louis Cardinals at Shea Stadium. He was, however, far less effective in his next three starts, and was 0–1 with a 8.24 ERA when manager Bobby Valentine moved him into the bullpen. This decision led to a confrontation between Harnisch and Valentine, and eventually led to his designation for assignment and deal to the Milwaukee Brewers. Harnisch later described Valentine as a "very low-grade person" and accused him of speaking with a "forked tongue."