Toronto Blue Jays
Jefferson set many career highs with the Blue Jays in 1977. His 33 starts and 217 innings pitched were by far his best. Despite setting a Blue Jay franchise record with nine walks in a game against Baltimore on June 18, Jefferson's strikeout-to-walk ratio was also a career best 1.37 as he struck out 114 batters versus 83 walks.
Perhaps the most memorable outing of Jefferson's career came on May 16, 1980 against eventual 22–game winner Mike Norris and the Oakland A's. Jefferson held the A's to just four hits over eleven innings while striking out ten. Norris was equally brilliant, but the Jays managed to squeak out a run in the bottom of the eleventh to earn Jefferson the win.
Things went south quickly for Jefferson after that performance as he lost his next five decisions. He made his final appearance for Toronto on September 1, facing five batters and retiring just one while giving up three earned runs, allowing an inherited runner to score and committing an error. He was placed on waivers with a 4–13 record and 5.47 ERA.
He was selected off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 11, and made just one appearance for the club, beating the Chicago Cubs.
Following the season, he signed as a free agent with the California Angels.He started the 1981 season in the Angels' starting rotation, but after going 0–4 with a 4.68 ERA in his first five starts, was moved into the bullpen. He pitched far better in relief, going 2–0 with a 1.04 ERA in 21 appearances. He spent Spring training 1982 with the Orioles, but did not make the club.
Read more about this topic: Jesse Jefferson
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