Ron Villone
Encyclopedia
Ronald Thomas Villone Jr. (born January 16, 1970 in Englewood, New Jersey
) is a Major League Baseball
left-handed
relief pitcher
who is currently with the Somerset Patriots
. He has not been on the same team for more than two years in his major league career and due to his many baseball travels, some of his teammates have affectionately referred to him as "Suitcase" Villone. In fact, when he joined the Washington Nationals in 2009, he tied Mike Morgan
for the record of most franchises played for in MLB (with twelve different teams). The record has since been broken (by Matt Stairs
), but Villone still shares the record for most franchises pitched for, alongside Morgan and Octavio Dotel
.
Born in Englewood, New Jersey
, Villone grew up in Bergenfield, New Jersey
.
and was a two-sport star, playing baseball
and football
. At 6’-3’’ and 245 pounds, Villone was a tight end when he played football, and he had success with it. In 1990, he was selected as a first team All-Yankee Conference tight end.
His natural strength was on the pitcher’s mound. In 1991, Villone was the recipient of the Atlantic-10 Left Handed Pitcher of the Year. Not only did he pitch for Team USA in 1992, he also was a third-team All American Selection after striking out 89 in just 59 innings.
in the first round (14th overall) of the 1992 Major League Baseball Draft
. Prior to signing with Seattle, Villone increased his bargaining position while playing for the Bourne Braves
of the Cape Cod Baseball League
. He had an impressive debut, striking out 18, and in his next outing, he fanned 14.
In , the Mariners assigned him to Riverside, California
, at the time; it was the Advanced-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. He posted respectable numbers, going 7-4 with a 4.21 ERA in 16 starts. He pitched 83 innings, allowing 74 hits, walking 62, and striking out 82. These numbers were so good that he earned a promotion to their AA affiliate, Jacksonville. At Jacksonville, he went 3-4 with a 4.38 earned run average in 11 starts. In 63 innings, Villone allowed a total of 49 hits, 41 walks, and 66 strikeouts. Meanwhile, his walks per nine decreased in Jacksonville, as well as his walks and hits allowed per innings pitched. However, his strikeouts per nine innings pitched increased to 9.33, averaging more than one strikeout per inning.
Ron stayed in Jacksonville for the season, going 6-7 with a 3.86 earned run average. In 41 games, (only five of them were starts); he pitched 79 innings, allowing just 56 hits, 19 walks, and 43 strikeouts. Although he was not the full-time closer, Villone compiled eight saves in the 1994 season.
Villone was recalled from AAA on April 28, 1995, but he struggled. He posted an 0-2 record with a 7.91 earned run average. He walked 23 batters, but struck out 26. He was a victim of the long ball, allowing six home runs.
On July 31, 1995, the Mariners
General Manager at the time, Woody Woodward
, dealt Villone and Marc Newfield
to San Diego in exchange for Greg Keagle
and Andy Benes
. Villone spent the remainder of the season with the San Diego Padres
, going 2-1 with a 4.21 earned run average. In 25 innings, Villone gave up 24 hits, 11 walks while striking out 37.
He started the season with San Diego’s AAA Affiliate, Las Vegas
(San Diego’s AAA affiliate today is Portland). Villone proved that he could be dominant, so, San Diego called him up. He was just as brilliant with the Padres, going 1-1 in 21 games with a 2.95 earned run average. He pitched 18 innings, recording 17 hits, 7 walks, and 19 strikeouts.
On July 31, 1996, the Padres shipped Villone, Bryce Florie
, and Marc Newfield to the Milwaukee Brewers for Gerald Parent and Greg Vaughn
. Despite the trade, Villone still had success in Milwaukee, pitching 24 innings (23 games), allowing 14 hits, 18 walks, and 9 earned runs (3.28 earned run average).
Ron Villone stayed in the majors for the entire campaign. He pitched another season for the Milwaukee Brewers, going 1-0 with a 3.42 earned run average. His workload increased, as he pitched in 50 games (52 innings), giving up 54 hits, and 36 walks. For the second straight year, Villone averaged less than one strikeout per 9 innings. (In 1997, he fanned 40 in 52 innings)
On December 8, 1997, he was forced to pack his bags, once again, as Milwaukee traded Villone, Ben McDonald
, and Mike Fetters
to Cleveland. As part of the deal, Jeff Juden
and Marquis Grissom
went to Milwaukee. This was the third consecutive year that Villone was traded, but this was the first year in which he was not dealt midway through the year.
It was a rough year in for Ron, especially considering the fact that he split time with Buffalo (Cleveland’s AAA affiliate) and the major-league club (Cleveland Indians). He had a better time in Buffalo, going 2-2 with a 2.01 earned run average in 23 appearances. In 22 innings, he gave up 20 hits and walked 11. Apparently, he had more velocity, because he struck out 28 batters. Unfortunately, he could not maintain control in Cleveland, as he walked 22 in 27 innings (25 outings). He also gave up 30 hits, and had an earned run average of 6.00.
On April 2, , Cleveland released Ron Villone. At the time, he seemed to hit rock bottom. Three days later, the Cincinnati Reds signed him, and he was back in business as a starting pitcher/long reliever. During the 1999 season, he won nine games, lost seven, and had an earned run average of 4.23. He pitched in 29 games (22 starts) pitching 142 innings. One hundred fourteen batters reached base via the hit, while 73 reached courtesy of the base on balls. Even though the strikeouts per nine innings went down (4.91), he proved to be effective.
On November 8, 2000 he was dealt to the Colorado Rockies
for Jeff Taglienti and Justin Carter. As a spot starter and long reliever, he went 1-3 with an 6.36 earned run average. In 22 games (6 starts), he pitched 46 innings, allowing 56 hits and 29 walks, and striking out 48.
June 27, marked the fifth time that Villone was traded. On this occasion, he was dealt to the Houston Astros
for Jay Powell
. He continued to struggle, agoing 5-7 with a 5.56 earned run average. He continued to be a spot starter/long reliever on the Astros’ pitching staff. In 68 innings, he gave up 77 hits, but lowered his walk total to 24. and struck out 65 batters.
Villone was granted free agency on November 5, 2001. On February 16, , the Pittsburgh Pirates
signed him to a one-year contract. With the Pirates, he went 4-6 with a 5.81 earned run average. Over 45 games (seven starts), he pitched 93 innings, allowed 95 hits, 34 walks, and had 55 strikeouts. Villone was granted free agency on October 29, 2002.
Five months later, he signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks
. They assigned him to Tucson, their AAA affiliate. While at Tucson, Ron posted a 1-1 record with a 3.55 earned run average. However, they assigned him to pitch exclusively out of the bullpen. In 25 innings, he allowed 20 hits and 12 walks while recording 22 strikeouts. Despite this limited success, he was released on May 15, .
On May 19, 2003, Astros’ then general manager Gerry Hunsicker announced the signing of Ron Villone to a one-year deal. He was assigned to AAA New Orleans. A 3-1 record and a 1.23 earned run average in 5 starts (29 innings) earned him a trip to the big leagues, where he went 6-6 with a 4.13 earned run average. All 19 outings with the Astros were starts, amassing 106 innings. He allowed a total of 91 hits and 48 walks, and had 91 strikeouts.
On November 2, 2003, Villone chose to test the free agent market, once again. The Seattle Mariners signed him to a one-year contract. Villone had a decent season with them, going 8-6 with a 4.08 earned run average. Again, Villone was used in a long relief/spot starter role, something that he was accustomed to from his days with Houston, Colorado, and Pittsburgh. In 117 innings, Villone gave up 102 hits and 64 walks, while striking out 86. His contract expired at the end of the season, and he declared free agency once again. The Mariners inked him to another one-year deal on December 19, 2004. In the season, Ron went 2-3 with a 2.45 earned run average. Used primarily as a lefty specialist, he pitched 40 innings, allowing 33 hits, 23 walks, and 41 strikeouts.
On July 31, 2005, the Mariners sent Villone to the Florida Marlins
in exchange for Yorman Bazardo
and Mike Flannery. As a Marlin, Villone pitched in 27 games (23 innings), mostly as a lefty specialist. He gave up 24 hits, 12 walks, and 29 strikeouts. Villone struggled in Florida, posting a 6.85 earned run average with the Marlins.
. This decision cost him over $2MM. Had he accepted the offer, he likely would have earned a raise over his $2.5 million salary in 2006. On February 13, he was signed to a minor league deal with the Yankees. During spring training
in 2007, Ron was given a chance to earn a spot in the Yankee bullpen, but was beat out for the last spot by Sean Henn
. However, he was called back up in mid-May.
In December 2007, Villone was named in the Mitchell Report
as one of the players linked to steroids. Villone refused to respond to the allegations.
In February of , Villone was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals to a minor league contract and was invited to spring training. Coming out of camp, Villone made the Opening Day roster.
and was invited to spring training. He did not make the team, and was granted his release on March 27. He then signed a minor league deal with the Washington Nationals
on April 10 and was assigned to Triple-A Syracuse. On May 7, Villone's contract was purchased from Syracuse.
released Villone.
On April 19, 2010, the Nationals agreed to terms with Villone on a minor league contract. He has struggled during his time with the Syracuse Chiefs, amasing the highest ERA of any pitcher (7.29) as of the All-Star break. Beyond his ERA, his poise has been questionable during this stint in the minors.
For example, during a July 23, 2010 game with the Durham Bulls, Villone took the mound in the eighth inning with a one-run lead but gave up a walk to what would become the tying run. He then threw to first base 12 times to hold the runner, without once throwing to home plate, annoying the crowd who booed Villone mercilessly. When Villone finally threw to home plate, the batter bunted the ball back to Villone, who appeared to be caught off guard and failed to make the play. The local press called him visibly "rattled" at that point. Villone walked the next batter and hit the following batter with a two-strike pitch to force in the tying run. He was immediately pulled from the game. Less than a month later, on August 12, 2010, he was once again released after posting an ERA of 6.59 during his time in Triple A.
of the independent AA Atlantic League
. Villone pitched 1.1 innings in two games as a reliever, going 0-1 with a 20.25 ERA.
with his wife, Brooke. He has three children: Megan (b. March 26, 1996), Ronald Thomas III (b. September 14, 1997) and Sofia Francesca (b. June 9, 2010).
His entrance music is Drowning Pool
's "Bodies
"
In 2009, while pitching for the Nationals, he earned the nickname "Lights Out" for his ability to shut the door on opposing team's rallies.
Englewood, New Jersey
Englewood is a city located in Bergen County, New Jersey. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a total population of 27,147.Englewood was incorporated as a city by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 17, 1899, from portions of Ridgefield Township and the remaining portions of...
) is a Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
left-handed
Left-handed
Left-handedness is the preference for the left hand over the right for everyday activities such as writing. In ancient times it was seen as a sign of the devil, and was abhorred in many cultures...
relief pitcher
Relief pitcher
A relief pitcher or reliever is a baseball or softball pitcher who enters the game after the starting pitcher is removed due to injury, ineffectiveness, fatigue, ejection, or for other strategic reasons, such as being substituted by a pinch hitter...
who is currently with the Somerset Patriots
Somerset Patriots
The Somerset Patriots are an American professional baseball team based in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey. They are a member of the Freedom Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball...
. He has not been on the same team for more than two years in his major league career and due to his many baseball travels, some of his teammates have affectionately referred to him as "Suitcase" Villone. In fact, when he joined the Washington Nationals in 2009, he tied Mike Morgan
Mike Morgan
Michael Thomas Morgan is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He competed for twelve different teams over 25 years, and is one of only 29 players in baseball history to date to have played Major League baseball over four decades...
for the record of most franchises played for in MLB (with twelve different teams). The record has since been broken (by Matt Stairs
Matt Stairs
Matthew Wade Stairs is a former Canadian professional Major League baseball outfielder, first baseman, designated hitter, and pinch hitter. He played for 12 different teams, a major league record he shares with Octavio Dotel, Mike Morgan and Ron Villone...
), but Villone still shares the record for most franchises pitched for, alongside Morgan and Octavio Dotel
Octavio Dotel
Octavio Eduardo Dotel is a Domincan professional baseball pitcher who is currently a Free Agent....
.
Born in Englewood, New Jersey
Englewood, New Jersey
Englewood is a city located in Bergen County, New Jersey. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a total population of 27,147.Englewood was incorporated as a city by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 17, 1899, from portions of Ridgefield Township and the remaining portions of...
, Villone grew up in Bergenfield, New Jersey
Bergenfield, New Jersey
Bergenfield is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 26,764.Bergenfield was formed on the basis of a referendum held on June 25, 1894, from portions of Englewood Township and Palisades Township at the height of the...
.
College career
Villone attended the University of MassachusettsUniversity of Massachusetts
This article relates to the statewide university system. For the flagship campus often referred to as "UMass", see University of Massachusetts Amherst...
and was a two-sport star, playing baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
and football
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
. At 6’-3’’ and 245 pounds, Villone was a tight end when he played football, and he had success with it. In 1990, he was selected as a first team All-Yankee Conference tight end.
His natural strength was on the pitcher’s mound. In 1991, Villone was the recipient of the Atlantic-10 Left Handed Pitcher of the Year. Not only did he pitch for Team USA in 1992, he also was a third-team All American Selection after striking out 89 in just 59 innings.
Early career
Villone was drafted by the Seattle MarinersSeattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
in the first round (14th overall) of the 1992 Major League Baseball Draft
1992 Major League Baseball Draft
-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1992 Major League Baseball draft.-Other notable players:*Raúl Ibáñez, 36th round, Seattle Mariners...
. Prior to signing with Seattle, Villone increased his bargaining position while playing for the Bourne Braves
Bourne Braves
The Bourne Braves are a collegiate summer baseball team based in Bourne, MA. The team is a member of the Cape Cod Baseball League and plays in the league's Western Division. Bourne currently plays its home games at Doran Park in the town of Bourne...
of the Cape Cod Baseball League
Cape Cod Baseball League
The Cape Cod Baseball League is a collegiate summer baseball league located on Cape Cod in the U.S. state of Massachusetts, in which many college baseball stars play during the summer. Many future Major League Baseball players have started there during their college years; MLB has provided...
. He had an impressive debut, striking out 18, and in his next outing, he fanned 14.
In , the Mariners assigned him to Riverside, California
Riverside, California
Riverside is a city in Riverside County, California, United States, and the county seat of the eponymous county. Named for its location beside the Santa Ana River, it is the largest city in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metropolitan area of Southern California, 4th largest inland California...
, at the time; it was the Advanced-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. He posted respectable numbers, going 7-4 with a 4.21 ERA in 16 starts. He pitched 83 innings, allowing 74 hits, walking 62, and striking out 82. These numbers were so good that he earned a promotion to their AA affiliate, Jacksonville. At Jacksonville, he went 3-4 with a 4.38 earned run average in 11 starts. In 63 innings, Villone allowed a total of 49 hits, 41 walks, and 66 strikeouts. Meanwhile, his walks per nine decreased in Jacksonville, as well as his walks and hits allowed per innings pitched. However, his strikeouts per nine innings pitched increased to 9.33, averaging more than one strikeout per inning.
Ron stayed in Jacksonville for the season, going 6-7 with a 3.86 earned run average. In 41 games, (only five of them were starts); he pitched 79 innings, allowing just 56 hits, 19 walks, and 43 strikeouts. Although he was not the full-time closer, Villone compiled eight saves in the 1994 season.
1994–1999
Because of his stellar 1994 campaign, Seattle promoted him, effective at the start of the season, to their AAA affiliate, Tacoma (still their affiliate today). He had a magnificent start to the 1995 season, going 1-0 with a 0.61 earned run average. In 22 appearances as the full-time closer, Villone saved 13 games and struck out 43 batters.Villone was recalled from AAA on April 28, 1995, but he struggled. He posted an 0-2 record with a 7.91 earned run average. He walked 23 batters, but struck out 26. He was a victim of the long ball, allowing six home runs.
On July 31, 1995, the Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
General Manager at the time, Woody Woodward
Woody Woodward
William Frederick "Woody" Woodward is a retired player and general manager in Major League Baseball....
, dealt Villone and Marc Newfield
Marc Newfield
Marc Alexander Newfield is a former Major League Baseball player from to for the Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, and Milwaukee Brewers....
to San Diego in exchange for Greg Keagle
Greg Keagle
Gregory Charles Keagle is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Detroit Tigers from to...
and Andy Benes
Andy Benes
Andrew Charles Benes is a former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. During a 14-year career from 1989-2002. Benes played for four different teams: the San Diego Padres, the Seattle Mariners, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Arizona Diamondbacks...
. Villone spent the remainder of the season with the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
, going 2-1 with a 4.21 earned run average. In 25 innings, Villone gave up 24 hits, 11 walks while striking out 37.
He started the season with San Diego’s AAA Affiliate, Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
(San Diego’s AAA affiliate today is Portland). Villone proved that he could be dominant, so, San Diego called him up. He was just as brilliant with the Padres, going 1-1 in 21 games with a 2.95 earned run average. He pitched 18 innings, recording 17 hits, 7 walks, and 19 strikeouts.
On July 31, 1996, the Padres shipped Villone, Bryce Florie
Bryce Florie
Bryce Bettancourt Florie is a minor league pitching coach and former Major League Baseball pitcher....
, and Marc Newfield to the Milwaukee Brewers for Gerald Parent and Greg Vaughn
Greg Vaughn
Gregory Lamont Vaughn is a former Major League Baseball left fielder and right-handed batter who played for the Milwaukee Brewers , San Diego Padres , Cincinnati Reds , Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Colorado Rockies . He was born in Sacramento, California, where he attended Kennedy High School...
. Despite the trade, Villone still had success in Milwaukee, pitching 24 innings (23 games), allowing 14 hits, 18 walks, and 9 earned runs (3.28 earned run average).
Ron Villone stayed in the majors for the entire campaign. He pitched another season for the Milwaukee Brewers, going 1-0 with a 3.42 earned run average. His workload increased, as he pitched in 50 games (52 innings), giving up 54 hits, and 36 walks. For the second straight year, Villone averaged less than one strikeout per 9 innings. (In 1997, he fanned 40 in 52 innings)
On December 8, 1997, he was forced to pack his bags, once again, as Milwaukee traded Villone, Ben McDonald
Ben McDonald
Larry Benard McDonald is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.-High school:McDonald prepped at Denham Springs High School, which is about 10 minutes east of Baton Rouge, and was both a basketball and baseball standout.-College:A collegiate star at Louisiana State University in both basketball...
, and Mike Fetters
Mike Fetters
Michael Lee Fetters is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher who played for eight teams during his sixteen year career from to...
to Cleveland. As part of the deal, Jeff Juden
Jeff Juden
Jeffrey Daniel Juden is a former Major League Baseball player. He is 6'8" and weighs 270 lbs...
and Marquis Grissom
Marquis Grissom
Marquis Deon Grissom is a former Major League Baseball player. He excelled in baseball at Lakeshore High School, under the tutelage of baseball coach Mike Juenger. He currently resides in College Park, Georgia...
went to Milwaukee. This was the third consecutive year that Villone was traded, but this was the first year in which he was not dealt midway through the year.
It was a rough year in for Ron, especially considering the fact that he split time with Buffalo (Cleveland’s AAA affiliate) and the major-league club (Cleveland Indians). He had a better time in Buffalo, going 2-2 with a 2.01 earned run average in 23 appearances. In 22 innings, he gave up 20 hits and walked 11. Apparently, he had more velocity, because he struck out 28 batters. Unfortunately, he could not maintain control in Cleveland, as he walked 22 in 27 innings (25 outings). He also gave up 30 hits, and had an earned run average of 6.00.
On April 2, , Cleveland released Ron Villone. At the time, he seemed to hit rock bottom. Three days later, the Cincinnati Reds signed him, and he was back in business as a starting pitcher/long reliever. During the 1999 season, he won nine games, lost seven, and had an earned run average of 4.23. He pitched in 29 games (22 starts) pitching 142 innings. One hundred fourteen batters reached base via the hit, while 73 reached courtesy of the base on balls. Even though the strikeouts per nine innings went down (4.91), he proved to be effective.
2000–2005
In , he was not as effective, yet he posted a .500 record (10-10). He walked more batters (78), struck out less (77), allowed more hits (154), and had a higher earned run average (5.43) than the 1999 season.On November 8, 2000 he was dealt to the Colorado Rockies
Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains...
for Jeff Taglienti and Justin Carter. As a spot starter and long reliever, he went 1-3 with an 6.36 earned run average. In 22 games (6 starts), he pitched 46 innings, allowing 56 hits and 29 walks, and striking out 48.
June 27, marked the fifth time that Villone was traded. On this occasion, he was dealt to the Houston Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
for Jay Powell
Jay Powell
James Willard "Jay" Powell , is a former American baseball pitcher, who last played for the Atlanta Braves. He graduated from West Lauderdale Knights in 1990Mississippi State University....
. He continued to struggle, agoing 5-7 with a 5.56 earned run average. He continued to be a spot starter/long reliever on the Astros’ pitching staff. In 68 innings, he gave up 77 hits, but lowered his walk total to 24. and struck out 65 batters.
Villone was granted free agency on November 5, 2001. On February 16, , the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
signed him to a one-year contract. With the Pirates, he went 4-6 with a 5.81 earned run average. Over 45 games (seven starts), he pitched 93 innings, allowed 95 hits, 34 walks, and had 55 strikeouts. Villone was granted free agency on October 29, 2002.
Five months later, he signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
. They assigned him to Tucson, their AAA affiliate. While at Tucson, Ron posted a 1-1 record with a 3.55 earned run average. However, they assigned him to pitch exclusively out of the bullpen. In 25 innings, he allowed 20 hits and 12 walks while recording 22 strikeouts. Despite this limited success, he was released on May 15, .
On May 19, 2003, Astros’ then general manager Gerry Hunsicker announced the signing of Ron Villone to a one-year deal. He was assigned to AAA New Orleans. A 3-1 record and a 1.23 earned run average in 5 starts (29 innings) earned him a trip to the big leagues, where he went 6-6 with a 4.13 earned run average. All 19 outings with the Astros were starts, amassing 106 innings. He allowed a total of 91 hits and 48 walks, and had 91 strikeouts.
On November 2, 2003, Villone chose to test the free agent market, once again. The Seattle Mariners signed him to a one-year contract. Villone had a decent season with them, going 8-6 with a 4.08 earned run average. Again, Villone was used in a long relief/spot starter role, something that he was accustomed to from his days with Houston, Colorado, and Pittsburgh. In 117 innings, Villone gave up 102 hits and 64 walks, while striking out 86. His contract expired at the end of the season, and he declared free agency once again. The Mariners inked him to another one-year deal on December 19, 2004. In the season, Ron went 2-3 with a 2.45 earned run average. Used primarily as a lefty specialist, he pitched 40 innings, allowing 33 hits, 23 walks, and 41 strikeouts.
On July 31, 2005, the Mariners sent Villone to the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
in exchange for Yorman Bazardo
Yorman Bazardo
Yorman Osorio Bazardo is a right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent.-Florida Marlins:...
and Mike Flannery. As a Marlin, Villone pitched in 27 games (23 innings), mostly as a lefty specialist. He gave up 24 hits, 12 walks, and 29 strikeouts. Villone struggled in Florida, posting a 6.85 earned run average with the Marlins.
2005–2008
In December , Villone rejected a salary arbitration offer from the New York YankeesNew York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
. This decision cost him over $2MM. Had he accepted the offer, he likely would have earned a raise over his $2.5 million salary in 2006. On February 13, he was signed to a minor league deal with the Yankees. During spring training
Spring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
in 2007, Ron was given a chance to earn a spot in the Yankee bullpen, but was beat out for the last spot by Sean Henn
Sean Henn
Sean Michael Henn is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball...
. However, he was called back up in mid-May.
In December 2007, Villone was named in the Mitchell Report
Mitchell Report (baseball)
The Report to the Commissioner of Baseball of an Independent Investigation into the Illegal Use of Steroids and Other Performance Enhancing Substances by Players in Major League Baseball, informally known as the "Mitchell Report", is the result of former Democratic United States Senator from Maine...
as one of the players linked to steroids. Villone refused to respond to the allegations.
In February of , Villone was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals to a minor league contract and was invited to spring training. Coming out of camp, Villone made the Opening Day roster.
2009
On February 27, 2009, Villone signed a minor league contract with the New York MetsNew York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
and was invited to spring training. He did not make the team, and was granted his release on March 27. He then signed a minor league deal with the Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
on April 10 and was assigned to Triple-A Syracuse. On May 7, Villone's contract was purchased from Syracuse.
2010
On March 15, 2010, the Washington NationalsWashington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
released Villone.
On April 19, 2010, the Nationals agreed to terms with Villone on a minor league contract. He has struggled during his time with the Syracuse Chiefs, amasing the highest ERA of any pitcher (7.29) as of the All-Star break. Beyond his ERA, his poise has been questionable during this stint in the minors.
For example, during a July 23, 2010 game with the Durham Bulls, Villone took the mound in the eighth inning with a one-run lead but gave up a walk to what would become the tying run. He then threw to first base 12 times to hold the runner, without once throwing to home plate, annoying the crowd who booed Villone mercilessly. When Villone finally threw to home plate, the batter bunted the ball back to Villone, who appeared to be caught off guard and failed to make the play. The local press called him visibly "rattled" at that point. Villone walked the next batter and hit the following batter with a two-strike pitch to force in the tying run. He was immediately pulled from the game. Less than a month later, on August 12, 2010, he was once again released after posting an ERA of 6.59 during his time in Triple A.
2011
On March 10, 2011 Villone signed with the Washington Nationals. Cut from the Nationals before the regular season started, Villone then signed with the Somerset PatriotsSomerset Patriots
The Somerset Patriots are an American professional baseball team based in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey. They are a member of the Freedom Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball...
of the independent AA Atlantic League
Atlantic League
Atlantic League may refer to one of the following professional sports leagues:* Atlantic League , a professional baseball league active from 1896 to 1900* Atlantic League , a professional baseball league active in 1914...
. Villone pitched 1.1 innings in two games as a reliever, going 0-1 with a 20.25 ERA.
Personal
Villone is married and resides in Upper Saddle River, New JerseyUpper Saddle River, New Jersey
Upper Saddle River is an affluent borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 8,208. It is not to be confused with the neighboring borough of Saddle River.-History:...
with his wife, Brooke. He has three children: Megan (b. March 26, 1996), Ronald Thomas III (b. September 14, 1997) and Sofia Francesca (b. June 9, 2010).
His entrance music is Drowning Pool
Drowning Pool
Drowning Pool is a four-piece alternative metal band from Dallas, Texas.-Early days :Drowning Pool rose to fame while playing along with Ozzy Osbourne during an Ozzfest tour. Their 2001 debut album, Sinner was certified platinum within six weeks...
's "Bodies
Bodies (Drowning Pool song)
"Bodies" is a song by American alternative metal band Drowning Pool and the lead single from their debut album Sinner. Released in May 2001, the song is Drowning Pool's most popular single and has been featured in various films, TV programs, and advertising since its release.The song remained...
"
In 2009, while pitching for the Nationals, he earned the nickname "Lights Out" for his ability to shut the door on opposing team's rallies.