Terry Mulholland

Indian's reliever Terry Mulholland is the epitome of what it means to be a "grizzled veteran." The 40-year-old is well traveled, filled many roles along those stops, and isn't fazed by anything. When you throw in his personal traits -- permanent five o'clock shadow, salt-and-pepper goatee, and gravely voice -- you have a poster boy for the subject.

The left-hander is currently toiling in the Indians bullpen, and while many at his age would be pondering retirement, Mulholland bristles at the subject, "(The low point of my career will be) when I have to take that uniform off," the 17 year veteran said. "I really haven't thought about my (post career plans) yet. I am still enjoying playing -- I'll cross that bridge when it comes."

When the day finally does come for the Pennsylvania native, he shouldn't have much trouble landing a job in the baseball business, "I've got a few old teammates out there that are coaches, managers, assistant general mangers, and things like that," he pointed out. "I guess I've got a network of people if I decide to go into coaching or something like that."

A major reason for Mulholland's longevity is versatility. Throughout his career, the veteran has been able to flip-flop between starting and relieving with great ease. "It's one mindset," he explained. "When they give you the baseball, you go out and pitch and get people out. Whether it's starting or relieving, it's still the concept of throwing strikes and getting ahead of hitters to get your team off the field and swinging their bats."

That same even keeled approach has helped him deal with six in-season trades. "It's actually more like an adventure," he commented about the constant movement. "It's exciting as far as meeting new people, playing in a new city, it's a chance to see what different organizations are like."

His last two trades, have left Mulholland with a case of déjà vu, "The last couple of years I've been traded while we were in San Francisco playing against Oakland or against the Giants staying in the St. Francis Hotel," he said. "I've gotten a phone call twice now in the same hotel from general managers (informing him of a trade)."

In his well-traveled career, Mulholland has played for nine different teams including three stints with the Giants and two with the Phillies. But when asked about his fondest memory, he points back to June 8, 1986 -- his major league debut with the Giants.

"My first day in the big leagues, having my childhood dream realized (is my fondest memory)," he explained. "I've thrown a no-hitter, I've pitched in a World Series, but the thing I'll take to my grave is remembering the first time I put the big league uniform on."

Terry Mulholland may be 40 years old, but he still possesses a burning desire to keep playing the game, "When I started playing, I didn't know how long I'd be playing," the left-hander said. "It really hasn't changed, I just show up everyday and do the best job I can and try to stay healthy."

-David Zingler, August 2003