Player Profile: Brandon Backe

I have two cards of Brandon Backe. This one is from 2008 Upper Deck.

Playing career: Brandon Backe pitched for Tampa Bay and Houston from 2002 to 2009. His regular season career was undistinguished – 31-29, 5.23 ERA, let the NL in earned runs and home runs allowed in 2008. However, he was excellent in the postseason, going 1-0 with a 2.95 ERA in six starts.

Interesting stories: In 2008 he was arrested for his part in a brawl at a wedding party at a hotel bar. He pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges. He later briefly owned a bar called “Brandon Backe’s Bullpen.”

Where he is now: Owner of Bottom of the Ninth baseball instruction in Alvin, TX.

My memories: Was vaguely aware of him with Houston but nothing specific. Actually was half surprised he’s been out of baseball for three years. Would have guessed he was still active somewhere.

Google Autocomplete results: He is tenth when you type Brandon Ba, after Brandon Barash Married, referring to an actor. There do not appear to be any other prominent Brandon Backes.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Brett Backlund.