Jason Bere

Early life

Bere was raised in Wilmington, Massachusetts and attended Wilmington High School and Middlesex Community College. Scouts of the Chicago White Sox saw Bere pitch, and as a result, they selected him in the 36th round of the 1990 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft.

Professional career

Bere signed with the White Sox, receiving a $2,000 signing bonus. In 1993, Baseball America rated Bere as the eighth-best prospect in baseball.

In 1995, Bere began experiencing tendinitis in the elbow of his throwing arm. He led the AL in losses. His injury necessitated Tommy John surgery, which was performed in September 1996. He returned to the White Sox in August 1997, following the White Flag trade that saw the White Sox trade away pitchers Wilson Álvarez, Roberto Hernández, and Danny Darwin, leaving them in need of more pitchers. Bere later acknowledged he returned to pitching too soon. The White Sox released Bere in 1998, and he signed with the Cincinnati Reds. After the 1999 season, Bere signed with the Milwaukee Brewers.

In July 2000, the Brewers traded Bere, Bob Wickman, and Steve Woodard to the Cleveland Indians for Richie Sexson, Paul Rigdon, Kane Davis, and a player to be named later (Marco Scutaro). Bere signed with the Chicago Cubs for 2001. He had a 1–10 record for the Cubs in 2002, and signed with the Cleveland Indians for the 2003 season. He experienced pain in his right shoulder in 2005, while pitching for the Buffalo Bisons of the Class AAA International League, leading him to retire.

Coaching career

The Indians named Bere a special assistant in baseball operations in 2006. In January 2015, the Indians chose Bere as their new bullpen coach, succeeding Kevin Cash.

Bere was released by the Indians following the 2017 season.

Personal life

Bere and his high school sweetheart, Dinelle (née Erwin), were married in November 1994. The couple live in North Andover, Massachusetts, and have two children.

References

References

1. (February 25, 2014). "For Jason Bere, no regrets over career that could have been". [[Lowell Sun]].
2. (May 24, 1998). "Hold The Eulogies For Jason Bere". Chicago Tribune.
3. reporter, Teddy Greenstein, Tribune staff. (March 31, 2003). "Following 'high-risk' plan".
4. (July 29, 2000). "AMERICAN LEAGUE - ROUNDUP - Indians Trade Sexson, Then Ledee Is Dealt - NYTimes.com". The New York Times.
5. (March 13, 2001). "Finally Healthy, Jason Bere Looks To Bolster The Cubs' Starting Staff.". Chicago Tribune.
6. (January 5, 2015). "Indians name former pitcher Jason Bere new bullpen coach". ESPN.com.
7. (October 28, 2017). "Cleveland Indians, bullpen coach Jason Bere part ways". Cleveland.com.