Eric Gagne Brings Comeback Tour to Worcester, Brockton

By KC Downey in News, Red Sox ⋅ June 17, 2009 at 1:20pm ⋅ Post a comment

As SoB’s Chris previously reported, former Red Sox bust Eric Gagne is attempting a comeback to the major leagues after two straight bad seasons in 2007 and 2008. Also not helping Gagne’s cause was his mention in the Mitchell Report in late 2007.

Gagne, a newly signed player/coach, is scheduled to pitch for the Quebec Capitales in a three-game series against the Worcester Tornadoes beginning June 19. Gagne joined the Capitales of the Canadian-American League with hopes of one day reaching the majors again.

The former Sox reliever will also be on hand in Brockton at Campanelli Stadium to face the Brockton Rox. He will not pitch in the series, but the buzz around the ballpark will certainly be surrounding Gagne’s return.

“Of course, I miss (the big leagues), but I really enjoy this,’’ Gagne told the Brockton Enterprise. “The guys are fun and they really enjoy the game. For me to go back to my roots is pretty cool.”

Gagne finished with a 5.41 ERA for the Brewers last season and experienced arm problems. He was invited to spring training this year but later released. Instead of opting for surgery (which would’ve put him out for up to two years), Gagne instead went to Quebec to strengthen his shoulder and rehab in live-game action.

Despite a horrible stint with the Red Sox, he still won a World Series ring in 2007 with the team.

“Now, looking back, I was happy I did it,’’ said Gagne about joining the Sox. “I went through all the hell I went through on the field, but we finished with a World Series win. It was amazing. It was a lot of fun….The guys were amazing. It was a good bunch of guys who really supported me. They knew it was hard. Looking back now, it was a great experience, but it was hard when I was in it.”

About KC Downey

KC is the "head coach" of the Sports of Boston, LLC blog network. Follow him on Twitter: @kc_downey

Tags: Brockton Rox, Eric Gagne, Red Sox, Worcester Tornadoes

Discussion

2 comments for “Eric Gagne Brings Comeback Tour to Worcester, Brockton”

[...] Eric Gagne is returning to baseball. Wait…what? Yes, that’s correct. Gagne has joined the Quebec Capitales and will be present for their game in Worcester, MA against the Worcester Tornadoes in Hanover Insurance Park. These teams are part of the Canadian-American League. [...]

Posted by Red Sox Consider Six Man Rotation | Sports of Boston | June 18, 2009, 6:07 am
[...] World Series title in four seasons. Epstein almost made a fatal mistake during the season, however. Eric Gagne had begun a career resurrection with the Texas Rangers. He was starting to pitch as effectively as [...]

Posted by Should Theo Epstein Be on the Hot Seat? | Sports of Boston | November 10, 2009, 1:31 pm