Classic Baseball Union

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Jeff Rodgers was drafted by the Indianapolis 500s with the 17th pick in the 4th round of the inaugural Classic Baseball Union Draft. As a 31-year old Rogers was a journeyman who never reached the major leagues. However, in the CBU his career was reborn.

In 1994, the 500s starter won 14 games in 34 starts, pitched a 3.75 ERA along with striking out 176 hitters. Rogers was in control only allowing 19 homeruns and 68 free passes. 1995 Rogers got off to a great start, but in his 5th start of the season he blew out his elbow forcing him to miss the rest of the season.

Rogers came back strong in 1996 pitching 35 starts, netting 17 wins and controlling an ERA of 3.96. His home runs allowed was up to 31, bu his walks was down, and strikesouts up as he pitched 247 innings with 5 complete games and 1 shutout. 1996 also marked Rogers first and only apperances in the playoffs. He got two playoff starts, going 0-1 with a 4.11 ERA.

1997 was even better for the then 34-year-old, he made his only All-Star team, pitched 35 games, and won a league leading 19 games. His 3.33 ERA was the best of his career and he also pitched a career high 254 innings and allowed just 51 walks. In the offseason Rogers walked and signed a $35 million dollar deal over 3 years with Brainered.

Rogers would not finish out that contract as his 1998 campaign in Brainerd was marred by a lapse in control allowing a career high 95 walks. In 1999 he started 13 games going 1-11 before calling it quits and leaving baseball. In 1996-1997 he was one of the top pitchers in the game. He led the league in K/BB both seasons, and led the league in wins in 97 with 19.

Rogers made one all-star team in 1997. He ended his career with 64-58 record and a 4.30 career ERA. He pitched 1,023 innings and netted 763 K and only allowed 354 walks.