Ex-Buccaneer John Foster’s career with the Atlanta Braves

FosterFormer Brighton Buccaneer John Foster is the first player who played baseball in Britain to reach the Major Leagues. The 23-year-old pitcher from Stockton, California, who played for the Brighton Buccaneers in 1997, made his Major League debut with the Atlanta Braves on April 24, 2002.

In one inning of relief against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Foster allowed no runs and no hits, and struck out Craig Counsell. He was eventually credited with the win. Foster spent most of the 2002 season back at the Braves AAA-level minor league team in Richmond, Virginia, but was recalled to the Major Leagues on August 9. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list with dizziness on August 18.

Foster spent the 1997 season with the Brighton Buccaneers and naturally dominated in all the games that he started on the mound. He became a popular member of the squad during that season.

After returning to the United States, Foster moved on to Lewis & Clark (Idaho) State College, where he won the 1999 NAIA National Championship. He was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 25th round of the June 1999 amateur draft.

After a sucessful stint with the Rookie-League Danville Braves in 1999 (where he was named pitcher of the year) Foster was promoted to the class-A Mertle Beach Pelicans for the 2000 season. With the Pelicans, Fosterposted an 1.85 ERA with 46 strikeouts in 48.2 innings.

Foster pitched for the class-AA Greenville Braves in 2001, where he posted a 3.01 ERA in 50 innings of work.He leadGreenville in appearances, tied for the lead in wins, was second in saves, and played in the Southern League All-Star Game.

Foster was the last player cut from Bobby Cox's 2002 major league roster after allowing just five hits in 12 scoreless innings during spring training exhibition games. He began the 2002 campaign with Atlanta's top farm team, the class-AAA Richmond Braves.

On 24 April 2002, Foster was called up to the Major Leagues. In his debut that night against the defending World Champion Arizona Diamondbacks, Foster faced four batters, striking out one, and was credited with the win.