Vinnie Pestano

Vincent "Vinnie" William Pestano (born February 20, 1985) is an American former professional baseball relief pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Angels.

Early life
Pestano attended Canyon High School (Anaheim, California) and California State University, Fullerton before being drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 20th round of the 2006 MLB draft. Since 2007, Pestano has played in minor league baseball with the Columbus Clippers, Akron Aeros, Mahoning Valley Scrappers, Lake County Captains, and Kinston Indians.

Cleveland Indians
Pestano's contract was purchased from Triple-A Columbus by the Indians on September 23, 2010. He made his MLB debut the same day, pitching one scoreless inning in relief.

Los Angeles Angels
On August 7, 2014, Pestano was traded to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in exchange for Class-A pitcher Mike Clevinger. He was recalled by the Angels on August 10 after one game with the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees, but was sent back down on August 16 after just one appearance with the Angels. On July 28, 2015, he was designated for assignment to make roster room for David DeJesus and David Murphy. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Salt Lake Bees on August 3. He elected free agency after the season on October 5.

New York Yankees
On February 5, 2016, Pestano signed a minor league deal with the New York Yankees. He was released on July 5.

Bridgeport Bluefish
On April 4, 2017, Pestano signed with the Bridgeport Bluefish of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He became a free agent following the season. He appeared in 26 games throwing 27.2 innings of relief going 1-1 with a 3.25 ERA with 30 strikeouts and 1 save.

Long Island Ducks
On November 1, 2017, Pestano was drafted by the Long Island Ducks in the Bridgeport Bluefish dispersal draft. On March 29, 2018, Pestano signed with the Ducks for the 2018 season. He announced his retirement on June 13, 2018. In 18 games 18 innings of relief he went 1-1 with a 3.50 ERA with 19 strikeouts and 2 saves.

Pitching style
Pestano throws three pitches. His main pitch is a four-seam fastball that is typically thrown between 90 and 93 mph. His secondary pitch is a breaking ball in the low 80s that is referred to by various sources as a curveball or a slider. He also occasionally throws a two-seam fastball.

In popular culture
Pestano was referenced in season 8, episode 4 (Who Wants to be a Godparent?) of How I Met Your Mother. After Barney supposedly throws a brick through an upper-story window in a flashback, Ted doubtingly says, "Yeah right. I've seen Barney throw, he's no Vinnie Pestano, am I right? ...Beloved Indians middle reliever!"