Mark Portugal

[William Malone]

Mark Steven Portugal was born on October 30, 1962 in Norwalk, California.

He was signed by the Minnesota Twins as an undrafted amateur free agent in 1980, reaching the big leagues in 1985.

Portugal spent four seasons with the Twins, often shuffling between the Majors and Triple-A. He made 26 starts and 46 relief appearances for Minnesota between 1985 and 1988, going 11-19 with a 5.13 ERA and four saves. Portugal was not included on the Twins playoff roster in 1987.

The Houston Astros acquired him in a trade after the 1988 season. Minnesota received pitching prospect Todd McClure, who never made it past the Class-A level. Portugal was finally given a full time big league opportunity in Houston. He went 52-30 with a 3.34 ERA in five seasons with the Astros. His best season came in 1993, finishing sixth place in the NL Cy Young voting with 18 wins and a 2.77 ERA.

He signed with the San Francisco Giants ahead of the 1994 campaign, and became a journeyman depth starter. Portugal pitched for the Giants, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies over the next six seasons.

View full player

[dxpavelka]

Our AAA affiliate the years he shuffled between Minnesota and the minors was in Portland.  Hence the "affectionate" nickname Mark Portland.