What he did: Pena could not have had better timing with the Braves. He joined them late in the 1991 worst-to-first run and World Series, left after the '92 season and then returned the final month of the world championship season in 1995. He has his ring from the '95 title, another one from the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1988, was part of the National League first combined no-hitter and would start or appear in 503 games over his 15-year major-league career. But it all started in the small Dominican Republic town of Cambiaso when he was 18 and signed as a free agent with the Dodgers. He spent almost four full seasons in the minors, his best year at Class A Albuquerque in 1981 when he appeared in 38 games with a 1.61 ERA and 22 saves. Pena became one of the top prospects in the organization as he could close games but also could be used as a starter. He made his debut with the Dodgers on Aug. 13, 1981 to begin what would be nine years in L.A., first coming out of the bullpen before being moved into the rotation for the 1983 and '84 seasons where he won 12 games each season. His '84 season was memorable as he led the league with a 2.48 ERA. But the next season came shoulder surgery and he pitched in only two games and it took two seasons for him to get back to full strength before becoming one of the best relievers in the game in 1988 and '89, pitching in 113 games over those two seasons with a 1.91 and 2.13 ERA, respectively. He also was the winning pitcher in the Kirk Gibson home run game in the 1988 World Series win over the Oakland A's. But in December of '89, he was traded with fellow pitcher Mike Marshall to the Mets for All-Star infielder Juan Samuel. He was very productive for two years in New York before the Braves came calling right before the trade deadline in '91. The Braves desperately needed a closer and general manager John Schuerholz pulled off a dandy, getting Pena for pitcher Tony Castillo and a player to be named (pitcher Joe Roa). Pena would finish out the regular season with 11 saves in 15 appearances, allowing just three runs in 19 1/3 innings. It included the combined no-hitter on Sept. 11 against the Padres which he shared with starter Kent Mercker and then-middle reliever Mark Wohlers. Pena saved both of Steve Avery's wins (no runs in 16 1/3 innings) in the NLCS against the Pirates as well as another one of the four wins in the series. He pitched in three games in the World Series against Minnesota, including being on the mound when it ended in the 10th inning of Game 7 as he gave up the winning run. In '92, Pena had more of mixed results, finishing with 15 saves and did not pitch in the postseason because of tendinitis in his pitching elbow. He was granted free agency, signed with the Pirates, then went to the Red Sox and Marlins. But again in 1995 when the Braves needed some bullpen help, he was brought back on the last day of the trading deadline. This time he wasn't the closer but won two games out of the pen in the divisional series against Colorado and pitched in three games in the NL series sweep of the Reds and two in the title clinching World Series against Cleveland. He retired the next season after pitching in only four games with Florida.
He finished his career with a 58-52 record, 74 saves, a 3.11 ERA and did hit one home run though was just a lifetime .110 hitter. Pena’s legacy will also be known for his deliberate preparation for each pitch. Sam McManis of the Los Angeles Times once wrote: “The mere summoning of Alejandro Pena from the bullpen does not mean he is ready to pitch. Certain rituals must be completed first … Once he throws a pitch, the routine starts all over again. He takes so much time between pitches that his Dodgers teammates kiddingly call Pena the human rain delay.’’
Where he lives: Pena, 55, lives in Suwanee with his wife of 36 years Telly. They have two children, Alejandro Jr. and Arenna. His son is a doctor in Arizona while his daughter still lives at home and is starting a music career.
What he does now: He is retired, having last worked for the Dodgers as a pitching coach in the Dominican summer league. He loves golf and can be seen frequently on the Bears Best Country Club. He is a 6-handicap.
On coming to the Braves in '91: "I didn't know it was going to happen to the last minute. When I came over I couldn't believe all the excitement and everything. It was crazy. But my thinking was getting the chance to close and I loved those pressure situations.''
On being part of the combined no-hitter: "To be honest I don't think I knew it was one until they said something to me after the game. I was always very focused on just getting the outs, not worrying about other things.''
On Avery's two dominating performances against the Pirates in the LCS: "I saw a lot of great starting pitching with the Dodgers and Mets but don't know that I have seen anything better than that. But (Tom) Glavine and (John) Smoltz were also very good. ''
On being on the mound during the final out in the '91 World Series: "That's a tough one. We were so close. It was extra innings and I was trying hard to just keep the game going. It was a hard one to lose but you will never see a better games than that.''
On whether he still wears his Braves World Series ring: "No, my fingers have gotten too fat.''
On coming from the Dominican Republic to play in the U.S.: "It was tough, very tough at first because I knew no English. But with the Dodgers I hung around with two guys from Puerto Rico who knew the language. I went everywhere with them. It has changed a lot since then. The players now coming out of the Dominican are taught English.''
On playing for both Tommy Lasorda and Bobby Cox: "They are just like each other. They let you play. They tell you play hard, do your job and be polite and you are fine with them.''
On always being a perfectionist: "I really think that is why I lasted so long.''
On whether he still follows baseball: "I really do. I check the scores out every morning on my phone and see who wins and loses. I also watch the highlights. I certainly have plenty of time to keep up with it these days.''
