How journeyman pitcher Jose Lima gets fondly remembered:
5. Lima was one of the most colorful players of the past 15 years, if not longer. His attitude explains why » “Everywhere I go it’s Lima Time. Time to party, time to feel good. Doesn’t matter if it’s here or Dodger Stadium.”
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4. Kansas City Star columnist Joe Posnanski asked him about his antics on the mound, where it appeared he was talking to himself » Lima said he was actually talking to “Little Jose Lima.” When asked if Little Jose ever talked back, Lima said, “Sometimes. Sometimes he tells me that if I don’t quiet down and pay attention, this next guy might hit a home run off me.” And when asked what he would say in reply, Lima said, “I say: I’ll handle the pitching around here, man.”
3. 2003 » This wasn’t a moment but rather an incredible start. Signed after the season began, he went 7-0 with a 2.17 ERA for the Royals, helping them to first place in late July. Both eventually collapsed.
2. Regular-season finale, 1999 » Lima’s best season came in 1999 when he finished 21-10 with a 3.58 ERA. The Astros entered the final day tied for first with Cincinnati. Lima shut out Los Angeles, 3-0, while the Reds lost.
1. Game 3, NLDS, 2004 » With Los Angeles facing a 2-0 deficit vs. St. Louis, Lima tossed a five-hit shutout as the Dodgers won, 4-0. It’s why he was cheered during an appearance at Dodgers Stadium two days before his death.