Preston Wilson
Jeff Weaver
Preston Wilson started the season with the Houston Astros, but was released after hitting only nine homers in a little over 100 games. Wilson hooked on with the St. Louis Cardinals who were looking for warm bodies. Preston hit nine more homers in 33 games with the Redbirds and ended up picking up a ring in the process.
More amazing is the ride Jeff Weaver was on. Jeff signed a big contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, but struggled with them. So much so that the Halos released him. Dave Duncan must’ve seen something in the lanky righthander and under his guidance Weaver turned it around. He was 3-10 with the Angels with an ERA over six, but pitched much better with the Cards, 5-4. Weaver even started and won the deciding game of the 2006 World Series.
I remember when an unconditional release was the kiss of death, but not for these two rejects who turned it around to become World Champs.