For seven seasons, from 2002 to 2008, Brian Fuentes was the backbone of the Rockies bullpen, recording franchise best marks in saves (115) and ERA (3.38) that still stand.
Now, following his 2012 retirement, Fuentes has settled into a slower-paced life in his hometown of Merced, Calif., where he’s far removed from the daily stresses of closing out a game. The 42-year-old owns and oversees Fuentes Family Farms, an 8,000-tree almond farm.
“When I got out of the game, I took some time off and hung out with the family and regrouped,” Fuentes said. “The opportunity came up to buy some land and farm some almonds.