Fortugno signed with the Seattle Mariners as an amateur free agent in 1986. He was traded along with Phil Bradley from the Mariners to the Philadelphia Phillies for Glenn Wilson, Mike Jackson and Dave Brundage at the Winter Meetings on December 9, 1987.[2] He made his major league debut at the age of 30 with the California Angels on July 20, 1992, and appear in his final game on July 26, 1995. His last year in professional baseball was in 1998. He played until he was 36 years old, ultimately, venturing into scouting.
Primarily a relief pitcher during his professional career (1986–1997), his first major league win came in his second start. On July 25, 1992, Fortugno hurled a three-hit shutout against the Detroit Tigers, striking out 12.[3]
Fortugno's career totals include 76 games pitched (5 starts), 110.1 innings, a 3–4 record with one save, and an ERA of 5.06. Fortugno was the pitcher who yielded the 3,000th hit of future Hall of Fame member George Brett on September 30, 1992.[4] Shortly after giving up the hit, he picked Brett off at first base.
