[1] Saunders initially signed with the Florida Marlins' minor league system in 1992, a year before their expansion season.

[2] Saunders joined the Marlins' opening day roster in 1997, and despite a knee injury which cost him seven weeks in the middle of the season finished with a 4–6 record in 22 starts, with his first three wins coming against the Atlanta Braves.

Within moments, team trainer Jamie Reed and teammates John Flaherty and Kevin Stocker rushed to his side.

[8] Saunders was the 2000 recipient of the Tony Conigliaro Award, which honors a major league player who "overcomes an obstacle and adversity".

[10] In 2005, Saunders announced a comeback, signing a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles, and making their spring training roster.