The legacy of relief pitchers in Major League Baseball is often one of unsung heroes, crucially turning tides yet seldom basking in the limelight afforded to starting pitchers. However, throughout the history of the sport, several remarkable relievers have shattered these norms, etching their names in the annals of baseball lore through outstanding performances and record-setting achievements.
Iconic Seasons by Relievers
Mike Marshall’s 1974 season is arguably one of the most astonishing in MLB history. He achieved an unprecedented feat by pitching 200 innings in relief, a remarkable volume typically pitched by starters over an entire season. Marshall’s dominance earned him the National League Cy Young Award, marking a milestone that showcased the profound impact a reliever can have, even in an award category traditionally dominated by starters.
Following in Marshall’s groundbreaking footsteps, Sparky Lyle captured the 1977 American League Cy Young Award, further solidifying the importance of relievers. Then, in 1979, Bruce Sutter cemented his status as one of the most formidable closers of his era by winning the NL Cy Young Award.
Dual Award Winners
In 1981, Rollie Fingers not only secured the AL Cy Young Award but also clinched the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award with 78 innings of pitching, illustrating how a reliever can influence the game beyond just saves. A few years later, in 1984, Willie Hernandez also achieved this dual accolade, boasting a stellar 1.92 ERA over 140 1/3 innings pitched.
The trend continued in 1987 when Steve Bedrosian clinched the NL Cy Young Award, recording 40 saves out of 48 opportunities and pitching 89 innings. In 1989, Mark Davis, with an impressive 44 saves out of 48 opportunities and 92 2/3 innings pitched, joined the ranks of relievers recognized with the NL Cy Young Award.
The early 1990s witnessed another historic moment when Dennis Eckersley, delivering 80 innings of relief work, earned both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards in 1992. His achievement remains one of the pinnacles of excellence for relievers.
The Modern Era of Closers
Since Eckersley, only Eric Gagne has managed to secure a Cy Young Award as a reliever, doing so in 2003. His exceptional performance during that period, marked by his dominance on the mound, underscores the formidable influence a closer can exert in the game.
In recent times, Craig Kimbrel has emerged as a stalwart in the bullpen. Drafted specifically as a reliever, Kimbrel's journey to excellence has been unyielding. Notably, he did not start a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016, underscoring his specialized role and consistency in delivering under pressure.
Emerging Talent and Established Veterans
Aroldis Chapman, another iconic name in contemporary baseball, transitioned to the bullpen in 2010 and has since become a key figure in relief pitching. Similarly, Emmanuel Clase has carved out a name for himself, saving 38 games in 41 chances. His staggering 0.59 ERA and 0.67 WHIP, along with 53 strikeouts and only seven unintentional walks over 61 1/3 innings, highlight his excellence and potential for long-term success.
Despite Clase's exceptional stats, the competitive landscape of AL pitchers includes Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans, who rank higher in AL pitcher WAR. This competitive environment underscores the depth of talent and the significant contributions of various pitchers. While Fedde has since moved to the National League, Skubal's cautious approach through September, Anderson's 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP, and Ragans' strong performances amidst recent injuries each tell their own compelling stories within the season.
The evolving role of relievers in Major League Baseball illustrates the dynamic nature of the game and the critical importance of these pitchers. From historical legends to modern-day heroes, relievers continue to redefine their impact, capturing the essence of baseball's evolving strategy and execution.