Goose Gossage

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He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008; He is one of the best closers to ever play professional baseball; He made nine All-Star appearances and appeared in three World Series

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Richard Michael "Goose" Gossage is one of the most iconic relief pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, known for his intimidating presence on the mound and his ability to close out games in high-pressure situations. Over a career that spanned 22 seasons from 1972 to 1994, Gossage played for nine different teams, but his most memorable years were with the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres. His fastball, combined with his signature mustache and no-nonsense demeanor, made him a feared competitor and a pioneer of the modern closer role in baseball.

Gossage's dominance as a closer was evident in his ability to lead the American League (AL) in saves three times, while finishing as the runner-up twice. By the end of the 1987 season, he ranked second in career saves, trailing only Rollie Fingers. Although his career total of 310 saves eventually dropped to fourth all-time, Gossage's impact on the game was undeniable. He also ranked third in career games pitched (1,002) and remains third in wins in relief (115) and innings pitched in relief (1,556 2/3). His 1,502 strikeouts as a reliever are second only to Hoyt Wilhelm among pitchers who primarily worked out of the bullpen.

One of Gossage's most remarkable traits was his ability to perform in crucial moments. He recorded the final out to clinch a division, league, or World Series title seven times, solidifying his reputation as a clutch performer. His consistency during the late 1970s and early 1980s was unmatched, as he never posted an earned run average (ERA) higher than 2.62 from 1977 to 1983, including an astonishing 0.77 ERA in 1981. In 1980, Gossage finished third in AL voting for both the MVP Award and the Cy Young Award, further highlighting his value to the Yankees during their division-winning season.

Gossage's contributions to the game were recognized with eight All-Star selections as a reliever, a record that stood until Mariano Rivera surpassed him in 2008. He was also selected once as a starting pitcher, showcasing his versatility. In 2008, Gossage was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest relief pitchers in MLB history. Today, Gossage remains active in the baseball community, working in broadcasting and sharing his insights on the game.

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