Mike Marshall’s Historic 1974 Season: A Benchmark for Relievers
Mike Marshall’s 1974 season remains one of the most remarkable campaigns in Major League Baseball history. Marshall’s unprecedented 200 innings pitched in relief earned him the National League Cy Young Award, establishing a new paradigm where relievers could be seen as dominant forces in a realm traditionally dominated by starters. This historic achievement demonstrated that relief pitchers could significantly influence the outcome of a season, and set a precedent for future generations.
Trailblazers of Relief Pitching
Following Marshall's groundbreaking performance, other relievers began to garner similar recognition. Sparky Lyle secured the 1977 American League Cy Young Award, marking another milestone for relief pitchers. Bruce Sutter, one of the most formidable closers of his era, captured the 1979 NL Cy Young, further solidifying the place of relievers among the game's elite.
Rollie Fingers added to this legacy by winning both the AL MVP and Cy Young Award in 1981 after compiling 78 innings of dominant relief pitching. Willie Hernandez mirrored this feat in 1984, boasting a remarkable 1.92 ERA over 140 1/3 innings to win both coveted awards. Their achievements cemented the role of a closer not just as a bullpen staple but also as a critical asset for championship-contending teams.
The Clinchers of the Late '80s and Early '90s
Steve Bedrosian’s stellar 1987 season earned him the NL Cy Young, thanks to 40 saves in 48 chances and 89 innings of precision work. Mark Davis followed suit in 1989, converting 44 saves in 48 opportunities and pitching 92 2/3 innings to clinch the NL Cy Young Award.
One of the most memorable seasons came in 1992 when Dennis Eckersley won both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards, with exceptional performance over 80 innings of relief work. Eckersley’s dominance in the closer role epitomized the value that an elite reliever could bring to a team.
The Modern Era of Relief Stars
The prominence of relief pitchers in Cy Young voting saw a notable pause until Eric Gagne reinvigorated the role with his unforgettable 2003 season. Gagne emerged as a dominant force, clinching the NL Cy Young Award and establishing himself as the most recent reliever to earn this honor post-Eckersley. His performances were a testament to the incredible impact a reliever could make in a season.
In recent years, Craig Kimbrel has been a beacon of consistency since being drafted directly as a reliever. Kimbrel’s journey is unique in that he didn’t start a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016. Aroldis Chapman also transitioned to the bullpen in 2010 and became one of the most formidable closers of his generation.
Emmanuel Clase: The New Contender
More recently, Emmanuel Clase has emerged as a dominant force in the bullpen. Clase saved 38 games in 41 chances, with an astounding 0.59 ERA and 0.67 WHIP. His 53 strikeouts against just seven unintentional walks over 61 1/3 innings put him in an elite class of modern-day relievers.
Despite his impressive stats, pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans rank higher in the American League pitcher WAR standings. Fedde has transitioned to the National League, while Skubal is expected to proceed with a cautious approach through September. Anderson's contributions include a 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP, whereas Ragans is projected to continue his strong performances despite recent injuries.
Legacy and Impact
The history and ongoing achievements of these relief pitchers underscore the significant evolution of the role within Major League Baseball. From Mike Marshall’s historic 200 innings in 1974 to Emmanuel Clase’s current dominance, relievers have proven that their impact on the game is invaluable. As the importance of bullpen strength continues to gain recognition, these pitchers' contributions remain a vital aspect of their teams' success.