22 years ago today, before some of us were born, Rich ‘Goose’ Gossage signed a free agent contract with the Yankees for 6 years/$2.75 million (Wow, wasn’t he a bargain!). As a reliever he was elected to play in 8 All Star games, a record that would stand until Mariano Rivera passed him in 2008. Gossage, like Mariano, typically employed only one pitch, a fastball that sat in between the mid 90’s-102 mph. However, at times he would use a slurve or a change up as well.
Not only can he arguably be credited as being one of the pioneers of the closer movement, he also holds the career record for most blown saves (112). Luckily for Brad Lidge, he’s a good distance from breaking that record.
M. B. Rozell
Kevin Rozell
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