American Hall of Famer who transformed the closer role by revolutionising relief pitching, combining an exceptional fastball and slider with legendary mental toughness to produce 390 career saves and a 1992 Cy Young Award.
Dennis Eckersley is one of baseball's most remarkable pitching stories — a starter who became one of the most dominant closers in history. After battling alcoholism, he was traded to Oakland and reinvented himself with Bob Gibson-like numbers as a closer. The 1992 AL MVP and Cy Young winner, his combination of exceptional control — virtually no walks — and elite fastball produced seasons for the ages.
Hall of Fame pitcher who successfully transitioned from starter to closer, known for his slider and dominant relief pitching
How They Played
Power pitcher with devastating slider, intimidating presence on mound
Lasting Impact
One of few players to excel as both starter and closer, World Series champion, Hall of Famer