Mike Marshall's Legendary 1974 Season
In the world of Major League Baseball, few seasons have left as indelible a mark as Mike Marshall’s 1974 campaign. Marshall’s performance that year wasn’t just remarkable; it set a new benchmark for what a reliever could achieve. Logging an extraordinary 200 innings in relief, Marshall won the National League Cy Young Award, a feat that redefined the role of relievers in a sport traditionally dominated by starting pitchers.
Pioneers of the Pen
Marshall’s groundbreaking season paved the way for other relievers to gain recognition in an award category historically reserved for starters. The precedent he set was quickly followed by Sparky Lyle, who clinched the 1977 American League Cy Young Award. Lyle’s success demonstrated that a dominant reliever could be as valuable, if not more so, than a starting pitcher over the course of a season.
Moreover, Bruce Sutter solidified this notion by winning the 1979 NL Cy Young Award. Sutter’s performance, characterized by his lethal splitter and unyielding presence in the ninth inning, established him as one of the most formidable closers of his era.
Dual Honors for Elite Relievers
The early 1980s showcased an extraordinary trend where relievers not only excelled but also dominated the major awards. Rollie Fingers made history in 1981 by securing both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards with just 78 innings pitched. His dominance underscored the significant impact a reliever could have on a team’s success.
Just a few years later, Willie Hernandez mirrored this achievement in 1984, earning both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards. Hernandez, with his 1.92 ERA and 140 1/3 innings pitched, was instrumental in leading his team to an outstanding season.
Continued Success and Changing Dynamics
Steve Bedrosian's 1987 NL Cy Young Award win demonstrated the continuing evolution and effectiveness of the bullpen. Bedrosian saved 40 games in 48 chances and pitched 89 innings, proving that relievers were becoming essential components of any championship-caliber roster.
The trend persisted as Mark Davis captured the 1989 NL Cy Young Award, converting 44 saves in 48 opportunities and pitching 92 2/3 innings. Such performances underscored the critical role of relievers in high-stakes situations and the growing reliance on them for closing out games.
In 1992, Dennis Eckersley further augmented the prestige of relievers by claiming both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards. His 80 innings of relief work were marked by exceptional control and poise, sealing his place among the greatest closers in baseball history.
The Modern Era of Closers
However, since Eckersley, only one reliever has managed to secure a Cy Young Award: Eric Gagne in 2003. Gagne’s season remains legendary, as he was untouchable in the closer role, setting a standard of excellence that few have since approached.
Among modern relievers, Craig Kimbrel stands out as a bullpen mainstay. Drafted as a reliever, Kimbrel has not started a single game in the minors except for a rehabilitation stint in 2016. His consistency and reliability have made him one of the most respected figures in the game.
Aroldis Chapman made his transition to the bullpen in 2010 and quickly became known for his blistering fastballs and ability to dominate hitters in late-inning situations. Chapman’s move to the bullpen has been a key factor in his success and longevity in the major leagues.
The Emergence of Emmanuel Clase
One of the latest stars to emerge in the realm of elite relievers is Emmanuel Clase. With 38 saves in 41 chances, Clase has proven to be a reliable closer. His impressive statistics—a 0.59 ERA, a 0.67 WHIP, and 53 strikeouts against only seven unintentional walks over 61 1/3 innings—underscore his dominance on the mound.
Despite Clase's standout performances, pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans rank higher in the AL pitcher WAR category. Fedde has since moved to the National League, Skubal is taking a cautious approach through September, Anderson pitches with a 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP, and Ragans continues his strong outings despite recent injuries.
The landscape of baseball continues to evolve, but the contributions of elite relievers like Marshall, Fingers, Hernandez, and Clase remain indelible markers of how the role of a reliever has transformed over the decades. Their performances have not only captivated fans but have also significantly impacted the strategies and outcomes of games, proving that dominance can indeed come from the bullpen.