Mike Marshall: A Trailblazer for Relievers
Mike Marshall’s 1974 season remains one of the most remarkable in Major League Baseball history. Setting an extraordinary standard for relief pitchers, Marshall clinched the National League Cy Young Award by logging an unprecedented 200 innings in relief. This exceptional feat established a new understanding that relievers could significantly contribute and dominate within an award category traditionally favored toward starting pitchers.
Marshall’s success heralded a new era for relievers, proving that their impact on the game was substantial enough to earn top accolades. His groundbreaking performance paved the way for subsequent relievers to compete for—and win—the prestigious Cy Young Award.
Relievers Who Followed in Marshall's Footsteps
The impact of Marshall's trailblazing season resonated throughout the following decades. Notably, Sparky Lyle captured the 1977 American League Cy Young Award, reinforcing the evolving perception that relievers could indeed be invaluable. Bruce Sutter further solidified this notion by winning the 1979 NL Cy Young, establishing himself as one of the most formidable closers of his era.
The 1980s saw continued excellence from relief pitchers. Rollie Fingers secured both the AL MVP and Cy Young in 1981, achieving these honors with 78 innings pitched. Willie Hernandez followed suit in 1984, winning both the AL MVP and Cy Young with a 1.92 ERA and 140 1/3 innings pitched. Steve Bedrosian clinched the NL Cy Young Award in 1987, recording 40 saves in 48 chances and 89 innings pitched.
Mark Davis added to the legacy of dominant relievers by capturing the 1989 NL Cy Young Award after converting 44 saves in 48 opportunities and pitching 92 2/3 innings. Then, in 1992, Dennis Eckersley claimed both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards, thriving with 80 innings of relief work.
The Lasting Impact of Eric Gagne
The early 2000s mirrored the brilliance of the preceding decades, with Eric Gagne winning the NL Cy Young Award in 2003. Gagne's dominance on the mound was evident, and his win remains significant as he is the only reliever to secure a Cy Young Award post-Eckersley.
The Modern Era of Relief Pitching
Today, the tradition of extraordinary relief pitching continues with stars like Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman. Kimbrel has been a stalwart in the bullpen since being drafted as a reliever, exemplifying consistency and excellence. Interestingly, Kimbrel did not start a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016, underscoring his commitment and specialization in relief pitching.
Chapman's career took a defining turn in 2010 when he transitioned to the bullpen, becoming one of the most feared closers in the game. Modern relievers have shown that being a dominant bullpen force can be both an art and a science.
The Rise of Emmanuel Clase
A standout in recent seasons, Emmanuel Clase has demonstrated exceptional prowess on the mound. Clase saved 38 games in 41 chances, boasting a remarkable 0.59 ERA and 0.67 WHIP. Over 61 1/3 innings, he recorded 53 strikeouts while issuing only seven unintentional walks. Clase’s performance challenges traditional metrics, as pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans rank higher than Clase in AL pitcher WAR. Despite this, Clase's efficacy in clutch situations underlines his value.
Each of these pitchers represents a link in the chain that began with Mike Marshall’s groundbreaking 1974 season. As relievers continue to redefine their roles within Major League Baseball, their contributions reflect the ongoing evolution of the game. Marshall's legacy, bolstered by the achievements of his successors, underscores the profound impact relievers have had—and continue to have—on the sport.