TODAY IN BASEBALL TAKES US BACK TO APRIL 3, 1987, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. After two and a half mediocre seasons the Chicago Cubs got veteran right-handed starting pitcher Dennis Eckersley off their hands. He was traded to the Oakland A’s for three minor leaguers. This was just before Eckersley turned his life, and his pitching career, around. The Cubs unloaded Eckersley at the wrong time.
Up to that point, Eckersley had won 165 games in 12 seasons, mostly with the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians. He was a mediocre 27-26 for the Cubs over 3 years. The Cubs thought Eckersley’s best days were behind him. He lost more games than he won in ’86, and personal demons caught up with him. Eckersley checked himself into an alcoholism treatment center after the season.
"Eck" didn't turn a corner, he made a complete about-face. A sober Dennis Eckersley was just getting started-on a second career as a reliever. He would go on to become one of the most dominant closers in history.
The trade to Oakland hit as hard as a hangover. “I’m in shock,” said Eckersley, but he realized a change of scenery can’t hurt, “It’s always nice to get into a new atmosphere. You get pumped up and you’ve got something to prove to other people.” And prove something he did.
“Eck” didn’t turn a corner, he made a complete about-face. A sober Dennis Eckersley was just getting started on a second career as a reliever. He would go on to become one of the most dominant closers in history.
In his first 12 seasons he started 359 games and saved 3. In his last 12 seasons he saved 387 and started 2.
Top ten Saves leaders in history (as of the start of the 2018 season):
- Mariano Rivera 652
- Trevor Hoffman 601
- Lee Smith 478
- Francisco Rodriguez 437
- John Franco 424
- Billy Wagner 422
- Dennis Eckersley 390
- Jo Nathan 377
- Jonathan Papelbon 368
- Jeff Reardon 367
Impress your friends at your next baseball trivia party; Who went ten years without recording a save but ended up in the Hall of Fame as a closer? He could have entered the HOF as a Cub, but the Cubs traded him at the wrong time.
Contributing Sources:
MLB Saves leaders
Chicago Tribune, April 4, 1987
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