Goose Gossage
Inducted:
2008
Player Stats
6-3, 180lb
190cm, 81kg
Born
July 5, 1951
Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S
Position:
Pitcher
College:
Wasson High School
Richard Michael “Goose” Gossage was an American professional baseball relief pitcher known for his intimidating presence and fastball that could reach 100 mph. He played 22 MLB seasons from 1972 to 1994, representing nine teams, including the Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, and San Diego Padres.
Gossage became one of baseball’s most dominant closers during the late 1970s and early 1980s, often pitching multiple innings to protect narrow leads. He helped the Yankees win the 1978 World Series and earned the American League’s Rolaids Relief Man Award that year. A nine-time All-Star, Gossage finished his career with 310 saves, 1,502 strikeouts, and a 3.01 ERA.
He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008, recognizing his major influence on the development of modern relief pitching.
Gossage's Awards and Honors
- 9× All-Star (1975–1978, 1980–1982, 1984, 1985)
- World Series champion (1978)
- AL Rolaids Relief Man Award (1978)
- 3× AL saves leader (1975, 1978, 1980)
MLB Records
- Recorded 310 saves, ranking fourth in MLB history
- Finished with 1,002 MLB games, ranking among the top five all-time
- Recorded eight postseason saves in World Series play
- Pitched 1,556⅔ innings in relief, ranking among the top five in MLB history
MLB Teams
Chicago White Sox (1972–1976)
Pittsburgh Pirates (1977)
New York Yankees (1978–1983,1989)
San Diego Padres (1984–1987)
Chicago Cubs (1988)
San Francisco Giants (1989)
Texas Rangers (1991)
Oakland Athletics (1992–1993)
Seattle Mariners (1994)
MLB Draft
1970, 9th round (198th overall)
Chicago White Sox
Number Worn
54
MLB Stats
Seasons:
22 (1972-1994)
Games:
1,002
Wins:
124
Losses:
107
Games Started:
37
Complete Games:
16
Saves:
310
Innings Pitched:
1,809.1
Hits:
1,497
Runs:
670
Earned Runs:
605
Home Runs Allowed:
119
Walks:
732
Strikeouts:
1,502
ERA:
3.01
WHIP:
1.232