Mike Marshall's 1974 season remains one of the most remarkable in Major League Baseball history. In a year that showcased his extraordinary endurance and skill, Marshall clinched the National League Cy Young Award by working an astounding 200 innings in relief. This historic achievement set a precedent, proving that relievers could contribute significantly and dominate in a mostly starter-centric award category.
The Legacy of Award-Winning Relievers
Marshall’s trailblazing performance in 1974 opened the door for future relievers to receive top honors in baseball. Sparky Lyle followed suit, capturing the 1977 American League Cy Young Award. Two years later, Bruce Sutter established himself as one of the most formidable closers of his era by winning the 1979 NL Cy Young Award. These victories underscored the evolving importance of relievers in a game traditionally dominated by starters.
The achievements of relievers continued into the 1980s with Rollie Fingers securing both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards in 1981, pitching 78 innings in relief. Willie Hernandez matched this dual accomplishment in 1984, boasting a 1.92 ERA and pitching 140 1/3 innings. Their performances illustrated the critical role relievers play, not just in closing out games, but in maintaining a high level of excellence throughout the season.
A Continuing Trend
Steve Bedrosian’s 1987 NL Cy Young Award, earned with 40 saves in 48 chances and 89 innings pitched, further solidified the importance of strong bullpen contributions. The trend continued with Mark Davis winning the 1989 NL Cy Young Award after converting 44 saves in 48 opportunities and pitching 92 2/3 innings. These seasons reflected the growing appreciation for relievers' impact on the game.
The 1990s saw Dennis Eckersley dominate with both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards in 1992, thanks to his 80 innings of relief work. Eckersley’s dual honors are particularly significant, showcasing a reliever's ability to influence a game long regarded as the domain of starters. However, since Eckersley's triumph, only Eric Gagne has managed to win a Cy Young Award in relief, securing the 2003 NL Cy Young Award and remaining the only reliever post-Eckersley to achieve such a distinction.
Modern Relievers Carving Their Paths
The evolution and significance of relievers continue to be highlighted by players like Craig Kimbrel, who has been a stalwart in the bullpen since being drafted. Kimbrel's commitment to the role is evident as he did not start a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016. Similarly, Aroldis Chapman has been making waves since transitioning to the bullpen in 2010, further emphasizing the specialization and critical nature of the relief role.
In recent performances, Emmanuel Clase has emerged as a standout reliever, saving 38 games in 41 chances with a commendable 0.59 ERA and 0.67 WHIP. Clase's dominance is reflected in his 53 strikeouts and only seven unintentional walks over 61 1/3 innings. However, it is important to note that despite Clase's impressive performance on the mound, pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans rank higher than Clase in AL pitcher WAR, adding a layer of complexity to the evaluation of relievers versus starters.
The Future of Relief Pitching
The landscape of professional baseball continues to evolve, with relief pitchers playing increasingly pivotal roles in team strategies and successes. Fedde's transition to the National League, Skubal's cautious approach through September, Anderson's performance with a 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP, and Ragans' expected continued strong performances despite recent injury all underscore the diverse challenges and triumphs facing pitchers today, whether they start or come in to close out the game.
As the sport progresses, the legacy of exceptional relievers, cemented by the landmark achievements of players like Mike Marshall, Rollie Fingers, and Dennis Eckersley, continues to inspire and influence the game. The contributions of modern-day bullpen stalwarts like Craig Kimbrel, Aroldis Chapman, and Emmanuel Clase highlight the ongoing evolution and importance of the relief role in Major League Baseball.