The Ten Most Outstanding MLB Relief Pitchers Throughout History

Introduction

10.) Robb Nen

• Robb Nen was part of teams such as the Texas Rangers, Florida Marlins, and San Francisco Giants during his career.
• World Series Champion (1997)
• National League Saves Leader (2001)

9.) Troy Percival

• Troy Percival had stints with the California/Anaheim Angels, the Detroit Tigers, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Tampa Bay Rays.
• World Series Champion (2002)
• 4 Time MLB All Star (1996, 1998, 1999, 2001)

8.) Billy Wagner

• Billy Wagner was associated with several teams, including the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Atlanta Braves.
• Recipient of the National League Rolaids Relief Man Award in 1999
• Achieved a remarkable combined no-hitter on June 11, 2003

7.) Bruce Sutter

• Bruce Sutter was a player for the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, and Atlanta Braves.
• World Series Champion (1982)
• National League Cy Young Award (1979)

6.) Trevor Hoffman

• Trevor Hoffman played for the Florida Marlins, San Diego Padres, and Milwaukee Brewers during his MLB journey.
• Winner of the National League Rolaids Relief Man Award twice, in 1998 and 2006
• 2 Time National League Saves Leader (1998, 2006)

5.) Lee Smith

• Lee Smith had an extensive career, playing for the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, California Angels, Cincinnati Reds, and Montreal Expos.
• 3 Time Rolaids Relief Man Award (1991, 1992, 1994)
• 4 Time Saves Leader (1983, 1991, 1992, 1994)

4.) Rich “Goose” Gossage

• Rich 'Goose' Gossage played for numerous teams including the Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, Fukuoka Daiei Hawks, Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics, and Seattle Mariners.
• World Series Champion (1978)
• Honored with the American League Rolaids Relief Man Award in 1978

3.) Rollie Fingers

• Rollie Fingers represented the Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, and Milwaukee Brewers during his playing days.
• 3 Time World Series Champion (1972, 1973, 1974)
• American League MVP (1981)

2.) Dennis Eckersley

• Dennis Eckersley wore the uniforms of the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, and St. Louis Cardinals over his career.
• World Series Champion (1989)
• American League MVP (1992)

1.) Mariano Rivera

• Mariano Rivera was a key pitcher for the New York Yankees from 1995 until his retirement in 2013.
• 5 Time World Series Champion (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2009)
• MLB Record 652 Career Saves

Written by: David Green