Dennis Eckersley

Dennis Lee Eckersley (born October 3, 1954 in Oakland, California), nicknamed "Eck", was a Major League Baseball player elected to Baseball Hall of Fame in 2004 (his first year of eligibility). He enjoyed overwhelming success as both a starter and a closer and was the first pitcher in Major League history to have both a 20 win season and a 50 save season in his career. He is also noted as the pitcher who gave up Kirk Gibson's game-winning home run in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series.

Early career

Dennis was drafted by the Cleveland Indians, out of Washington High School (Fremont, CA) in the third round of the 1972 amateur draft and made his Major League debut on April 12, 1975. Dennis pitched well throughout the year, compiling a 13-7 record and 2.60 ERA, although he lost the Rookie of the Year award to MVP Fred Lynn. His unstyled, long hair and live fastball made him an instant identifiable favourite of fans.

Related Topics:
Cleveland Indians - Fremont, CA - 1972 - April 12 - 1975 - ERA - Rookie of the Year - Fred Lynn

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