Tom Gordon

Thomas Gordon (born November 18, 1967 in Sebring, Florida), nicknamed "Flash", is a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher who plays for the New York Yankees. Previously, he played with the Kansas City Royals (1988-95), Boston Red Sox (1996-99), Chicago Cubs (2001-02), Houston Astros (2002) and Chicago White Sox (2003). He signed with the Yankees before the 2004 season.

Related Topics:
November 18 - 1967 - Sebring, Florida - Major League Baseball - Pitcher - New York Yankees - Kansas City Royals - Boston Red Sox - Chicago Cubs - Houston Astros - Chicago White Sox

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Gordon started his career as a Royal, and was signed away by Boston where he was converted from a starter to a closer. In 1998, Gordon set the club's single-season saves record (46) and was named to his first All-Star Team. His success continued in 1999 setting a major league record with his 54th consecutive save in June, but a nagging elbow injury limited him to just 21 appearances, which required Tommy John surgery that forced him to spend 2000 on the disabled list.

Related Topics:
Starter - Closer - All-Star - Tommy John surgery

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After stops in Houston and both sides of Chicago, Gordon landed in New York. He has been an invaluable adittion to the Yankees bullpen, serving as a set-up for closer Mariano Rivera, or as a middle reliever in tough situations. Basically, Gordon is a 95-MPH fastball thrower and his success is tied to when and how often he uses his excellent curve. In the past two seasons, Gordon has made increasingly effective use of a power cut fastball and slider.

Related Topics:
Bullpen - Set-up - Mariano Rivera - Middle reliever - Fastball - Curve - Cut fastball - Slider

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Gordon has compiled a career 122-111 record with 1733 strikeouts, a 3.99 ERA, 114 saves, and 1896.2 innings in 671 games (203 as a starter).

Related Topics:
Strikeout - ERA - Saves

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~