Mike Marshall’s 1974 season is etched into the annals of Major League Baseball as one of the most extraordinary in history. His superhuman effort that year not only won him the National League Cy Young Award but also redefined the possibilities for relievers in a field traditionally dominated by starting pitchers. Marshall’s 200 innings in relief set the benchmark, marking him a trailblazer for future generations of bullpen stars.
A Shift in the Cy Young Landscape
The Cy Young Award, typically monopolized by starting pitchers due to their command over more innings, saw a paradigm shift thanks to Marshall’s feat. Just three years later, Sparky Lyle captured the 1977 American League Cy Young Award, adding credence to the belief that relievers could significantly impact a season and earn recognition accordingly.
Bruce Sutter upheld the trend by winning the 1979 National League Cy Young, cementing his reputation as one of the most formidable closers of his era. The precedent set by these relievers, each making an indelible impact, demonstrated that their contributions could indeed dominate in a landscape previously skewed toward starters.
Dual Honors: MVP and Cy Young
Few relievers have ascended to the heights of winning both the MVP and Cy Young Awards in a single season. Rollie Fingers achieved this dual honor in 1981, with an impressive 78 innings pitched, a testament to his incandescent performance from the bullpen. Willie Hernandez followed suit in 1984, notching a remarkable 1.92 ERA over 140 1/3 innings.
The list of relievers attaining both honors is short but prestigious. Among them, Dennis Eckersley stands out, having claimed the awards in 1992, thanks to his stellar 80 innings of relief work. Each of these pitchers showcased the profound difference a dominant closer could make, altering the dynamics on the field and in award voting.
Consistency in the Bullpen
Steve Bedrosian clinched the National League Cy Young Award in 1987, saving 40 games from 48 chances across 89 innings pitched. Mark Davis continued the trend by winning the 1989 NL Cy Young Award, boasting 44 saves in 48 opportunities and a 92 2/3-inning workload. These achievements underscored the emerging value of reliable relievers in critical late-game scenarios.
In modern contexts, Eric Gagne won the 2003 NL Cy Young Award, the most recent reliever to achieve this feat post-Eckersley. Gagne’s award solidified his status as an enduring figure in baseball lore, underscoring the lasting influence of elite bullpen performance.
The Modern Day Relievers
Since Gagne’s triumph, the scene has seen stalwarts like Craig Kimbrel, who has been a dominant figure in the bullpen ever since his days in the minors. Notably, Kimbrel did not start a single game in the minors until a 2016 rehabilitation stint, affirming his destined role as a reliever from the outset.
Aroldis Chapman also made a significant transition, moving to the bullpen in 2010, where he has been a formidable presence. Emmanuel Clase is another exemplary reliever, saving 38 games from 41 chances. His staggering statistics—a 0.59 ERA and 0.67 WHIP, with 53 strikeouts against only seven unintentional walks over 61 1/3 innings—have positioned him as a crucial asset in the bullpen.
Comparing Metrics and Current Standings
Despite Clase's exceptional performance, his ranking in AL pitcher WAR falls behind pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans. Each of these pitchers has their own narrative arc this season. Fedde, transitioning to the National League, and Skubal, who is expected to adopt a cautious approach through September, reflect diverse strategies within the league. Anderson, with a 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP, and Ragans, continuing strong performances despite recent injuries, underscore the range of starting pitcher contributions.
In conclusion, the role of the reliever has evolved tremendously since Mike Marshall’s pioneering 1974 season. From securing individual awards to cementing their critical roles in game strategies, elite relievers have repeatedly proven their worth. As the game continues to evolve, the bullpen remains an arena where legends are born and the game’s dynamic nature is most vividly demonstrated.