Long Time Flame Thrower Goose Gossage Should Be in Cooperstown

Best Player Not in Baseball's Hall of Fame - Relief Pitcher

With baseball's Hall of Fame induction weekend coming up quickly, it is time to take a look at some players that should be in the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York but are not. This article will look at relief pitcher Goose Gossage, the best relief pitcher not in the Hall of Fame.

The case for Gossage
Goose Gossage saved 310 games in his career. He was the second relief pitcher to record 300 saves, following Rollie Fingers. He made nine All-Star teams. He was a closer before the age of one inning closers. Often times Gossage was required to get more than three outs to close out a game. A similar and perhaps inferior reliever, Bruce Sutter, was voted into the Hall of Fame already. Gossage was effective in the post-season, especially in 1981 when he didn't allow a run in 14-1/3 innings pitched. He was the picture of a flame throwing reliever, averaging nearly 7.5 strikeouts per nine innings pitched.

The case against Gossage
The only negative against Gossage is that his save total now looks small compared to the recent run of closers that pitch one inning and get a save. Currently, he ranks 17th all time with his 310 saves. Such a knock against him is unfounded given the way the role of the closer has evolved since Gossage was in his prime. The aforementioned Fingers and Sutter along with Dan Quisenberry, Mike Marshall and other top relievers of the era came in with the game on the line, many times with runner on base. Nowadays, closers are held back to start the 9th inning, needing only three outs to close out the game.

Hall of Fame Voting History
Gossage received strong support starting with 166 votes during his first year on the ballot in 2000. In 2007 he received 388 votes, which was 71.2% of the ballots cast. In order to be inducted, he needed 75%. He missed by just 21 votes.

Hall of Fame Outlook
Gossage will get in. It will probably be next year. In 2008 there are no new candidates on the ballot who will easily gain election to the Hall on their first try. Tim Raines is the most likely one for next year. In 2009 only Rickey Henderson is a lock to make it on the first try. If Gossage doesn't gain induction in either 2008 or 2009, I'll be very surprised