Goose Gossage Elected to Baseball's Hall of Fame

Goose Gossage's bushy mustache and on-field demeanor, backed up with a 98-102 mile per hour fastball made Gossage one of the most feared pitchers of his era. "The Goose" is widely regarded with being one of the forefathers of today's version of the bullpen closer or stopper. His pinpoint control put him into many pressure filled situations and all too often the Goose came out on top.

Richard Michael Gossage began his career with the Chicago White Sox in 1972 as a spot starter and relief pitcher. His first few seasons were mediocre and after his playing days were over, Gossage would often say he was nervous about being sent down to the minors during his first few years. Gossage's career took a turn for the better in 1975, when he recorded 9 wins and 26 saves. The White Sox decided to make him a starter in 1976 and he struggled with a 9-17 record. The Goose would never start another game after the 1976 season.

Following Goose's 1976 season, the White Sox traded the hard throwing right-hander to the Pirates in a multi-player deal. Gossage flourished with the Pirates and he began to establish himself as a premier closer, with 11 wins, 26 saves and an impressive 1.62 earned run average (ERA). Gossage parlayed his superb season into a big free agent contract, signing with the World Series champion New York Yankees.