Kansas City Royals Mount Rushmore
By David Hill
Bret Saberhagen (1984-1991)
A top pitcher for the Kansas City Royals, Bret Saberhagen had a tendency to pitch well in odd years, although he would struggle in those even seasons.
Saberhagen was a two time All Star with the Royals, and won two Cy Young awards. Interestingly, neither of his All Star selections came in those seasons, despite his overall brilliance. He was a workhorse, with four seasons of over 200 innings, and won 20 games in a season twice. In 1989, Saberhagen led the American League with 23 wins, a 2.16 ERA, 12 complete games, and 262.1 innings pitched.
He was at his best during the 1985 World Series, Saberhagen won both of his starts, allowing just one run on 11 hits and one walk. In his 18 innings, he struck out ten batters, as he threw a complete game in each contest. His dominant shutout in Game Seven clinched the championship, as he was named the World Series MVP.
Overall during his time with the Royals, Saberhagen posted a solid 110-78 record, along with a 3.21 ERA and a 1.134 WHiP. In his 1660.1 innings, Saberhagen struck out 1093 batters. Known for his incredible control, he issued only 331 walks. Saberhagen led the league in strikeout to walk rate twice during his time with the Royals, foreshadowing his incredible 1994 campaign when he was with the Mets. That year, he struck out 143 batters, and issued only 13 walks in 177.1 innings.
Bret Saberhagen pitched one of the most important games in Kansas City Royals history, helping them to their first title. His name will remain carved into the history of the franchise.