The best closers in MLB history: 10. Goose Gossage
- 310 total saves
- 2.77 ERA (as reliever)
- 2008 Hall of Fame Inductee
Another dominant reliever best known for his longevity and his time in New York. Richard “Goose” Gossage played 22 seasons in the MLB while spending his best seven with the New York Yankees. He was inducted into Baseball’s Hall of Fame in 2008.
Gossage began his 22-year career with the White Sox in 1972. He bounced between the back end of the bullpen and starting games during his tenure in Chicago including his first All-Star appearance in 1975. Gossage led the big leagues with 26 saves that season with a 1.84 ERA before management opted to send him back to starting games. But, he was much more comfortable closing things out.
From 1977-1986, while operating as a full-time reliever, Gossage recorded 10-straight seasons with at least 18 saves. He recorded 248 saves in that run and owned a 2.27 ERA and 2.65 FIP. Equipped with his infamous horseshoe mustache, Gossage came at hitters with an intimidating scowl and one of the most-feared fastballs ever. This heater reached 100 mph at times, and Yankees fans loved every minute of it.
Gossage spent six seasons in the midst of his career with the Yankees and was unstoppable. He pitched to a 2.10 ERA and 2.59 FIP during that stretch, while recording an average of 25 saves per season. He earned nine All-Star appearances throughout his Hall of Fame career and won the 1978 World Series title during his first year in New York.