Mike Marshall's Defining 1974 Season: A Reliever's Impact on MLB
In the world of Major League Baseball, relievers are often seen as the unsung heroes, coming in to save the day when starters falter. However, a few exceptional relievers have managed to rise beyond their role, capturing prestigious accolades and rewriting the narrative of their contributions. One such iconic season was Mike Marshall’s 1974 campaign, which remains one of the sport's most remarkable accomplishments.
Marshall's exceptional performance that year saw him working an astounding 200 innings in relief, a feat that earned him the National League Cy Young Award. This historic achievement set a meaningful precedent, demonstrating that relievers could not only contribute significantly but also dominate an award category traditionally reserved for starters. His performance opened the door for other relievers to be recognized for their critical roles in securing victories for their teams.
Pioneers in Reliever Recognition
Following in Marshall's footsteps, Sparky Lyle won the American League Cy Young Award in 1977. His success showcased the growing appreciation for relievers in baseball. Bruce Sutter's victory in the 1979 National League Cy Young Awards solidified his status as one of the era's most formidable closers, cementing the place of relievers in the spotlight.
The trend continued with Rollie Fingers, who secured both the American League MVP and Cy Young Awards in 1981 with 78 innings pitched. Fingers' dual accolades emphasized the impact that an exceptional reliever could have on the game.
In 1984, Willie Hernandez replicated Fingers' feat, winning both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards with a notable 1.92 ERA over 140 1/3 innings pitched. Similarly, Steve Bedrosian clinched the NL Cy Young Award in 1987, thanks to his impressive 40 saves in 48 chances and 89 innings pitched. Mark Davis followed suit, winning the 1989 NL Cy Young Award after converting 44 saves in 48 opportunities while pitching 92 2/3 innings.
The list of relievers who achieved greatness wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Dennis Eckersley. In 1992, Eckersley claimed both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards with his 80 innings of relief work, further proving the elite proficiency of relievers in high-pressure situations.
Re-emergence of Bullpen Dominance
After Eckersley, the prominence of relievers in the Cy Young conversation waned until Eric Gagne's remarkable season in 2003. Gagne's performance earned him the NL Cy Young Award, making him the only reliever post-Eckersley to secure the prestigious honor. His success once again highlighted the critical role of the bullpen in a team's success.
Present-day stalwarts like Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman have continued to solidify the importance of the bullpen. Kimbrel, who has been a consistent force since being drafted as a reliever, did not start a single game in the minors until a rehabilitation stint in 2016. Chapman, transitioning to the bullpen in 2010, quickly became one of the most intimidating closers in the league.
The Next Generation
Emmanuel Clase, with his dominant 2021 season, saved 38 games in 41 chances, boasting a remarkable 0.59 ERA and a 0.67 WHIP. Recording 53 strikeouts and only seven unintentional walks over 61 1/3 innings, Clase emerged as a key player in the bullpen. Despite such success, pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, and Cole Ragans rank higher than Clase in AL pitcher WAR, showcasing a new era of talent.
Fedde’s transition to the National League, Skubal’s cautious approach through September, Anderson’s performance with a 4.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP, and Ragans’ continued strong performances despite recent injury all mark the dynamic landscape of pitching, both in starting and relieving roles.
Marshall’s groundbreaking 1974 season and the subsequent achievements by relievers like Lyle, Sutter, Fingers, Hernandez, Bedrosian, Davis, Eckersley, Gagne, and modern-day stars like Kimbrel, Chapman, and Clase reflect the evolving recognition of the bullpen’s value. As baseball continues to evolve, the contributions of these pivotal players remind us that greatness can emerge from any role on the field.