[jttpwalsh]

“Sparky” was the main man, or closer, in 1977, for The Yankees. He was so good, he won the Cy Young Award, a rare feat for a bullpen pitcher, in those days.

During the off season, The Yanks signed “Goose” Gossage, and Sparky was relegated to the role of second fiddle. in ‘78.

Graig Nettles (3b NYY) is supposed to have commented “Sparky, Cy Young, to syonara”.

That may explain his feelings ;) Thanks.

[boop]

Now THAT makes sense about Sparky's comment about "set up man". He didn't get the glory as much of closing. He just became a cog in the wheel.

I didn't know much about Lyle besides his autobiography and those Levi Garrett chewing tobacco ads.

GREAT book BTW. (The Bronx Zoo?)