Before that it was pretty much expected that a pitcher go the distance.
I can certainly understand why they did go the relief pitcher route, but why did it take so long to think of this?
I know that it was a big deal to get the Rolaids "relief" firehat trophy.
But again, I think 1970s.
Heck now we have one inning specialists. Some guy who comes in, throws 101mph fastballs, then gets yanked the next inning. Still makes a couple of million per year for his efforts, though.
yep, in the 70s. Al Hrabosky, Rollie Fingers, Goose Gossage were some of them.
The Cardinals of the 80’s with I believe Tony LaRussa and the manager went to a bullpen by committee.
I remember those Rollie Fingers ads.
Early 80s, when Bruce Sutter and Lee Smith started getting those 30 saves a year is when things really started changing.
With the 5 man rotation and setup men and a closer, we’ll never see another 300 game winner.
Ever notice no one ever mentions beating Cy Young’s wins record? That is the one achievement that no one will ever come close to breaking.
Louis Arroyo was saving a bunch of games for the Yankees back in ‘61. I remember hearing a sportscaster back then announcing that Louis had signed for the ‘62 season and that the “sigh” heard from the Yankee clubhouse was really from Whitey Ford.