Dennis Eckersley‘s 24-year career stands out as one of the finest for any pitcher in Major League Baseball. The highly decorated fireballer currently ranks fifth among all-time career save leaders. On July 25, 2004, Dennis Eckersley was honored with his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Originally drafted by the Cleveland Indians, Dennis Eckersley enjoyed a successful start to his Major League career. During his rookie year, Eckersley posted a 13-7 record en route to being named The Sporting News A.L. Rookie Pitcher of the Year. Two years later, in what would be his final season with the Indians, Dennis Eckersley hurled a no-hitter against the California Angels. Eckersley‘s early success followed him to the Boston Red Sox, where he pitched from 1978-1984 then again in 1998.
After his first tenure with the Sox, Dennis Eckersley was traded to the Oakland A’s. In Oakland, Eckersley became a closer, a switch that would set the table for Eckersley’s eventual designation as one of the best relief pitchers of all time. In 1988 during his first full year as a closer, Eckersley saved 45 games, one behind Dave Righetti’s then-Major League record. Earning numerous awards for his excellence during the season, Eckersley saved the first four post-season wins to earn MVP honors for the A.L. Championship Series. The following year, Eckersley and his teammates would go on to win the 1989 World Series. His performance during the 1992 season earned him not only the American League’s MVP, but also the coveted Cy Young Award.
Currently, Dennis Eckersley serves as a Red Sox Studio Analyst for select Boston Red Sox games. He co-hosts The Boston Globe Pre-Game Report, delivering pre-game analysis and commentary as well as the popular Red Sox post-game show W.B. Mason Extra Innings.
Off the baseball diamond, Dennis Eckersley is an active member of the community, and has served as a coach with the Massachusetts Special Olympics. Eckersley has three children and enjoys golf and music.
Categories: Local to New England, Sports, Teamwork
