'Goose' redefined relief pitcher's role Jul 28, 2008
Gossage, a nine-time All-Star, joins Bruce Sutter, Hoyt Wilhelm, Rollie Fingers and Dennis Eckersley as relievers in Cooperstown. All rights reserved. (News & Observer -- Sports)
The 'Disciplinarian' Jul 27, 2008
"Hall of Fame pitcher Rollie Fingers played for Williams in Oakland and West Palm Beach. Fingers said Williams' approach helped make the pitcher a Hall of Famer."If he didn't like something I did he'd jump my hind side," Fingers said. "It was more the mental errors than the physical errors. If he gets on you in front of your teammates then you remember. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Nack: Gossage wanted to blow 'em all away Jul 27, 2008
Of the big closers who preceded him to the Hall, including Rollie Fingers (341 saves) and Bruce Sutter (300 saves), Gossage was by far the most fearsome and intimidating, the guy you'd really want facing Yaz in the bottom of the ninth. Gossage was the last of a special breed: the durable closer who often pitched as many as three innings to earn a save, a practice unheard of today. (ESPN -- Baseball)
Gossage relieved, finally in the Hall Jul 27, 2008
" Gossage finished his career as a Seattle Mariner in 1994 with a 124-107 record, 1,502 strikeouts and 3.01 ERA in 1,002 games. He ranks third in both wins in relief (115) and innings pitched in relief (1,556). Of his 310 career saves, Gossage worked more than two innings 52 times (by comparison, prior to the 2008 season, Yankees closer Mariano Rivera had done that just once in 443 saves and San Diego's Trevor Hoffman, the career saves leader, has never done it) and recorded at least six outs in... (Athens Banner-Herald)
Gossage elected for impact on game Jul 26, 2008
He will follow Hoyt Wilhelm and three others from his own era -- Rollie Fingers, Dennis Eckersley and Bruce Sutter. All except Sutter were starters at some point in their stellar careers. (MLB.com -- Chi White Sox White Sox)
They were catalysts in 1984 Jul 26, 2008
Rare and difficult as it's been for closers to get elected to Cooperstown, two of those in the Hall of Fame will have pitched for Williams in a World Series, the other being Rollie Fingers with the A's. Only after the enshrinement of Bruce Sutter two years ago, however, did voters thaw toward Gossage's eligibility. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Pine Tar Game nets no sticking points Jul 24, 2008
07/23/2008 2:58 PM ET Pine Tar Game holds no sticking points Brett, Gossage recall infamous contest on its silver anniversary By Dick Kaegel / MLB.com. The infamous Pine Tar Incident. (MLB.com -- Kansas City Royals)
Williams' ways were basis for 0000284Ahis managerial success Jul 23, 2008
Williams, who would later manage such Hall of Famers as Reggie Jackson, Jim "Catfish" Hunter, Rollie Fingers, Nolan Ryan, Gary Carter, Tony Gwynn and Goose Gossage, called Yaz's feat in '67 the greatest single season he ever saw a player have. In 1984, Williams became only the second manager in history to take three franchises to the World Series when the San Diego Padres won their first pennant, in their 16th season, but lost to the Detroit Tigers in five games. (MLB.com -- Boston Red Sox)
Q&A: Mariner goes one-on-one with Coach Al Kazlousky Jul 19, 2008
Country Way s most famous Lithuanian son recently took time out to talk about the new park, Scituate basketball and a mustache that would make Rollie Fingers blush. What do you think about Kazlousky Park. (Scituate Mariner, MA)
Lee delivers in Classic opportunity Jul 16, 2008
Lee strutted out and shook hands with Dennis Eckersley, Bob Feller, Rollie Fingers, Steve Carlton, Bob Gibson, Ferguson Jenkins, Juan Marichal, Phil Niekro, Jim Palmer, Gaylord Perry, Goose Gossage, Sandy Koufax, Whitey Ford, Robin Roberts, Don Sutton and Bruce Sutter. "It was surreal seeing that many Hall of Fame pitchers in front of my face and getting to shake their hands," Lee said. (MLB.com -- Cleveland Indians)
QUESTIONS FOR HALL OF FAMER MIKE SCHMIDT Jul 15, 2008
My most vivid memory is winning the 1981 All-Star game with a homerun off of Rollie Fingers. That was a unique All-Star game. (USA Today -- Sports)
Hank Aaron King of All-Stars Jul 15, 2008
Rollie Fingers (P), 1981. Jim Sundberg (C), 1984. (Milwaukee, TheInsiders.com)
Morrow confident despite recent trouble Jul 14, 2008
Beltre scores go-ahead run. Clement's two-run homer. (MLB.com -- Seattle Mariners)
Facial hair endearing Collmenter to fans Jul 13, 2008
Rollie Fingers and the Oakland A's of the 1970s were defined, outside of their success, by their facial hair. This week, the American Mustache Institute backed Jason Giambi's campaign to make the All-Star Game. (MLB.com -- Arizona Diamondbacks)
Something's brewin' Jul 8, 2008
" Melvin called it "probably one of the biggest trades" he has made at or near the July trade deadline in 13 years of general managing, and it's unquestionably one of the biggest trades, period, in Brewers franchise history -- right up there with the December 1980, deal in which then-GM Harry Dalton acquired catcher Ted Simmons, starter Pete Vuckovich and reliever Rollie Fingers from St. Louis for outfielder Sixto Lezcano pitchers Lary Sorenson and Dave LaPoint and prospect David Green. That... (CBS News)
Wanted: Puck mover or two Jul 6, 2008
Heck, Bowie Kuhn once raised a flag over this kind of behavior, preventing Charlie Finley from selling Rollie Fingers and Joe Rudi to the Red Sox, ruling it was not "in the best interests of baseball." To see the Maple Leafs finger Finger as their guy, I mean, what's happening up there. At some point doesn't Gary Bettman step in for the good of the game, before Blue and White Nation uppercuts him and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment with a class-action suit. (Boston Globe)
Beyond the box score Jun 28, 2008
And four future Hall of Famers played on the 1978 Padres -- Dave Winfield, Ozzie Smith, Gaylord Perry (who won the Cy Young Award that season) and Rollie Fingers. WHO'S HOT. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Interleague: Roundup for Tuesday Jun 26, 2008
Troy Percival walked four Marlins in the ninth but still managed his 18th save in 20th chances and No. 342 of his career, moving him past Rollie Fingers for ninth on the career list. Jorge Cantu had two hits for the Marlins, who fell to 32-3 when leading after seven innings. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
It's like old times for Pirates Jun 25, 2008
Rays 6, Marlins 4 - Dioner Navarro and Eric Hinske drew bases-loaded walks in the eighth inning, Evan Longoria hit a two-run double in the ninth, and Troy Percival earned his 342d save - moving him past Rollie Fingers for ninth place - despite walking four batters in visiting Tampa Bay's win over Florida. Twins 3, Padres 1 - Brendan Harris and Brian Buscher hit solo home runs on consecutive pitches against Trevor Hoffman (1-5) in the ninth inning, and visiting Minnesota won its seventh straight. (Boston Globe)
Cubs finally lose at home; Ump hurt by broken bat Jun 25, 2008
Troy Percival walked four Marlins in the ninth but still managed his 18th save this season and No. 342 of his career, moving him past Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers for ninth place. Tigers 8, Cardinals 4. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Baseball Capsules Jun 25, 2008
Troy Percival walked four Marlins in the ninth but still managed his 18th save in 20th chances and No. 342 of his career, moving him past Rollie Fingers for ninth place. Florida starter Scott Olsen allowed two runs and four hits in seven innings but left without a win for the ninth straight time dating to May 6. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Shields looks to get back in win column Jun 25, 2008
7:10 p.m. ET By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com. MIAMI -- James Shields enters Wednesday night's game looking for a change of pace. (MLB.com -- Tampa Bay Devil Rays)
Tigers' Jones credits game plan Jun 24, 2008
Rollie Fingers and Troy Percival are tied for ninth at 341. "Closers, they've got a real tough life, really," manager Jim Leyland said. (MLB.com -- Detroit Tigers)
INTERLEAGUE Zambrano hurt in Cubs' loss Jun 19, 2008
Troy Percival went one inning to earn his 17th save in 19 opportunities and tie Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers for ninth place on the career list with 341. Mets 5, Angels 4: Jerry Manuel got his first win managing New York when it rallied in the ninth inning in Anaheim to tie, then won it on Damion Easley's homer in the 10th. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Zambrano injured in Cubs' loss to Rays Jun 19, 2008
Percival earned his 17th save in 19 opportunities to tie Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers for ninth place on the career list with 341. He gave up a leadoff homer to Soto and walked Mark DeRosa to put the tying run on first before retiring the next three batters to end the game. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Percival moves up on saves list Jun 19, 2008
The save was the 341st of his career, tying Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers for ninth on the all-time list. "It's not even another save under my belt, it's another win for the team," Percival said, following the Rays' thrilling 5-4 win. (MLB.com -- Tampa Bay Devil Rays)
Rays thriving against contenders Jun 18, 2008
He is now one save behind Rollie Fingers, who is ninth on the all-time saves list with 341. Reliever Grant Balfour has stranded nine of 11 inherited runners this season. (MLB.com -- Tampa Bay Devil Rays)
Garth Brooks, Jon McLaughlin, and Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo Raise Their Voices to Help Starkey Hearing Foundation Raise More Than $5 Million at Annual Fundraiser Jun 17, 2008
The star-studded evening was attended by more than 1,500 supporters, including such VIPs and celebrities as former astronaut Buzz Aldrin, NBA legend Rick Barry, author and former cyclist Dan Buettner, former astronaut Scott Carpenter, former Secretary of Defense William Cohen, comedian Norm Crosby, actor Robert Culp, actor Lou Ferrigno, Baseball Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers, TV personality Alan Kalter, singer-songwriter Crosby Loggins, singer Sam Moore, golf legend Arnold Palmer, actress Marion... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Newest Brewers report to orientation Jun 14, 2008
Now, they disperse to fields with Hall of Fame names -- Rollie Fingers Field, Don Sutton Field, Robin Yount Field, Paul Molitor Field -- to begin the blending process. Individual skills which caught scouts' eyes now undergo the mesh test. (MLB.com -- Milwaukee Brewers)
Mincher's baseball career worthy of Hall Jun 7, 2008
During his career he had home runs off Hall of Fame pitchers Jim Bunning, Rollie Fingers, Whitey Ford, Jim Catfish Hunter, Jim Palmer, Robin Roberts, Nolan Ryan, Hoyt Wilhelm and in the 1965 World Series off Don Drysdale. Mincher was a part of the World Series champion Oakland A s club in 1972. (Madison County Record, AL)
Milwaukee's not at its best May 28, 2008
Almost game time in the house Hank and Rollie Fingers built. Put me down for the Italian Sausage as the winner in the great Miller Park sausage race for this evening. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Shields seeks repeat performance vs. Sox May 3, 2008
If all goes well, he should catch and pass Rollie Fingers this season; Fingers has 341, Percival has 330. On the Internet. (MLB.com -- Tampa Bay Devil Rays)
FSN Bay Area and Oakland Athletics Celebrate Network Re-Launch With Opening Day Ceremony and Special Programming Mar 19, 2008
This program features rare footage and archive photos, along with testimonials and interviews from the people who built the As into a Bay Area institution, including As vice president and general manager Billy Beane; As manager Bob Geren; former As standouts such as Vida Blue, Bert Campaneris, Rollie Fingers, Dave Stewart, Dave Henderson, Jason Giambi, Nick Swisher and Barry Zito; former As manager Tony LaRussa; former As owner Wally Haas, historic As clubhouse staff and... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Simmons testing Brewers catchers Mar 7, 2008
Ted Simmons (right) taught manager Ned Yost to analyze the game from the bench. (Scott Paulus/Brewers) 00001AFF. (MLB.com -- Milwaukee Brewers)
Top Cardinals Teams and the MVP Award Feb 4, 2008
Then again, Bob Gibson, Denny McLain, Vida Blue, Rollie Fingers, Guillermo Hernandez, and Dennis Eckersley all won MVP's even though they were pitchers, and Ron Guidry almost did. Perhaps a better example might be that of Stan Musial - might he have won the 1942 Rookie of the Year award had such existed. (St. Louis, TheInsiders.com)
Photos: Young A's Greet Fans At 2008 FanFest Jan 27, 2008
Rollie Fingers was on-hand at FanFest and participated in a Ql and took photographs with his Hall of Fame plaque. (left) and (right) shared a laugh during their Ql. (Oakland, TheInsiders.com)
A's annual FanFest a big hit Jan 27, 2008
More than 12,000 fans bought $10 tickets to the event, which featured autograph and photo sessions with current players and Hall of Fame pitcher Rollie Fingers, question-and-answer sessions with players and coaches, behind-the-scenes tours of the clubhouse and dugout, and a Hall of Fame exhibit, among other activities. The event was a hit, as attendees purchased more than 35,000 single-game tickets for 2008, with the proceeds benefiting the Oakland A's Community Fund and the fight against... (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
Wagner honored to do it for the Goose Jan 23, 2008
" Gossage became a Hall of Fame-designate on Jan. 8, after he had been checked on 85.8 percent of the ballots cast by 543 members of the BBWAA. He was elected in his ninth year of eligibility. He follows Hoyt Wi 00004000 lhelm, Rollie Fingers, Bruce Sutter and Eckersley as a Hall of Fame closer. Unlike the other four, he saved games -- 310 saves is career -- primarily with his fastball. Wagner throws a slider, as Gossage did, and last season, the Mets closer developed and occasionally used a... (MLB.com -- NY Mets Mets)
What's the greatest upset in sports history? Jan 20, 2008
Most times, we'd get our butts kicked by Grizzly Adams, Rollie Fingers ut we had fun nonetheless. At about this same time, there was a group of college kids playing in the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y.. (North County Times)
Schwarzenegger still creates a buzz with lunch at Elbow Room Jan 19, 2008
Music groups Rascal Flats and INXS have dined there in recent years, as have former baseball pitcher Rollie Fingers and members of the San Diego Chargers football team. But the governor made a bigger splash than most. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Hall voters designate one position out Jan 11, 2008
Hoyt Wilhelm was more than a relief pitcher, as was Rollie Fingers. It was Bruce Sutter, with five seasons of just over 100 innings, a losing record and one-third as many blown saves as saves, who really sneaked in, a mystery to most of us who have the purity of the game at heart. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Goose cooked with high heat Jan 10, 2008
If Rollie Fingers was statistically superior, and Bruce Sutter more baffling, no closer has handled baseball's most stressful job with more menace or less apprehension than the man who was on the mound when the Padres qualified for their first World Series in 1984. A lot of guys have enough arm to pitch in the ninth inning for significant stakes, but not all of them have the aptitude. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Taking a gander at a rare reliever Jan 10, 2008
Like Wilhelm, Rollie Fingers and Bruce Sutter before him, Goose was the middle man ... "Goose's 10-year peak from 1975-85 (throwing out his wasted '76 season), he was selected to eight All-Star teams, compiled a 2.06 ERA and struck out 923 in 975 innings."I was fortunate as a manager to have a lot of quality guys out of the bullpen," Tanner said. "I had Rollie Fingers, Kent Tekulve and Bruce Sutter, and without question Goose was the best. (Albany Times Union)
Goose gets call to Hall of Fame Jan 10, 2008
When Gossage is inducted July 27, he'll be the fifth Hall of Fame reliever following Hoyt Wilhelm, Rollie Fingers, Dennis Eckersley and Bruce Sutter. Of the five, three pitched for the A's, though Gossage is known for his time with the Yankees (and Padres) much more than his brief period in Oakland (1992, 1993), when his closing days were behind him. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Hall call a long time coming for Gossage Jan 10, 2008
With Eckersley, who spent as much of his career as a starter as he did as a closer, Rollie Fingers and Bruce Sutter already having been honored, it turned out to be a matter of time before Gossage would enter the Hall. Even Selig 00001FA5 said the honor was long overdue. (MLB.com -- Texas Rangers)
Gooses annual day of anguish turns into jubilation Jan 9, 2008
He praises Hall of Famers Rollie Fingers and Bruce Sutter, who, like him, were workhorses who transformed the bullpen from "a junk pile where pitchers went when they couldn't start anymore'' to a place where some of baseball's brightest stars ply their trade.Just don't compare him to today's highly compensated, ninth-inning specialists, he implores.In his day, he was the middle man, setup man and closer all in one."They say Mariano Rivera is the greatest pitcher of all time, and I say, 'Do what... (MSNBC -- Sports)
Hit Or Miss? Jan 9, 2008
Gossage, the clear-cut favorite to finally get elected, becomes the fifth relief pitcher enshrined into baseballs most prestigious residence, joining Holt Wilhelm, Rollie Fingers, Dennis Eckersley and Bruce Sutter. Another prominent closer of the past generation looking to join that prestigious list, former All-Time saves leader Lee Smith, currently second on the list (478), did not fare as well, however. (Tampa Bay, TheInsiders.com)
Gossage elected to Hall of Fame Jan 9, 2008
Gossage, who fell short by 21 votes last year, joins Hoyt Wilhelm (1985), Rollie Fingers (1992), Dennis Eckersley (2004) and Bruce Sutter (2006) in Cooperstown s bullpen. Gossage was sitting in a recliner in his living room overlooking the Rocky Mountains when he received the call. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Gossage makes Hall of Fame Jan 9, 2008
Gossage, who fell short by 21 votes last year, joins Hoyt Wilhelm (1985), Rollie Fingers (1992), Dennis Eckersley (2004) and Bruce Sutter (2006) in Cooperstown's bullpen. Gossage was a nine-time All-Star who pitched for nine major league teams from 1972-94 and had 310 saves - 52 of them in which he got seven outs or more. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Goose elected to Hall Jan 9, 2008
He praises Hall of Famers Rollie Fingers and Bruce Sutter, who, like him, were workhorses who transformed the bullpen from "a junk pile where pitchers went when they couldn't start anymore" to a place where some of baseball's brightest stars ply their trade. Just don't compare him to today's highly compensated, ninth-inning specialists, he implores. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- MLB)
Goose Gossage, a nine-time All-Star who pitched for nine different MLB teams, was selected on 85.8 percent of the ballots. Jan 9, 2008
He was tougher to hit and more durable than Bruce Sutter and more fearsome than Rollie Fingers, the only other true firemen enshrined in the Hall. No one did it better. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- MLB)
Gossage finally gets call to Hall Jan 9, 2008
He joins former closers Hoyt Wilhelm, Rollie Fingers, Dennis Eckersley and Bruce Sutter in Cooperstown. Slugger Jim Rice received 72. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Gossage headed for baseball's Hall Jan 9, 2008
"Now it's pretty obvious Rice and Rickey Henderson will go in next year and I might be looking at 2010,'' said Dawson, a Miami native who hit 438 home runs and was the 1987 National League MVP with Chicago. In 2010, players appearing on the ballot for the first time will include Edgar Martinez, Barry Larkin, Andres Galarraga and Fred McGriff. Gossage, who fell short by 21 votes last year, broke into the majors with the Chicago White Sox in 1972. He played 22 seasons, including six with the New... (The Palm Beach Post)
Gossage, Rice await Fame announcement Jan 8, 2008
"I try not to get too excited,'' he said Monday.After falling short eight times in voting for Cooperstown, Gossage was the leading candidate on this year's ballot.advertisementVotes from 10-year members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America had to be in by Dec. 31, and totals were to be released Tuesday.When Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn were elected last year, Gossage was third with 388 votes (71.2 percent), 21 shy of the 75 percent needed for election.Jim Rice was next with 346 (63.5... (MSNBC -- Sports)
Some former big-leaguers face 'bewildering' wait for Hall pass Jan 8, 2008
01 ERA compare favorably with Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers' 341, 2. 91. (USA Today -- Sports)
On the mound, Goose Gossage scared everyone, including himself Jan 8, 2008
The best fireman relievers of the '70s (pitchers who were regularly asked to enter the game in the seventh inning) were Rollie Fingers, Mike Marshall, Tug McGraw and Sparky Lyle, pitchers who stood out because of masterful trick pitches -- sinkers, screwballs, sliders. But while Gossage used a slurve too keep batters honest, particularly right-handed hitters, he was defined by his power. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- MLB)
Redskins wrap up season with Taylor much in mind Jan 7, 2008
Accompanying Seaver into the Hall was Rollie Fingers, which Padres fans should remember even though he's wearing an Oakland A's cap on his plaque. COMPILED FROM NEWS SERVICES. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Gossage seeks relief from Hall Jan 5, 2008
Only four pitchers who were primarily relievers have been given baseball's highest honor: Hoyt Wilhelm (1985), Rollie Fingers (1992), Dennis Eckersley (2004) and Bruce Sutter (2006) ... "Goose and Rollie Fingers created the model for closers of the future," Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- MLB)
Surprise plans specials for spring-training fans Jan 3, 2008
New this year is the Rollie Fingers Mustache Day, celebrating the pitching great's handlebar mustache. The grower of the best handlebar will earn a trip to a game in Kansas City, Mo. (AZCentral -- News)
Jerry Crasnick: Tanner in Gossage and Blyleven's corner Dec 28, 2007
That's one reason why Tanner, when asked where Gossage ranks on the list of baseball's greatest closers, places him ahead of , Eckersley, Rollie Fingers, Sutter, and Lee Smith -- in short, the elite of the elite. "Listen, they're all great," Tanner said. (ESPN -- Baseball)
Williams wasn't sure he'd ever make Hall Dec 6, 2007
"So he had Jim Fanning take the reins the last few weeks of the season and they ended up winning their division in the second half. Believe it or not, I'm a manager that had been let go, but I was rooting like the devil for them because it would have made my paycheck a little bigger." Along the way, Williams managed his share of Hall of Famers: Yaz with the Red Sox; Reggie Jackson, Catfish Hunter and Rollie Fingers with the A's, Gary Carter with the Expos, and Tony Gwynn with the Padres. Now... (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
At last, Hall call to Dick Williams Dec 4, 2007
Longtime Oakland closer Rollie Fingers credited Williams with turning around Fingers' career after he had floundered as a starter. "I wouldn't be in the Hall of Fame if it wasn't for Dick," Fingers said Monday. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Visiting Madison in December? Don’t Miss These Special Holiday Stops Nov 30, 2007
Many of the items were actually worn and used by such baseball greats as Hank Aaron, Eddie Matthews, Red Schoendienst and Warren Spahn of the Graves, and Rollie Fingers, Paul Molitor and Robin Yount of the Brewers. In addition, original artifacts from Milwaukee County Stadium, fan souvenirs, historical photographs and original radio broadcast clips and television footage also help bring the excitement of these victory seasons to life. (Agri-View, WI)
More > Nov 24, 2007
The A's already had the nucleus of a fine team, including right fielder Reggie Jackson, shortstop Campy Campaneris, third baseman Sal Bando, left fielder Joe Rudi and a pitching staff that included future Hall of Famers Catfish Hunter and Rollie Fingers, along with a hard-throwing lefty named Vida Blue. Oakland captured the AL West title in 1971 before being swept by the Baltimore Orioles, who had four 20-game winners that season, in the best-of-five AL Championship Series. (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
Morning Kickoff Oct 26, 2007
Rollie Fingers was named the World Series MVP for the Oakland A's in 1974 as they beat the Dodgers. He appeared in all four of Oakland's victories, earning one win and two saves while compiling a 1. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
