Rich "Goose" Gossage was one of baseball's most dominant and intimidating relief pitchers, known for his blazing fastball and fierce mound presence. Born in 1951, Gossage made his MLB debut in 1972 and went on to play 22 seasons, most famously with the New York Yankees. With his signature wild mustache, intense glare, and sidearm-to-overhand delivery, he became the prototype for the modern closer before the role was specialized.
Gossage wasn’t a one-inning pitcher—he often threw multiple innings to secure wins, earning 310 career saves and a 3.01 ERA. His peak years came in the late 1970s and early 1980s, highlighted by his role in the Yankees’ 1978 World Series championship run, where he often shut the door on opponents with overpowering heat.
He pitched for nine teams overall, including the Padres, Cubs, and Mariners, earning nine All-Star selections and a reputation as one of the fiercest competitors of his era. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008, Gossage is remembered as a trailblazer who helped define bullpen dominance, combining power, endurance, and intimidation in a way few pitchers ever matched.
