In 1972, Eckersley was drafted by the Cleveland Indians out of High School in the third round of the 1972 amateur draft. In 1975, the first Dennis Eckersley appearance in the Major Leagues earned him the American League Rookie Pitcher of the Year award after compiling a 13-7 record and 2.60 ERA. Eckersley, nicknamed “Eck,” was popular for his unstyled, long hair, moustache, and live fastball, making him a fan favorite. Eckersley continued to pitch over three seasons with the Indians, and even threw a no-hitter on May 1977 against the California Angels.
In 1978, Eckersley was traded to the Boston Red Sox, where he spent the next two seasons, winning a career-high 20 games in 1978 and 17 games in 1979, with a 2.99 ERA in each year. His stint with the Red Sox also helped him develop a great slider. In 1984, he was traded to the Chicago Cubs, where he helped the team to their first post-season appearance since 1945. Three years later, he was traded again to the Oakland Athletics, where he became the most dominant closer in the game from 1988 to 1992, finishing first in the AL in saves twice, second two other times, and third once. In 1989, Eckersley led the Athletics to a World Series championship. His #43 was retired by the team.
In 1990, Eckersley became the only relief pitcher in baseball history to have more saves than baserunners allowed. In 1992, he won both the American League’s Cy Young Award and the American League’s Most Valuable Player Award. That year he was also received the TSN Pitcher of the Year award.
There was a Dennis Eckersley appearance six times in All-Star Games, and Eckersley was also a two time AL Rolaids Relief Man of the Year. He was named to the Boston Red Sox’s Hall of Fame as well as the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2004.
**Dennis Eckersley Speaker**
Aside from media interviews, another chance for a Dennis Eckersley speaker experience is as a studio analyst for the Boston Red Sox on NESN, where he provides post game coverage and analysis of the team’s play.
**Dennis Eckersley Appearance**
In 1999,there was a Dennis Eckersley appearance on The Sporting News’ list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players, coming in 98th. He was also nominated as a finalist for the Major League Baseball All-Century Team.
**Dennis Eckersley Endorsement**
The true Dennis Eckersley endorsement of his superb baseball skills is having his Oakland Athletics uniform #43 retired by the team in 2005, and having the baseball field of his alma mater, Washington High School, named in his honor.
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