Dave Righetti's journey in Major League Baseball began when he was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the first round of the 1977 amateur draft. However, it was with the New York Yankees that he would become a household name. Righetti made his MLB debut with the Yankees on September 16, 1979, and quickly established himself as a talented left-handed pitcher.

In the early 1980s, Righetti was primarily used as a starting pitcher. His breakout season came in 1981 when he won the American League Rookie of the Year award. That year, he posted an impressive 8-4 record with a 2.05 ERA, helping the Yankees reach the World Series. Although the Yankees lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Righetti's performance was a bright spot.

One of the most memorable moments of Righetti's career occurred on July 4, 1983, when he pitched a no-hitter against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. This feat made him the first Yankee to throw a no-hitter since Don Larsen's perfect game in the 1956 World Series. The no-hitter was a testament to Righetti's skill and control on the mound.

In 1984, the Yankees made a strategic decision to convert Righetti from a starter to a closer, a role in which he would excel. As a closer, Righetti became one of the most reliable relief pitchers in the league. In 1986, he set a major league record with 46 saves, a record that stood until Bobby Thigpen surpassed it in 1990. Righetti's performance earned him the American League Rolaids Relief Man Award in both 1986 and 1987.

Righetti continued to be a dominant force in the Yankees' bullpen until 1990, when he signed with the San Francisco Giants as a free agent. With the Giants, Righetti transitioned back to a starting pitcher role for a brief period before returning to the bullpen. His tenure with the Giants lasted until 1993, during which he provided veteran leadership and stability.

After his time with the Giants, Righetti had short stints with the Oakland Athletics, Toronto Blue Jays, and Chicago White Sox. He retired from professional baseball after the 1995 season, concluding a career that spanned 16 years in the major leagues.

Throughout his career, Righetti was known for his strong fastball and effective slider, which made him a challenging opponent for hitters. His ability to adapt from a starting pitcher to a closer demonstrated his versatility and understanding of the game. Righetti's career statistics include 252 saves, a 3.46 ERA, and over 1,100 strikeouts.

Following his playing career, Righetti transitioned into coaching, serving as the pitching coach for the San Francisco Giants from 2000 to 2017. Under his guidance, the Giants won three World Series titles in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Righetti's experience and knowledge of the game made him a valuable asset to the Giants' coaching staff.

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