Doug Bair's journey through Major League Baseball is a testament to the life of a dedicated relief pitcher who played for several teams over his career. Born on August 22, 1949, in Defiance, Ohio, Bair attended Bowling Green State University, where he honed his skills on the mound. His professional career began when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the second round of the 1971 MLB Draft.
Bair made his major league debut with the Pirates in 1976. However, his time with Pittsburgh was brief, as he was traded to the Oakland Athletics in 1977. It was with the Athletics that Bair began to establish himself as a reliable relief pitcher. His performance caught the attention of the Cincinnati Reds, who acquired him in a trade in 1978.
During his tenure with the Reds, Bair became an integral part of their bullpen. In 1978, he appeared in 70 games, posting a 2.81 ERA and earning 28 saves, which ranked him among the league leaders. His efforts helped the Reds remain competitive in the National League. Bair continued to be a steady presence in the Cincinnati bullpen through the 1979 season.
In 1981, Bair was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he continued to excel as a reliever. His time with the Cardinals was highlighted by their World Series championship in 1982. Although Bair did not play a starring role in the postseason, his contributions during the regular season helped the team reach the playoffs.
Following his stint with the Cardinals, Bair's career took him to several other teams, including the Detroit Tigers, where he played from 1983 to 1985. While with the Tigers, Bair was part of the 1984 team that won the World Series, although his role was more limited compared to his earlier years.
Bair's career continued with stops at the Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, and Oakland Athletics once again. Despite the frequent team changes, he remained a dependable option out of the bullpen, known for his ability to handle various relief situations.
In the latter part of his career, Bair joined the Pittsburgh Pirates for a second time in 1989, before finishing his major league journey with the San Diego Padres in 1990. Over his 15-year career, Bair appeared in 584 games, recording 81 saves and a 3.63 ERA. His longevity in the league is a testament to his skill and adaptability as a relief pitcher.
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