Eric Gagne, a Canadian-born pitcher, became one of the most dominant closers in Major League Baseball during his career. Born on January 7, 1976, in Montreal, Quebec, Gagne initially pursued a career as a starting pitcher. He was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as an amateur free agent in 1995, and after several years in the minor leagues, he made his MLB debut with the Dodgers on September 7, 1999.
Gagne's early years in the majors were marked by a transition from starting pitcher to relief pitcher, a move that would ultimately define his career. In 2002, the Dodgers converted him into a closer, a decision that proved to be transformative. Gagne quickly excelled in this role, utilizing his powerful fastball and devastating changeup to overpower hitters.
The 2003 season was a standout year for Gagne. He recorded 55 saves, leading the league, and maintained a perfect save conversion rate, successfully closing every game he was called upon to finish. His performance earned him the National League Cy Young Award, making him the first relief pitcher to win the award since Dennis Eckersley in 1992. Gagne's dominance on the mound was further highlighted by his streak of 84 consecutive saves, a major league record that still stands.
Gagne's success continued into the 2004 season, where he added another 45 saves to his record. However, injuries began to take a toll on his performance. In 2005, he underwent elbow surgery, which limited his playing time significantly. Despite his efforts to return to form, Gagne struggled with injuries over the next few years, undergoing additional surgeries that hindered his ability to pitch consistently.
In 2006, Gagne signed with the Texas Rangers, but his time with the team was short-lived due to ongoing health issues. He was traded to the Boston Red Sox in 2007, where he played a supporting role in their bullpen during their World Series-winning season. However, his performance was inconsistent, and he struggled to regain the dominance he once had.
Gagne's career faced further challenges when he was named in the Mitchell Report in 2007, which investigated the use of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball. He later admitted to using human growth hormone, which cast a shadow over his achievements.
In 2008, Gagne signed with the Milwaukee Brewers, but his performance continued to decline. He was released by the Brewers in 2009 and briefly attempted a comeback with the Dodgers in 2010, but he did not make the major league roster.
Despite the controversies and injuries that marred the latter part of his career, Gagne's peak years as a closer remain memorable. His ability to dominate hitters and his record-setting save streak are testaments to his skill and talent during his prime.
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