Gene Garber's career in Major League Baseball spanned nearly two decades, during which he became known for his distinctive sidearm delivery and effectiveness as a relief pitcher. Born on November 13, 1947, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Garber attended Elizabethtown College before being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 20th round of the 1965 amateur draft. He made his MLB debut with the Pirates on June 17, 1969.
Garber's early years in the majors were spent with the Pirates, where he primarily served as a middle reliever. However, it was after being traded to the Kansas City Royals in 1973 that he began to establish himself as a reliable bullpen option. During his time with the Royals, Garber honed his skills and developed the sidearm delivery that would become his trademark. This unique pitching style made him particularly effective against right-handed batters and added an element of deception to his repertoire.
In 1974, Garber was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, where he spent the next four seasons. It was with the Phillies that he began to see more opportunities as a closer, recording 14 saves in 1975 and 11 in 1976. His performance during these years helped solidify his reputation as a dependable reliever capable of handling high-pressure situations.
The turning point in Garber's career came in 1978 when he was traded to the Atlanta Braves. It was with the Braves that he enjoyed the most productive years of his career. In his first full season with Atlanta in 1979, Garber recorded 25 saves and posted a 2.82 ERA, establishing himself as one of the team's most reliable bullpen arms. He continued to excel in the closer role, achieving a career-high 30 saves in 1982, a season in which the Braves won the National League West division title.
One of the most memorable moments of Garber's career occurred on August 1, 1978, when he famously struck out Pete Rose to end Rose's 44-game hitting streak. This achievement not only highlighted Garber's skill as a pitcher but also cemented his place in baseball history.
Garber remained with the Braves until 1987, consistently providing stability and experience to the team's bullpen. Over his tenure with Atlanta, he amassed 141 saves, making him the franchise's all-time saves leader at the time of his departure. In 1987, Garber returned to the Kansas City Royals, where he played his final two seasons before retiring in 1988.
Throughout his career, Garber appeared in 931 games, finishing with a record of 96 wins, 113 losses, and 218 saves. His ability to adapt and thrive in various roles within the bullpen made him a valuable asset to every team he played for. Known for his durability and consistency, Garber's career serves as a testament to the effectiveness of unconventional pitching styles and the importance of relief pitchers in the modern game.
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