Greg Minton, known for his submarine-style pitching, played an integral role in Major League Baseball as a relief pitcher. Born on July 29, 1951, in Lubbock, Texas, Minton's journey to the majors began when he was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the third round of the 1970 amateur draft. However, it was with the San Francisco Giants that he would spend the majority of his career, becoming a reliable presence in their bullpen.
Minton made his MLB debut with the Giants in 1975. Initially, he struggled to find his footing, but by the late 1970s, he had developed into a dependable reliever. His unique submarine delivery, which he adopted after experiencing arm troubles, became his trademark and helped him achieve success on the mound. This pitching style not only extended his career but also made him a challenging opponent for batters.
The 1980s marked the peak of Minton's career. In 1982, he achieved a remarkable feat by not allowing a single home run over 269.1 innings, a record for a reliever at the time. That same year, he was selected for the National League All-Star team, a testament to his effectiveness and reliability as a closer. Minton's performance in 1982 was a highlight, as he recorded 30 saves with a 1.83 ERA, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's top relievers.
Throughout his tenure with the Giants, Minton was known for his durability and consistency. He became the team's primary closer, a role he held for several seasons. His ability to induce ground balls and keep the ball in the park made him a valuable asset in high-pressure situations. Minton's tenure with the Giants lasted until 1987, when he was released by the team.
Following his release from the Giants, Minton signed with the California Angels. While his role with the Angels was not as prominent as it had been with the Giants, he continued to contribute as a middle reliever and occasional closer. Minton's experience and veteran presence were beneficial to the Angels' bullpen, and he remained with the team until his retirement in 1990.
Over the course of his career, Greg Minton appeared in 586 games, amassing 150 saves and a career ERA of 3.10. His ability to adapt and reinvent his pitching style allowed him to enjoy a lengthy career in the major leagues. Minton's submarine delivery and his knack for keeping hitters off balance were key elements of his success on the mound.
After retiring from professional baseball, Minton's legacy as a reliable and effective reliever remained.
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