John Wetteland's career in Major League Baseball is remembered for his role as a dominant relief pitcher. Born on August 21, 1966, in San Mateo, California, Wetteland's journey to the major leagues began when he was drafted by the New York Mets in the 12th round of the 1984 MLB Draft. However, he did not sign with the Mets and instead attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he honed his skills on the mound.
Wetteland's professional career took off when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second round of the 1985 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut with the Dodgers in 1989, showcasing his potential as a relief pitcher. His time with the Dodgers was relatively short, as he was traded to the Montreal Expos in 1991. It was with the Expos that Wetteland began to establish himself as a reliable closer, recording 37 saves in the 1992 season.
In 1995, Wetteland was traded to the New York Yankees, where he achieved some of his greatest successes. As the Yankees' closer, he played a crucial role in the team's bullpen, particularly during the 1996 season. That year, Wetteland led the American League with 43 saves and was instrumental in the Yankees' postseason run. His performance in the 1996 World Series was particularly memorable, as he saved all four of the Yankees' victories against the Atlanta Braves, earning him the World Series MVP award.
Following his successful stint with the Yankees, Wetteland signed with the Texas Rangers as a free agent in 1997. He continued to perform at a high level, recording 31 saves in his first season with the Rangers. Wetteland remained a consistent presence in the Rangers' bullpen until his retirement after the 2000 season. Over his career, he accumulated 330 saves, which ranked him among the top closers in baseball history at the time of his retirement.
Wetteland's pitching style was characterized by a powerful fastball and an effective curveball, which he used to keep hitters off balance. His ability to perform under pressure made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for, particularly in high-stakes situations. Despite the challenges and demands of being a closer, Wetteland maintained a reputation for his calm demeanor on the mound.
Throughout his career, Wetteland was selected to three All-Star Games and received numerous accolades for his performances. His contributions to the Yankees' 1996 World Series championship remain a highlight of his career, and his role in that victory is fondly remembered by fans of the team.
After retiring from playing, Wetteland briefly worked as a bullpen coach for the Washington Nationals and the Seattle Mariners. His post-playing career, however, has been overshadowed by legal issues and personal challenges.
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