Marshall's professional baseball career began when he was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1960. However, it wasn't until 1967 that he made his major league debut with the Detroit Tigers. His early years in the majors were spent moving between teams, including the Seattle Pilots and the Houston Astros, as he worked to establish himself as a reliable relief pitcher.
The turning point in Marshall's career came when he joined the Montreal Expos in 1970. It was with the Expos that he began to demonstrate his remarkable ability to pitch in relief on consecutive days, a skill that would define his career. In 1973, he led the National League in games pitched, appearing in 92 games, and was awarded the Cy Young Award in 1974 while playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers. That year, he set a major league record by pitching in 106 games, a testament to his endurance and the trust his managers placed in him.
Marshall's time with the Dodgers was marked by his role in helping the team reach the World Series in 1974. Although the Dodgers ultimately lost to the Oakland Athletics, Marshall's performance throughout the season was a highlight. His ability to pitch effectively day after day was attributed to his understanding of biomechanics, which he used to minimize the strain on his arm.
After his stint with the Dodgers, Marshall continued to play for several teams, including the Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers, and Minnesota Twins. His career was characterized by his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom about pitching. He often clashed with team management and coaches over his training methods and his insistence on pitching frequently.
Marshall's career statistics reflect his unique role as a relief pitcher. Over 14 seasons, he appeared in 724 games, finishing with a record of 97 wins, 112 losses, and 188 saves. His career earned run average (ERA) was 3.14, and he struck out 880 batters over 1,386.2 innings pitched.
Beyond his playing career, Marshall's influence extended into his post-baseball life. He remained a vocal advocate for the application of scientific principles to pitching, often offering advice and training to young pitchers. His legacy in baseball is one of innovation and a challenge to the status quo, as he continually sought to improve the understanding of pitching mechanics and athlete health.
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