Rich "Goose" Gossage, known for his intimidating presence on the mound and his trademark mustache, became one of the most recognizable relief pitchers in Major League Baseball history. Born on July 5, 1951, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Gossage grew up with a passion for baseball that eventually led him to a professional career spanning over two decades.

Gossage's journey to the major leagues began when he was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the ninth round of the 1970 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut with the White Sox in 1972, quickly establishing himself as a powerful right-handed pitcher. With a fastball that regularly exceeded 95 mph, Gossage was initially used as a starting pitcher but found his true calling in the bullpen.

In 1975, Gossage was named an All-Star for the first time, a testament to his growing reputation as a dominant reliever. The following year, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he continued to excel in his role as a closer. However, it was his subsequent move to the New York Yankees in 1978 that truly defined his career.

During his tenure with the Yankees, Gossage became a cornerstone of their bullpen. His fierce competitiveness and ability to pitch multiple innings made him an invaluable asset to the team. In 1978, he played a crucial role in helping the Yankees secure a World Series championship, earning a save in the decisive Game 6 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Gossage's performance during this period solidified his reputation as one of the premier closers in the game.

Gossage's time with the Yankees was marked by several memorable moments, including a famous confrontation with Boston Red Sox's Carl Yastrzemski in a one-game playoff for the American League East title in 1978. Gossage struck out Yastrzemski to end the game, sending the Yankees to the postseason. His ability to perform under pressure became a hallmark of his career.

After leaving the Yankees in 1983, Gossage continued to play for several teams, including the San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, and Texas Rangers. In 1984, while with the Padres, he helped lead the team to its first World Series appearance. Although they ultimately fell to the Detroit Tigers, Gossage's contributions were instrumental in their postseason run.

Throughout his career, Gossage was known for his durability and willingness to pitch multiple innings, a rarity among modern closers. He was selected to nine All-Star teams and finished his career with 310 saves, ranking among the all-time leaders at the time of his retirement. His fierce demeanor and distinctive pitching style left a lasting impression on fans and players alike.

In 2008, Gossage's achievements were recognized with his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.