Steve Crawford's journey in Major League Baseball began when he was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 12th round of the 1973 amateur draft. However, it wasn't until several years later that he made his debut in the major leagues. Crawford, a right-handed pitcher, first took the mound for the Red Sox in 1980. Over the course of his career, he became known for his role as a reliable relief pitcher.
During his tenure with the Boston Red Sox, Crawford was part of a bullpen that supported the team's efforts in the American League. He played a significant role in the 1986 season, which saw the Red Sox reach the World Series. Crawford appeared in 64 games that year, posting a 3.96 ERA and contributing to the team's success in reaching the postseason. In the World Series against the New York Mets, Crawford pitched in three games, although the Red Sox ultimately fell short in a dramatic seven-game series.
Crawford's time with the Red Sox lasted until 1987, after which he joined the Kansas City Royals. His stint with the Royals was relatively brief, spanning just two seasons. During his time in Kansas City, Crawford continued to serve as a relief pitcher, appearing in 44 games in 1988 and 34 games in 1989. His performance remained consistent, providing the Royals with a steady presence in their bullpen.
Throughout his career, Crawford was known for his ability to pitch multiple innings out of the bullpen, a valuable asset for any team. His pitching style relied on a mix of fastballs and breaking balls, which he used to keep hitters off balance. While he may not have been a closer or a starting pitcher, Crawford's role as a middle reliever was crucial in bridging the gap between the starting rotation and the late-inning relievers.
After leaving the Royals, Crawford's major league career came to a close. Over the course of his career, he appeared in a total of 277 games, all but one as a relief pitcher. He finished with a career ERA of 4.15 and recorded 17 saves. While his name may not be as widely recognized as some of his contemporaries, Crawford's steady presence on the mound provided his teams with much-needed depth and reliability.
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