Terry Forster, a left-handed pitcher, began his Major League Baseball career when he was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the second round of the 1970 MLB Draft. Making his debut in 1971, Forster quickly established himself as a reliable relief pitcher. In his rookie season, he appeared in 26 games, posting a 3.99 ERA and earning his first career save. His performance improved significantly in the following years, and by 1972, he had become the White Sox's primary closer. That year, he recorded 29 saves, leading the American League, and maintained a 2.25 ERA, which helped him gain recognition as one of the league's top relievers.
Forster's tenure with the White Sox lasted until 1976. During this period, he was known for his fastball and his ability to handle high-pressure situations. In 1974, he was selected to the All-Star Game, a testament to his effectiveness on the mound. However, injuries began to affect his performance, and his role shifted from closer to more of a setup man and occasional starter.
In 1977, Forster was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he continued to serve as a valuable bullpen asset. His time with the Pirates was brief, and he was soon on the move again, this time to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1978. With the Dodgers, Forster found a new level of success. He played a crucial role in the team's bullpen, contributing to their National League pennant win in 1978. Although the Dodgers lost to the New York Yankees in the World Series, Forster's performance was commendable.
The early 1980s saw Forster's career take another turn as he signed with the Atlanta Braves in 1983. His stint with the Braves was marked by a resurgence in his pitching form. In 1983, he led the National League with a 1.66 ERA, a remarkable achievement that highlighted his ability to adapt and excel despite the challenges of injuries and changing roles throughout his career.
Forster's career continued with the Braves until 1985, after which he joined the California Angels. His time with the Angels was short-lived, and he retired from professional baseball in 1986. Over his 16-year career, Forster accumulated 127 saves, a 3.23 ERA, and 634 strikeouts in 614 games. Known for his sense of humor and larger-than-life personality, Forster was famously dubbed the "Fat Tub of Goo" by late-night talk show host David Letterman, a nickname he embraced with good humor.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Forster's career is remembered for his adaptability and longevity in the game.
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