Todd Worrell, a right-handed relief pitcher, made a name for himself in Major League Baseball with his powerful arm and competitive spirit. Born on September 28, 1959, in Arcadia, California, Worrell attended Biola University, where he honed his skills on the mound. His talent caught the attention of the St. Louis Cardinals, who selected him in the first round of the 1982 MLB Draft.
Worrell's journey to the majors began in the Cardinals' minor league system, where he quickly demonstrated his potential as a closer. His major league debut came on August 28, 1985, when he was called up to bolster the Cardinals' bullpen. That year, he played a crucial role in the team's push to the postseason, appearing in 17 games and recording five saves with an impressive 2.91 ERA. His performance earned him a spot on the Cardinals' roster for the 1985 World Series against the Kansas City Royals. Although the Cardinals ultimately lost the series, Worrell's efforts did not go unnoticed.
The following season, Worrell solidified his position as the Cardinals' closer. In 1986, he recorded 36 saves, setting a rookie record at the time, and posted a 2.08 ERA. His outstanding performance earned him the National League Rookie of the Year award, making him the first relief pitcher to receive the honor since 1976. Worrell's ability to handle high-pressure situations and deliver consistent results quickly established him as one of the league's top closers.
Worrell continued to be a reliable force in the Cardinals' bullpen over the next few years. In 1987, he helped lead the team to another World Series appearance, this time against the Minnesota Twins. Despite the Cardinals falling short once again, Worrell's contributions throughout the season were invaluable. He finished the year with 33 saves and a 2.66 ERA, further cementing his reputation as a dependable closer.
However, Worrell's career faced a significant challenge in 1989 when he suffered a severe elbow injury that required surgery. The injury sidelined him for the entire 1990 season, raising concerns about his future in the game. Demonstrating resilience, Worrell returned to the mound in 1991, though he initially struggled to regain his previous form. Over the next two seasons, he worked diligently to reestablish himself as a dominant closer.
In 1993, Worrell signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, seeking a fresh start. His tenure with the Dodgers marked a resurgence in his career. In 1995, he recorded 32 saves and earned his first All-Star selection. Worrell's performance that season was instrumental in helping the Dodgers secure a playoff berth. He continued to be a reliable presence in the bullpen for the Dodgers until his retirement in 1997.
Throughout his career, Todd Worrell amassed 256 saves, ranking him among the top closers of his era.
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