Baseball Hall of Fame Relief Pitcher, Bruce Sutter, passed away last night.
Signing with the Chicago Cubs in 1971, Sutter toiled in the minors for years, until he learned the split-fingered fastball, a pitch that would propel him to greatness. Chicago first called him up in 1976, and was the team’s closer the following year, where he made history becoming the 19th Pitcher to throw an immaculate inning. Sutter played for the Cubs for five seasons, and while Chicago was not particularly good during that time, Sutter was electric, leading the NL in Saves twice and representing the Cubs in the All-Star Game four times. He also won the coveted Cy Young in 1978.
In 1981, Sutter was traded to St. Louis, a contending team, where he continued his success. He again led the NL in Saves in 1981, 1982 and again in 1984, adding two more All-Star Games, and anchoring the Cardinals to a World Series Championship where he won the Babe Ruth Award.
Sutter signed with Atlanta in 1985, but shoulder issues took away his dominance and he only lasted three more seasons before he retired. The four-time Rolaids Reliever of the Year had 300 Saves when he retired, which was then third all-time.
Sutter was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2014. His number 42 was also retired by St. Louis.
We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to extend our condolences to the fans, friends and family of Bruce Sutter.
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