Rich “Goose” Gossage
Rich “Goose” Gossage wasn’t just a closer—he was a force of nature. With a wild mustache, high leg kick, and a fastball that seemed to explode out of his hand, Gossage terrorized hitters across three decades in Major League Baseball.
Debuting in 1972 with the Chicago White Sox, Gossage truly made his mark in New York. As the Yankees’ flame-throwing reliever from 1978 to 1983, he became a Bronx legend. In 1978, he helped lead the Yankees to a World Series title, famously shutting the door on the rival Red Sox in the one-game playoff.
Unlike modern closers, Gossage often pitched multiple innings, sometimes coming in as early as the seventh. His toughness and swagger defined an era when relievers earned their stripes the hard way.
Over a 22-year career, Goose racked up 310 saves and over 1,500 strikeouts, intimidating batters with a blistering fastball and a fearless attitude. He pitched for nine teams, but his heart—and Hall of Fame plaque—belong to the Yankees.
Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008, Gossage remains a vocal traditionalist and outspoken personality in the sport. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying his impact.
Goose Gossage wasn’t just a closer. He was a closer who made history—one high-octane inning at a time.
Here’s a list of all the Major League Baseball teams Rich “Goose” Gossage played for during his 22-year career:
- Chicago White Sox (1972–1976)
- Pittsburgh Pirates (1977)
- New York Yankees (1978–1983, 1989)
- San Diego Padres (1984–1987)
- Chicago Cubs (1988)
- San Francisco Giants (1989)
- Texas Rangers (1991)
- Oakland Athletics (1992–1993)
- Seattle Mariners (1994)
About The Author
