Rollie Fingers
From BR Bullpen
Roland Glen Fingers (Handlebar)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 4", Weight 195 lb.
- School Chaffey College
- Debut September 15, 1968
- Final Game September 17, 1985
- Born August 25, 1946 in Steubenville, OH USA
Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1992
[edit] Biographical Information
Rollie Fingers' 17-year career epitomized the emergence of the modern-day relief ace. After watching him post inconsistent results as a starter, the A's converted him to the bullpen, where he excelled quickly and frequently in his new role. Relying upon a sharp slider, Fingers went on to notch 341 career saves. Known for his handlebar mustache, Fingers became a familiar sight during the post-season, appearing in 16 World Series games. He won both the American League MVP and Cy Young Award with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1981.
At the 1980 winter meetings, Fingers was traded twice. First from San Diego to St. Louis. Then four days later he was traded, with Pete Vuckovich to Milwaukee. Fingers and Vukovich would win the next two American League Cy Young Awards.
On August 21, 1982, Fingers became the first player with 300 career saves.
Fingers missed the 1983 season with an arm injury.
After his release by Milwaukee in 1985, Fingers was offered a minor league contract by the Cincinnati Reds but he would not shave off his waxed moustache that had become his trademark.
In 1989, he played for the West Palm Beach Tropics of the Senior Professional Baseball Association and saved 6 games for the team. In 1990, Fingers again played in the Senior Professional Baseball Association for the Sun City Rays and pitched in 8 games and was 1-1 when the league folded.
Fingers was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on January 7, 1992 by the Baseball Writers Association of America. He is the only Hall of Fame pitcher with a losing record (114-118).
He is considered one of the ten best relievers according to The Relief Pitcher for being the most dominant reliever of his era.
In early 2007, the state of Wisconsin published a list of their biggest tax delinquents. Fingers ranked 7th, owing the state over $1.4 million. It was the largest debt from income tax.
Fingers' father George M. Fingers spent four years in the St. Louis Cardinals' chain, and his brother Gordon Fingers was a pitcher in the A's organization. His son Jason Fingers was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 2000.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 7-time All-Star (1973-1976, 1978, 1981 & 1982)
- AL MVP (1981)
- AL Cy Young Award (1981)
- 4-time League Rolaids Relief Award Winner (1977/NL, 1978/NL, 1980/NL & 1981/AL)
- 1974 World Series MVP
- 3-time League Games Pitched Leader (1974/AL, 1975/AL & 1977/NL)
- 3-time League Saves Leader (1977/NL, 1978/NL & 1981/AL)
- 30 Saves Seasons: 2 (1977 & 1978)
- Won three World Series with the Oakland Athletics (1972, 1973 & 1974)
- Baseball Hall of Fame: Class of 1992
| AL MVP | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 1981 | 1982 |
| George Brett | Rollie Fingers | Robin Yount |
| AL Cy Young Award | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 1981 | 1982 |
| Steve Stone | Rollie Fingers | Pete Vuckovich |
