El Cardquistador

Introduction

Relief pitching experienced significant evolution during the 1980s and early 1990s, a period that helped shape the modern bullpen’s role. This article will explore how pitchers like Bruce Sutter, Rollie Fingers, Goose Gossage, Steve Bedrosian, and Doug Jones influenced the game and how their contributions are reflected in the baseball card market, where many of their cards remain surprisingly affordable.

The Rise of the Closer

Bruce Sutter: As one of the first dominant closers, Sutter’s success with the Chicago Cubs helped solidify the role of the dedicated relief pitcher. Known for popularizing the split-finger fastball, Sutter’s dominance baffled hitters and cemented his place in baseball history. Despite his Hall of Fame status, Sutter’s cards are generally inexpensive and can often be found for a modest price, even when featuring autographs or memorabilia.

Rollie Fingers: Known for his control of the forkball and fastball, Fingers was a dominant closer for the Milwaukee Brewers and Oakland Athletics. Despite being a Hall of Famer, his cards also remain relatively cheap, with collectors often overlooking his contributions due to the broader preference for starting pitchers.

Goose Gossage: With his overpowering fastball and fiery demeanor, Gossage became one of the most feared closers of his time, playing for teams like the Yankees, Padres, and Rangers. However, much like Sutter and Fingers, his cards remain undervalued in the market, with prices often lower than those of starting pitchers from the same era.

The Specialization of Relief Roles

Steve Bedrosian: Bedrosian’s ability to serve both as a starter and a reliever showcased the evolving nature of relief pitching during the 1980s. His 260 combined wins and saves (76 wins, 184 saves) and a Cy Young Award in 1987 should make him a collectible figure, yet his cards remain largely overlooked and undervalued.

Doug Jones: A reliable setup man and occasional closer, Doug Jones’ career record of 116-73 with 214 saves is notable, particularly considering his success with a changeup in an era dominated by power pitchers. Yet his cards, like those of many relievers, are very affordable and often ignored by mainstream collectors.

The Impact on Baseball and Card Collecting

The 1980s and early 1990s marked a time when the importance of the bullpen grew, but the collector market has often overlooked these pioneering relievers. While Hall of Fame closers like Sutter, Fingers, and Gossage have had significant impacts on the game, their baseball cards remain inexpensive, especially compared to those of starting pitchers from the same era.

Reasons for Undervaluation

1. Positional Bias: Starting pitchers receive more attention and have higher-priced cards than relievers, regardless of their impact on the game.
2. Lack of Recognition: Relief pitchers, particularly those who didn’t reach traditional milestones, are often overlooked by collectors and don’t receive the same level of media recognition.
3. Historical Context: Collectors have tended to focus more on starting pitchers or position players from this era, overshadowing the achievements of these early relief specialists.

Opportunities for Collectors

For collectors willing to dig deeper into baseball history, there are significant opportunities in acquiring cards of these undervalued relievers from the 1980s and early 1990s. Their unique contributions to the game, combined with their affordable card prices, present an opportunity to own a piece of baseball history at a fraction of the cost of other cards from the same era.

As bullpen roles continue to gain recognition in baseball’s narrative, there is potential for future appreciation in the value of these cards. For now, though, they remain an intriguing option for collectors who appreciate the underappreciated.