Leading Firemen--1977
When going through the list of top
relievers from the 1970s; neither Bill
Campbell or Rawley Eastwick
immediately roll off the tongue. But in
1976, the duo led their respective
leagues in Fireman Points.
On the strength of his 17 wins, Campbell
would edge future Rollie Fingers and
1976 AL saves leader Sparky Lyle.
"Soup", as he was known, would parlay
his strong '76 campaign into a 5-
year/$1M contract with the Boston Red
Sox in 1977. Campbell would lead the AL
with 31 saves in his first season with the
BoSox, before arm woes would derail his
career. He would bounce around to the
Cubs, Cards, Tigers and Expos before
hanging up the glove in 1987 with 126
career saves.
Eastwick was always one of my favorites.
The closer for The Big Red Machine, the
lanky right-hander led the NL in saves in
'75 (22) and '76 (26), before squabbling
over his pay which prompted a trade to
St. Louis partway through 1977.
Growing up a Cub fan, I remember
Eastwick being a reliable middle reliever
in 1981, posting a 2.28 ERA in 30
outings... and then he was gone, retiring
in 1982. He would close out an eight-
year career with 68 saves.
(11/23/11)
relievers from the 1970s; neither Bill
Campbell or Rawley Eastwick
immediately roll off the tongue. But in
1976, the duo led their respective
leagues in Fireman Points.
On the strength of his 17 wins, Campbell
would edge future Rollie Fingers and
1976 AL saves leader Sparky Lyle.
"Soup", as he was known, would parlay
his strong '76 campaign into a 5-
year/$1M contract with the Boston Red
Sox in 1977. Campbell would lead the AL
with 31 saves in his first season with the
BoSox, before arm woes would derail his
career. He would bounce around to the
Cubs, Cards, Tigers and Expos before
hanging up the glove in 1987 with 126
career saves.
Eastwick was always one of my favorites.
The closer for The Big Red Machine, the
lanky right-hander led the NL in saves in
'75 (22) and '76 (26), before squabbling
over his pay which prompted a trade to
St. Louis partway through 1977.
Growing up a Cub fan, I remember
Eastwick being a reliable middle reliever
in 1981, posting a 2.28 ERA in 30
outings... and then he was gone, retiring
in 1982. He would close out an eight-
year career with 68 saves.
(11/23/11)
