After 12 years as a starting pitcher for three different teams, Dennis Eckersley arrived in Oakland in 1987 with over 150 wins under his belt. Tony La Russa had a different plan for the sidewinding right-hander - moving Eckersely to the bullpen as his newfound closer. "Eck" would deliver 318 saves for Oakland over the next nine seasons, helping secure the 1989 World Series and appearing in four All-Star games as an Athletic. Eckersley became only the second relief pitcher to win an MVP award with his astounding 1992 season, where he won seven games, saved 51 others and turned in a 1.91 ERA. In 2004, Eckersley was voted into the baseball Hall of Fame, opening the doors for many closers to follow.
![View Larger Image](javascript:zoom("http://static.zoovy.com/img/bigboyztoyz/-/01_baseball/cooperstown/series_5/./mlbc5eckersley_v.jpg")){kind=link}