Right-handed relief pitcher Rich “Goose” Gossage played for the New York Yankees for seven years (1978-1983, 1989) and for various other clubs during his 23-year career in MLB. He was especially a sensational hurler during his time with the Yanks. Do you know why his no. Is not retired yet? Let's have a look at the whole story
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In 533 innings pitched for the Bronx Bombers, Gossage had a 2.14 ERA, 179 ERA+, 151 saves, 512 strikeouts (8.6 per nine innings), a 2.60 FIP, and a 1.079 WHIP. Amazingly, he only gave up 31 home runs during that time. He was selected to the All-Star team four times. He had three top-five finishes in the American League Cy Young Award voting. In 1980, he was third in the American League MVP voting.
In 2008, he was elected to the Hall of Fame with 85.8% of the BBWAA vote — remarkable support for a relief pitcher. Gossage is part of Yankees lore. In 1978, he helped the Yanks hang on for a 5-4 victory in a one-game playoff involving the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. He left the tying run at third base by getting Carl Yastrzemski (an old nemesis) to pop up for the final out. Also, Gossage was able to rescue Ron Guidry and get the last out (a pop-fly by Ron Cey) of the 1978 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger stadium. And it was Goose who threw the home run pitch to George Brett that triggered the great pine tar controversy in 1983.
According to an official MLB.com press release, the Yanks will retire legendary manager Joe Torre's No. 6 and immortalize Torre, pitcher Goose Gossage, first baseman Tino Martinez and outfielder Paul O'Neill with plaques in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium. However, the reason is not out yet
An attempt at rapprochement with Gossage by the Yankees