Rollie Fingers
From SoSH
Rollie Fingers
| Born: | August 25, 1946 |
| Birthplace: | Steubenville, Ohio |
| Height: | 6'4" |
| Weight: | 195 lbs |
| Bats: | Right |
| Throws: | Right |
| Drafted: | 1964 Amateur Free Agent by the Kansas City Athletics |
| College: | None |
| High School: | Alta Loma (CA) |
| Teams: | Oakland A's 1968-1976 San Diego Padres 1977-1980 Milwaukee Brewers 1981-1982, 1984-1985 |
Contents |
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Overall Career
Roland Glen "Rollie" Fingers (born August 25, 1946, in Steubenville, OH), 17-year career epitomized the emergence of the modern-day relief ace. After watching him post inconsistent results as a starter, the A's moved Fingers to the bullpen. He excelled quickly and frequently in his new role. Relying on a sharp slider, Fingers went on to notch 341 career saves. Known for his handlebar mustache, Fingers became a familiar site during the post-season, appearing in 16 World Series games. He won both the American League MVP and Cy Young Award with the Brewers in 1981.
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Red Sox Nation Villainy
- On June 15, 1976, the Red Sox acquired Rollie Fingers and Joe Rudi from the Oakland A's for $2 million, plus Steve Dillard and Andy Merchant. Both Rollie Fingers and Joe Rudi dressed in Red Sox uniforms, but the trade was voided by commissioner Bowie Kuhn, citing the "best interests of baseball" before they appeared in a Red Sox game.
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Awards
- Elected to Hall of Fame by Baseball Writers in 1992 (81.16%)
- 1974 Major League World Series MVP
- 1977 National League Rolaids Relief
- 1978 National League Rolaids Relief
- 1980 National League Rolaids Relief
- 1981 American League CYA
- 1981 American League MVP
- 1981 American League Rolaids Relief
- 7-time Major League All-Star (1973-1976, 1978, 1981-1982)
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Trivia
- Rollie Fingers won the 1974 World Series Most Valuable Player Award with one win and two saves for the World Champion Oakland A's.
- Won three World Series Rings with the Oakland Athletics (1972, 1973 & 1974)
- On August 21, 1982, Fingers became the first player with 300 career saves.
- Fingers is the only Hall of Fame pitcher with a losing record (114-118).
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Transactions
- December 24, 1964: Signed by the Kansas City Athletics as an amateur free agent.
- November 1, 1976: Granted Free Agency.
- December 14, 1976: Signed as a Free Agent with the San Diego Padres.
- December 8, 1980: Traded by the San Diego Padres with Bob Geren (PTBNL), Bob Shirley, and Gene Tenace to the St. Louis Cardinals for Terry Kennedy, Steve Swisher, Mike Phillips, John Littlefield, John Urrea, Kim Seaman, and Al Olmsted.
- December 12, 1980: Traded by the St. Louis Cardinals with Ted Simmons and Pete Vuckovich to the Milwaukee Brewers for Sixto Lezcano, David Green, Lary Sorensen, and Dave LaPoint.
- November 8, 1984: Granted Free Agency.
- January 16, 1985: Signed as a Free Agent with the Milwaukee Brewers.
- November 14, 1985: Released by the Milwaukee Brewers.
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External Links
- Baseball-Reference.com - Career Statistics and Analysis
- Rollie Fingers: Hall of Fame Page
