The Chicago White Sox drafted Rich Gossage in the 9th round of the 1970 MLB draft. Taking a chance on the Roy J. Wasson High School product, Chicago felt Gossage had a major league future.

By 1972 Gossage proved them right by reaching the big leagues at age 20. That season Gossage went 7-1, a mark that belied his 4.28 ERA.

Shown here is the first Topps card Gossage appeared on. This 1972 edition is signed by the Hall of Fame pitcher and authenticated by Beckett which grades the signature as a 10/10.

Still considered a rookie in just his 46th career game Rich “Goose” Gossage got lit up on Monday June 17th, 1973. Stan Bahnsen started the contest and gave up six runs in the first two innings. White Sox manager Chuck Tanner tabbed Gossage to start the third.

Goose had a tough time against Del Crandall’s Brewers, retiring just one of the seven batters he faced. By the time he was mercifully lifted from the game Gossage allowed four hits including a 3-run homer by Joe Lahoud. Goose walked two batters, and watched as four men crossed the plate. The next day the 21-year old Gossage was sent to Triple-A Iowa.

In the collection is the document sending Gossage to the minors on June 18, 1973. Gossage as boldly signed his name and added “54”, his jersey number throughout his 22-year big league career.

An 8-time All Star Del Crandall enjoyed a 16-year career as a Major League catcher. He also managed over 800 games. Crandall was the manager of the Brewers the day they lit up Goose Gossage. In this handwritten letter the skipper reflects on that game and on Gossage.

He writes in part, “The thing that went through my mind as I watched how could we hit the ball so hard off a pitcher who threw that hard. But as time went on his control got better, and he became an outstanding relief pitcher one who is worthy of Hall of Fame consideration.”

The baseball writers elected Gossage to Cooperstown in 2008. He was inducted along with Veterans Committee picks, owners Barney Dreyfuss, Walter O’Malley, managers Billy Southworth, Dick Williams, and commissioner Bowie Kuhn.

Crandall also writes of the changes in how relievers were used then compared to now. Speaking of Gossage, Crandall writes, “In those days relief pitcher might pitch two or three innings for a save. If he would have pitched only one inning as they do today, there is no telling how many games he might have saved.”

Rich Gossage bounced from the minors to the majors until 1975, his first year as a full-time big leaguer. Given the chance to perform, Gossage proved his worth.

The ’75 campaign saw him finish with a 1.82 ERA, and a league-leading 26 saves. His 8.2 WAR was second among American League pitchers to Cy Young Award winner Jim Palmer.

By season’s end, Gossage was the leading fireman in the AL in ’75.

Shown here is a 1976 Topps card showing each league’s leading relievers. Al Hrabosky earned the honor in the National League with Gossage as the American League’s man.

The card is signed by both men with the autographs authenticated by Beckett.

Rich Gossage enjoyed his best years in New York, recording 151 saves and a 42-28 win-loss record in seven seasons. He made four All Star teams and finished in the top-5 of Cy Young balloting three times in his six seasons with the Yankees.

In eight post-season appearances Gossage went 2-1 with 8 saves and a 2.87 earned run average. Upon leaving the Yankees after the 1983 season, Gossage arrived in San Diego. In America’s Finest City he was part of the first World Series team in Padre history.

The second pitcher to record 300 career saves, Gossage was among the most intimidating closers in the game. His time in the Big Apple put him in the national spotlight and greatly helped his Cooperstown candidacy.

Shown here is a Yankee check made out to Gossage on October 7, 1978, the day he recorded his first post-season save to clinch New York’s berth into the World Series. In the Fall Classic Gossage pitched 6 scoreless innings spanning three games and came away with the win in the Yankee’s Game 4 extra-inning triumph.

Shown here is the signature of Rich Gossage in the form of an endorsement on the back of the check from the previous image.

Interestingly, the check is drawn on October 7, 1978, a memorable date for Gossage and the Yankees. The Yankees took the field in New York against the Kansas City Royals in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series. One win away from earning a World Series berth the Yankees were clinging to a 2-1 lead.

Starter Ron Guidry went out to the mound in hopes of recording the last three outs in the 9th inning. Amos Otis the Royals centerfielder greeted Guidry by hitting a double to left. New York manager went to the mound and motioned to the bullpen calling for Gossage.

With the game game on the line, Gossage struck out Clint Hurdle and got Darrell Porter to lift a harmless ball to center field for the second out. The next batter was pinch hitter Pete LaCock. After Gossage put him in an 0-2 hole, La Cock lifted the next pitch to outfield where it nestled safely into the glove of left fielder Gary Thomasson. The Yankees clinched a berth to the 1978 Fall Classic where they defeated the Dodgers for their 21st World Series title.

It was the first post season save for Gossage. The Yankees eventual triumph in the Fall Classic gave Gossage his only World Series ring.

This short four-question questionnaire is filled out entirely in the hand of Rich “Goose” Gossage.

When asked about his greatest accomplishment Gossage writes, “Consistency, doing it year in and year out.” As for legacy, Gossage says, “…I contributed to the game and was a part of carrying on the great tradition.”

Would Goose do anything differently? “No, even the homeruns were great.” For the final question regarding his biggest obstacle Gossage writes, “Making it to the big leagues and then staying in the big leagues.”

Gossage signs and dates the bottom of the sheet.