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.”