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Still considered a rookie in just his 46th career game Rich “Goose” Gossage got lit up on Monday June 17th, 1973. Brought in to start the third inning after Stan Bahnsen surrendered six runs in the first two frames against the Milwaukee Brewers, Gossage faced seven batters and got only one out. By the time he was mercifully lifted from the game Gossage allowed four hits including a 3-run homer by Joe Lahoud, walked to 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.

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The manager of the Brewers that day was Del Crandall. In this handwritten autographed letter Crandall reflects on that game and on Gossage, writing 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.”

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An 8-time All Star Del Crandall enjoyed a 16-year career as a Major League catcher. He also managed over 800 games. The baseball card here, a Topps production, pictures Crandall and his coaching staff for the 1973 season when his Milwaukee Brewers rocked Goose Gossage. Crandall saw a lot of change during his time in the game. In the above letter he also speaks of the evolving role of the closer. 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.”

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The above check is drawn on a memorable date in Yankee history. On October 7, 1978 Goose Gossage and 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 led as 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, LaCock lifted the next pitch to outfield where it nestled safely into the glove of left fielder Gary Thomasson. The game was over and the Yankees were on their way to the 1978 Fall Classic where they would defeat the Dodgers for their 21st World Series title.

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Rich Gossage enjoyed his best years in New York, recording 151 saves and a 42-28 win-loss record in seven seasons. The second pitcher to record 300 career saves, Gossage was among the most intimidating closers in the game. 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 and was part of the first World Series team in Padre history. Here he endorses the back of the Yankee check.

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This short four-question questionnaire is filled out entirely in the hand of Rich “Goose” Gossage who has neatly signed the bottom of the sheet. 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.