Phillies: Top ten starting and relief pitchers of the 1980's

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PHILADELPHIA – OCTOBER 25: Steve Carlton throws out the first pitch before the Philadelphia Phillies take on the Tampa Bay Rays during game three of the 2008 MLB World Series on October 25, 2008 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

The Phillies have numerous holes to fill in the pitching staff heading into this season. Looking back, here are the top Phillies pitchers from the 1980s.

The Phillies head to spring training in six weeks with many questions marks, particularly in the pitching staff. Staying with the pitching theme, we take a look back at the top Phillies pitchers of the 1980’s.

Honorable mention:

Larry Christensen (1973 – 1983)

Christensen was a solid Major League pitcher for 11 seasons, all the with Phillies. However, injuries took their toll on him, limiting him to 76 games from 1980 through 1983. Although just 20-22 in the 1980’s, Christensen had an ERA of 3.63 and had a career ERA of 3.79 in 243 games.

Larry Andersen (1983 – 1986, 1993-1994)

Andersen had two good stints in Philadelphia, the first beginning in 1983. Relying mainly on a sharp breaking slider, Andersen was a steady short man, compiling an ERA of 3.20 in 138 games from 1983 through 1986.

PHILADELPHIA – APRIL 4: Philadelphia Phillies fans celebrate introductions of their team against the Pittsburgh Pirates on the last opening day at Veterans Stadium on April 4, 2003 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Pirates defeated the Phillies 9-1. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

10 – Kent Tekulve (1985 – 1988)

A top closer in his days in Pittsburgh, Tekulve was a very good short man during his time with the Phillies. He pitched over 100 innings in both 1986 and 1987, setting up closer Steve Bedrosian. Tekulve had a 3.31 ERA over 367 1/3 innings in 291 games with the Phillies.

9 – Ron Reed (1976 – 1983)

Reed was a mainstay in the Phillies bullpen for several seasons. He compiled a 26-14 record in the 1980’s, including a 2.66 ERA in 1982 and a 9-1 record for the 1983 NL Championships team. Reed had a 3.32 ERA in 346 innings over 212 games from 1980 to 1983. He finished his career with the White Sox in 1984.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 20: The Phillie Phanatic launches Hatfield hotdogs into the stands between innings during a game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park on June 20, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Diamondbacks won 3-1. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /

8 – Dick Ruthven (1973 – 1975, 1978 – 1983)

Ruthven was a key member in the starting rotation for the 1980 World Series championship team, finishing 17-10 with an ERA 3.55 in 223 innings. An All-Star for the first half performance in 1981, Ruthven’s ERA ballooned to 5.15, although he finished with a record of 12-7. He also had a solid 11-win season in 1982, but makes this list mainly for his contribution to the 1980 team.

7 – Kevin Gross (1983 – 1988)

Gross won four games as a rookie on the 1983 NL Championship team. He won 15 games with a 3.41 ERA and was an All-Star in 1988. A workhorse, Gross pitched in over 200 years in four consecutive seasons. He finished his time in Philadelphia with a 60-66 record and 3.87 ERA.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 3: The Phillie Phanatic performs with a KISS cover band in between the fifth and sixth inning of the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on June 3, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Brewers 6-3. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

6 – Al Holland (1983 – 1985)

Holland, known as “Mr T”, was the closer for the 1983 NL Championship team. He saved 54 games combined in 1983 and 1984, earning an All-Star appearance in 1984. Holland was out of Philadelphia in 1985 after appearing in only three games. He finished his Phillies career with a record of 13-15, 55 saves and an ERA of 2.88.

5 – Shane Rawley (1984 – 1988)

Rawley was a solid, consistent starter for the Phillies during a down period. He was an All-Star in 1986 and logged 227 2/3 innings in 1987. During his five seasons with the Phillies, Rawley compiled a record of 59-48 with an ERA of 3.88. Rawley ended his career with the Twins in 1989.

4 – Steve Bedrosian (1986 – 1989)

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Bedrosian accomplished a feat not many pitchers have, leading the league in saves and winning the Cy Young award in the same season. He did that in 1987, saving 40 games with an ERA of 2.83. Bedrosian had 103 saves in a Phillies uniform with an ERA of 3.29. He went on to pitch for the Giants, Twins and Braves before retiring following the 1995 season.

3 – Tug McGraw (1975 – 1984)

Many remember McGraw striking out WIllie Wilson to end the 1980 World Series, although McGraw was excellent most seasons with the club.

He had a 1.46 ERA and 20 saves in 1980, allowing only 62 hits in 92 1/3 innings. McGraw also compiled a 2.66 ERA in 1981 and had a very good 2.84 ERA in 184 games from 1980 through 1984.

2 – John Denny (1982 – 1985)

Denny’s best season was in 1983 when he won the Cy Young award, logging 242 2/3 innings with a record of 19-6. A workhorse on the mound, Denny also accumulated 230 2/3 innings in 1985. He won 48 games over four seasons with the Phillies with an ERA of 3.20.

Phillies: Top ten starting and relief pitchers of the 1980’s

The Phillies have numerous holes to fill in the pitching staff heading into this season. Looking back, here are the top Phillies pitchers from the 1980s.

More from That Balls Outta Here

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