Tug McGraw
McGraw was in his sixth season with the Phillies in 1980 and was instrumental in putting the Phillies over the top to win their first World Series. McGraw was nearly unhittable late in the season and finished with a 1.46 ERA, with 75 strikeouts and only nine walks in 92 1/3 innings. His strikeout of Willie Wilson to end the World Series goes down as one of the top moments in franchise history.
In the shortened 1981 season, McGraw continued to pitch very well, posting a 2.66 ERA and 10 saves in 34 appearances. At the age of 37 in 1982, McGraw again pitched in 34 games, but was much less effective and showing signs of age, allowing 50 hits in 39 2/3 innings with an ERA of 4.31.
McGraw pitched two more seasons with the Phillies, going 2-1 with a 3.56 ERA in 34 games in 1983 and 2-0 with a 3.79 ERA in only 25 appearances in 1984.
McGraw’s career spanned 19 seasons, nine with the Mets and ten with the Phillies. All told, he had a record of 96-92 with 180 saves and an ERA of 3.14. Many of his most effective years out of the bullpen came during the 1970’s but makes this list largely due to his incredible 1980 season and postseason.