Phillies 1980’s All-Decade Team: Hall of Fame Legends Lead the Way
Kent Tekulve
Tekulve was a long-time thorn in the Phillies side as the dominant reliever for divisional rival Pittsburgh from 1974 to 1985. The Phillies obtained Tekulve on April 20, 1985, from the Pirates for exchange for Al Holland.
In 58 games for the Phillies in 1985, Tekulve lost 10 games, but had a very good ERA of 2.99 and saved 14 games, walking only nine in 72 1/3 innings. As the setup man for Steve Bedrosian in 1986, the 39-year old Tekulve had his best season as a Phillie. He appeared in 73 games, threw 110 innings, won 11 games with an ERA of 2.54.
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Continuing to amaze at age 40 in 1987, Tekulve appeared in a league-high 90 games, logging 105 innings, making it the eighth time in his career surpassing the 100 inning mark. He had an ERA of 3.09, while winning six games.
During his final season with the Phillies in 1988, Tekulve went 3-7 with a 3.60 ERA in 70 games. He was released by the Phillies following the season and pitched one final season with the Reds before retiring.
In four seasons with the Phillies, Tekulve threw 367 1/3 innings in 291 games, winning 24 with 25 saves and an ERA of 3.01.
Honorable mention: Al Holland