Ranking the Top 5 greatest relief pitchers in Phillies franchise history

Coming into a game when the pressure is highest is a tough job, but the Phillies have had some incredible relievers over the years. Who makes the cut for the top five greatest relievers in Phillies history?

World Series: Tampa Bay Rays v Philadelphia Phillies, Game 5
World Series: Tampa Bay Rays v Philadelphia Phillies, Game 5 | Jim McIsaac/GettyImages
3 of 6

No. 4: Steve Bedrosian

Steve Bedrosian played for the Phillies for three and a half seasons, from 1986 through the midway point of the 1989 season, before being traded to the San Francisco Giants. As a Phillie, he registered a 3.29 ERA over 218 games, recording 103 saves. His 103 saves rank him third all-time on the Phillies franchise saves list.

During his tenure with the Phillies, Bedrosian made the All-Star team once and shockingly won the Cy Young Award that same year in 1987. It's unusual for a relief pitcher to win the Cy Young these days, but it was a unique year. Seven other pitchers received votes, but Bedrosian led the league with 40 saves, enough to sway enough voters his way. He's one of four Phillies pitchers to have won the Cy Young Award, along with Steve Carlton, John Denny, and Roy Halladay.

The team didn't have the most overall success during his time in the organization, going 298-348 and not appearing in the playoffs. Bedrosian would go on to win a World Series with the Minnesota Twins in 1991 after his two-year stint with the Giants.

The righty finished his career with three seasons in Atlanta, the team that drafted him and with which he played for five seasons from 1981 to 1986 before becoming one of the greatest Phillies relievers.

Schedule