A baseball legend has left us. The passing of Wayne Granger, a former MLB reliever, has left a mark on the baseball community. At 81 years old, Granger's journey through the sport is a story of resilience and impact.
Granger, a towering 6'4" right-handed pitcher, hailed from Springfield, Massachusetts. His career began with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he made an impressive debut in the 1968 season. As a rookie, he pitched 44 innings with an ERA of 2.25, a remarkable start to his professional career.
But here's where it gets interesting: Granger's first stint with the Cardinals ended abruptly. He was traded, along with outfielder Bobby Tolan, to the Cincinnati Reds for Vada Pinson, a star center fielder. This move proved to be a turning point for the Reds.
Pinson's time with the Cardinals was brief, but Tolan's impact was significant. He had a short peak but became a key player in the Big Red Machine dynasty, setting the table for the big hitters.
Granger's true brilliance shone during his three seasons with the Reds. He became a bullpen workhorse, leading the majors in appearances and games finished during his first year. In an era when relievers often pitched multiple innings, Granger threw an incredible 144 2/3 innings with an ERA of 2.80. The 1969 season also saw the official recognition of the save statistic, and Granger tied for third-most in the majors with 27 saves.
His performance the following year was equally impressive. Granger maintained a sub-3.00 ERA while pitching 84 2/3 innings during the regular season. He led the majors with a career-high 35 saves, a record at the time.
However, his postseason success was elusive. In the 1970 World Series, Granger struggled, giving up five runs in two innings across two appearances. The Reds ultimately lost to the Orioles in a five-game series.
Granger's journey continued with a trade to the Twins after the 1971 season. He then played for several other teams, including a second stint with the Cardinals.
His retirement in 1976 marked the end of a remarkable career. Granger was inducted into the Reds' team Hall of Fame in 1982, a testament to his impact on the franchise. He finished his career with a 3.14 ERA across 638 2/3 innings, recording 108 saves and striking out 303 opponents.
As we reflect on Granger's life and career, we send our condolences to his family, friends, former teammates, and loved ones. His legacy will live on in the annals of baseball history.
