Lindy McDaniel

Tall, lanky, and durable, Lindy McDaniel pitched mostly relief for 21 Major League seasons and retired with 987 appearances, second only to Hoyt Williams in Major League history.

A right-hander with splendid control, McDaniel was rarely overpowering and recorded 20 or more saves in a season only three times, but his quiet consistency was welcome in any bullpen. Off the field, McDaniel was deeply religious (he was an ordained minister in the Church of Christ) and in great demand as an off season speaker. But he avoided preaching to his teammates directly, instead confining his thoughts to a monthly newsletter, "Pitching for The Master".

He played for the University of Oklahoma for one year, before bypassing the minor leagues completely and signing a $50,000 bonus contract with the Cardinals in 1955. In 1957, he was 15-9, 3.49 as a 21-year old starter. His ERA swelled to a career worst 5.80 in 1958, and was demoted briefly to the American Association. In '59, he became an exclusive reliever and led the National League with 15 saves while also winning 13 games in relief.

McDaniel led the National League in saves again the following year with 26, and was traded in 1962 to the Cubs. He led the league again in saves for a third time in five seasons, posting 22 in 1963. He pitched for the Cubs and Giants from 1963-1967, but was no longer used to finish games as frequently, and in mid-season in 1968 he was traded to the Yankees for Bill Monboquette.

He enjoyed resurgence with the Yankees in 1970, finishing second in the American League with 29 saves while posting a career-best 2.01 ERA, but by 1974 he was traded one final time, to the Royals.

He retired in 1975. McDaniel's 172 career saves placed him fourth all-time.