Dennis Eckersley Photograph

Pitcher Dennis Eckersley blazed a unique path to Hall of Fame success. During the first half of his 24-year big league career, "Eck" won over 150 games primarily as a starter, including a no-hitter in 1977 (a memorable 12-strikeout performance against the California Angels). Over his final 12 years, he saved nearly 400 games, leading his hometown Oakland A's to four American League West titles, three American League Championships and one World Series victory in 1989. His most impressive season was 1992 when Eck started off the season with a major-league record 36 consecutive saves. By the end of that season, Eckersley had tallied 51 saves. Even more impressive, he only walked 11 batters - six intentionally - while striking out 93. With his last save of the season, Eckersley broke Dan Quisenberry’s AL record of 239 saves earning him both the American League MVP and Cy Young Awards. The only pitcher with 100 saves and 100 complete games, Eckersley thoroughly dominated opposing batters during a six-year stretch on the A's from 1988 to 1993, in which he struck out 458 while walking just 51. A Baseball Hall of Fame inductee in 2004, Dennis will always be an Oakland fan favorite thanks not only to his success on the mound but his distinctive long hair and mustache. This Sports Gallery Quality Framed action shot is hand-signed by Dennis and would make a great gift for any longtime A's fan.