I just read that relief pitcher Rich "Goose" Gossage was elected to the Hall of Fame today. I was happy to hear this. Gossage was perhaps the most dominant relief pitcher of the 1970s and 1980s, with his all out motion, and high 90s fastball. I have a personal story about Gossage to share.
I dont know if Yankee fans recall the 1979 season, when Gossage was involved in a clubhouse fight with Yankee backup catcher Cliff Johnson. Gossage tore ligaments in his thumbs, and missed about three months, and needed surgery. His procedure was performed at NYU hospital in NYC. Around the same time, in April, 1979, I had a procedure on my Achilles tendon, and was hospitalized in a huge leg cast at NYU. Somehow, my parents arranged for Gossage to come to my room, and sign my cast. He was a really great guy.
So, congratulations to Goose on making the Hall of Fame. He is very deserving.
Mitch
I dont know if Yankee fans recall the 1979 season, when Gossage was involved in a clubhouse fight with Yankee backup catcher Cliff Johnson. Gossage tore ligaments in his thumbs, and missed about three months, and needed surgery. His procedure was performed at NYU hospital in NYC. Around the same time, in April, 1979, I had a procedure on my Achilles tendon, and was hospitalized in a huge leg cast at NYU. Somehow, my parents arranged for Gossage to come to my room, and sign my cast. He was a really great guy.
So, congratulations to Goose on making the Hall of Fame. He is very deserving.
Mitch
