Los Angeles Dodgers legend Eric Gagné celebrated the 20th anniversary of his record-setting 84 consecutive saves in style on Wednesday night. Gagné took the mound to the tune of “Welcome to the Jungle,” a throwback to his dominant years with the team. The 48-year-old former closer reflected on his time with the Dodgers, calling the field his “church” and reminiscing about playing with the likes of Tommy Lasorda and Sandy Koufax.
Gagné’s signature streak, which still stands as the longest in MLB history, saw him go 87⅔ innings without allowing a single earned run. His incredible run of success included a total of 139 strikeouts and zero inherited runners scoring. Gagné’s dominance on the mound earned him the NL Cy Young Award in 2003 and solidified his place as one of the greatest closers in the game.
Despite facing challenges and undergoing surgeries late in his career, Gagné’s impact on the game is undeniable. He thanked his former teammates, like Dave Roberts and Shawn Green, for their contributions to his success and credited the team’s defense for helping him maintain his streak.
As for Roberts, who shared a special moment with Gagné on the field, the two made plans for a celebratory dinner to mark the occasion. Gagné, who now resides in Arizona, looks forward to catching up with his former teammate and reminiscing about their time together on the field. The legacy of Eric Gagné’s historic streak continues to inspire baseball fans and players alike.
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