Introduction
Todd Worrell is a retired Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher who had an impressive career spanning over a decade. He was born on September 28, 1959, in Pasadena, California. Worrell played college baseball for Biola University, where he gained national recognition as an All-American. He got drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1982, and since then, he had an eventful journey through the MLB. This blog post will take you through the fascinating career of Todd Worrell, from his time as a college star to his tenure as an MLB All-Star.
Rise to Fame
Todd Worrell studied at Biola University in Southern California, where he played college baseball. He played as a right-handed relief pitcher for the Eagles and became one of the best pitchers in college baseball. In 1982, he was drafted 21st overall by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the MLB draft. His excellent performance in college helped him secure a spot in the major league.
Debut and Early Years
Todd Worrell made his MLB debut on April 20, 1985, for the St. Louis Cardinals. In his first season, he pitched in 52 games, where he posted a 9-10 record with a 2.08 ERA and 19 saves. Worrell was named the National League Rookie of the Year, becoming the first relief pitcher in history to win the award. He earned his first All-Star selection the following year, where he pitched a perfect inning in the game.
Injury and Comeback
In 1988, Todd Worrell suffered a serious injury that left him sidelined for a significant portion of the season. He suffered an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery, which put Worrell out of action for the remainder of the season. He made a remarkable comeback in 1989, where he recorded 36 saves, with a 1.98 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 68.1 innings pitched.
World Series Championship
Todd Worrell was an instrumental part of the St. Louis Cardinals team that won the 1985 World Series. He appeared in four games and recorded two saves, including the final out of the world series in game seven. Worrell played an essential role in the team’s postseason run, where he pitched in nine games, recorded three saves, and earned one win.
Record-Breaking Save
On August 6, 1993, Todd Worrell recorded his 256th career save, surpassing Bruce Sutter as the St. Louis Cardinals’ all-time leader in saves. It was a significant achievement for Worrell, who spent the majority of his career with the Cardinals. He finished his career with 256 saves for the team.
Trade to the Dodgers
In 1994, Todd Worrell was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he played for three seasons. He had an impressive debut season as a Dodger, where he recorded 39 saves with a 2.09 ERA, earning his third All-Star selection in the process. He finished his career in Los Angeles with 95 saves and a 3.12 ERA.
Retirement
Todd Worrell announced his retirement from baseball in 1997, after playing for 11 seasons in the MLB. He finished his career with a record of 50-39 with a 3.19 ERA and 256 saves. Worrell was known for his dominant fastball and excellent control. After retiring, he returned to Biola University to complete his degree in psychology.
Awards and Honors
Todd Worrell earned several awards and honors throughout his career. He was a three-time All-Star, won the Rookie of the Year award in 1986, and was a three-time Rolaids Relief Man of the Year. Worrell was also inducted into the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2018.
Legacy
Todd Worrell’s legacy is one of an outstanding relief pitcher who dominated the game during his prime. He was one of the most reliable and consistent closers in the league and left a lasting impact on the teams he played for, especially the St. Louis Cardinals. Despite suffering a significant injury early in his career, he made a remarkable comeback and continued to perform at an elite level.
Conclusion
Todd Worrell’s career is a testament to the power and resilience of human determination. He overcame adversity and injury throughout his baseball career and continued to deliver outstanding performances on the field. His legacy as one of the best relief pitchers in MLB history is well deserved. Worrell remains a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes and serves as a role model for anyone who dreams of overcoming obstacles to achieve success.
FAQs
1. What teams did Todd Worrell play for?
Todd Worrell played for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Los Angeles Dodgers during his MLB career.
2. Did Todd Worrell win any awards?
Yes, Todd Worrell won several awards, including the National League Rookie of the Year, three-time All-Star, and three-time Rolaids Relief Man of the Year.
3. What was Todd Worrell’s best season?
Todd Worrell’s best season was arguably in 1989, where he recorded 36 saves, a 1.98 ERA, and 78 strikeouts in 68.1 innings pitched.
4. What was Todd Worrell’s record for the St. Louis Cardinals?
Todd Worrell’s record for the St. Louis Cardinals was 50-39 with a 3.19 ERA and 256 saves.
5. When did Todd Worrell retire?
Todd Worrell retired from the MLB in 1997 after playing for eleven seasons.