A very nice shot of Olson delivering an overhand pitch. Gregg, drafted by the Orioles in 1988, was moved up quickly and debuted the same year. Taking over for departed closer Tom Niedenfeur in 1989, Olson was named AL Rookie of the Year, earning 27 saves in 31 opportunities and finishing with a 1.69 ERA in 85 innings, striking out 90 batters. He saved 37 games in 1990.
Career Stats
'91: 72 G, 4-6, 73 2/3 IP, 74 H, 28 R, 26 ER, 29 BB, 72 K, 31 SV, 3.18 ERA, 126 ERA+
Best Game: October 4 vs. Detroit: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO
Though it doesn't seem like much, Olson blanked the Tigers in the 10th and 11th innings, giving his teammates a chance to win. However, the Orioles eventually lost 4-2 in 14 frames.
After '91: Most likely due to injury, Olson flamed out, bottoming out with a spectacularly bad 16 games with in Atlanta in 1994. I vaguely remember watching him then, recognizing him from my baseball card collection.
Olson pitched for nine teams, retiring after the 2001 season. He saved 30 games for the Arizona Diamondbacks in their first year; however, that was one of the few respectable seasons he had after his career in Baltimore ended.
Gregg remains the Orioles franchise leader with 160 saves.
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