Relief pitchers have important roles in baseball today, often coming in to pitch at some of the games most critical and exciting moments, but they have not always been a part of the game. This work provides a history of relief pitching in the major leagues and explains how, why, and when it began to evolve. It discusses the first managersJohn McGraw, Leo Durocher, and Joe McCarthywho used relief pitchers to win games, and the managers who took full advantage of it in later yearsCasey Stengel, Earl Weaver, and Tony LaRussa. It also covers how and when the idea of a pitchers hurling a complete game began to disappear, great World Series performances by relievers, how relief pitchers are rated and why, what the future holds for them, and how and when they were used not only to finish games but as long and middle relievers, setup men, and closers. Profiles of leading relief pitchers over the years are also included.
