TTM Stats
- Sent: 5/20/2022 | Received: 6/3/2022 | 13 Days
- ’69 Topps, ’70 Topps, ’76 Topps
- Address: Home Address (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 5/24/2023 | Received: 6/5/2023 | 11 Days
- ’71 Topps, ’89 Pacific Senior League
- Address: Home Address (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 8/29/2024 | Received: 9/9/2024 | 10 Days
- ’70 O-Pee-Chee, ’74 Topps, ’89 Pacific Senior League
- Address: Home Address (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Wayne Granger’s career in Major League Baseball (MLB) is a testament to consistency, adaptability, and quiet excellence. As one of the pioneering relief pitchers in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Granger carved out a niche role in an era when bullpen specialists were just beginning to gain recognition. His journey through baseball, marked by resilience and effectiveness, offers a compelling story about the evolution of the closer role and the importance of teamwork.
Wayne Allan Granger was born on March 15, 1944, in Springfield, Massachusetts. A multi-sport athlete in high school, he gravitated toward baseball, where his natural talent as a pitcher began to shine. Granger attended Springfield College, further honing his skills before being signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1965. In the minor leagues, Granger developed a reputation as a reliable and durable pitcher. Though initially considered for a starting role, his talents seemed better suited for relief work, a role he would come to define during his time in the majors.
Granger made his MLB debut on June 5, 1968, with the Cardinals. Though his stint in St. Louis was brief, it provided a valuable stepping stone. After the season, he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, a move that would significantly shape his career. It was with the Reds, from 1969 to 1971, that Granger enjoyed his best years. Known for his submarine-style delivery, he became a dominant force in the bullpen. In 1969, he led the league with 90 appearances, an MLB record at the time. That same year, he was awarded the prestigious NL Fireman of the Year by The Sporting News, recognizing him as the league’s best relief pitcher.
Key Highlights and Achievements:
- 1970 Season and the Big Red Machine: Granger played a pivotal role in the Reds’ run to the World Series in 1970. Recording 35 saves (a career-high) and appearing in 67 games, he solidified himself as one of baseball’s premier closers. Though the Reds ultimately lost to the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series, Granger’s contributions were invaluable to the team’s success.
- Consistency and Durability: Granger was a workhorse, routinely pitching in over 60 games per season during his peak. His ability to handle high-pressure situations with calmness and precision made him a trusted arm in the late innings.
- Post-Reds Career: After leaving Cincinnati, Granger pitched for several teams, including the Minnesota Twins, St. Louis Cardinals (again), New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Houston Astros, and Montreal Expos. While his later years didn’t match the dominance of his time with the Reds, he remained a reliable bullpen option throughout his career.
Over his nine-year MLB career, Wayne Granger compiled 35 Wins, 108 Saves, a 3.14 ERA, 303 Strikeouts, all in 451 Appearances. Granger’s impact extended beyond numbers. He played a key role in shaping the modern closer role, proving that late-game specialists could be game-changers for their teams.
Following his retirement in 1976, Granger remained connected to baseball. He played in the Mexican league in 1977. He also often participated in alumni events and mentoring young pitchers. He also pursued business ventures and enjoyed time with his family, maintaining a relatively private life.
Granger’s ties to the game were not only professional but deeply personal. His dedication to the sport and contributions to the teams he played for have ensured his place in baseball history as one of the early masters of bullpen artistry.
Wayne Granger may not have been a household name like some of his contemporaries, but his contributions to the game of baseball are undeniable. A pioneer of modern relief pitching, Granger’s career serves as a reminder of the value of perseverance, adaptability, and the power of playing your role to perfection.
For fans of the game, his story is a compelling chapter in the history of America’s pastime. From the record-breaking seasons with the Reds to his steady presence in bullpens across the league, Wayne Granger left an indelible mark on baseball.
The Score on Wayne Granger – 6.5
Wayne has a pretty good signature, but there appear to be a few times on these attempts where it got a little messy. I think the 1970 Topps card is a good example of that. But when he does a good signature it really pops. I think of this bunch my favorite of them all, maybe because I like the card and the image a lot, is the 1969 Topps card. Another thing I find interesting on seeing these three returns together, each has its own size, weight, marker, neatness, etc..
Thanks Mr. Granger! I’m giving these returns a 6.5 overall.
>>> READ MORE ABOUT MY AUTOGRAPH SCORING SYSTEM <<<
Thanks for visiting BravestarrCards.com: Card Collecting and TTM Autographs.
Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.