Kent Tekulve

By Brad Berreman
Love of Sports Correspondent

Former Pirate Kent Tekulve still holds the National League record for innings pitched by a relief pitcher, with 1,436.2.

I’ll bet you didn’t know that, did you?

Tekulve appeared in an amazing 90 games or more three times in his career, one of only two pitchers to do that more than once. He also held the major league record for career relief appearances, with 1,050, as well.

Tekulve was unique for his sidearm style during his 16-year career, most of which was spent as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates on their teams of the ‘70s. His career spanned from 1974-89 and included stints with the Phillies and Reds in addition to his Pirate glory days.

This workhorse recorded 184 career saves and had a career ERA of 2.85. The save total doesn’t look great compared to today’s inflated numbers, but the ERA should be considered a great accomplishment considering the amount of innings and games this guy pitched.

Tekulve’s best season came in 1979, when he recorded 31 saves in helping the “We Are Family” Pirates win the World Series. He saved three games against the Orioles in that series in an MVP-worthy performance (it went to Willie Stargell instead).

The sidearmer also had 31 saves in 1978, while sporting a 2.33 ERA in 91 appearances. An ironman feat if there ever was one. In 1987, at the age of 40, he led the NL with 90 games pitched while throwing for the Phillies. He had a 3.09 ERA that season and saved four games. All in all, he’d end his career with eight seasons with double digit saves.

Tekulve only made one All-Star team, in 1980. But he should be remembered for his longevity and durability, especially considering his unique pitching style.

He became an advanced scout for the Pirates in 2006, and currently works for FSN Pittsburgh as a postgame analyst for Pirate games.

In recognition of a pioneer among relief pitchers, here’s some Old School Love for Kent Tekulve!