Eric Gagné Returning to Dodger Stadium to Throw First Pitch

The man who was known for his goggles and goatee while running from the bullpen to the mound with “Welcome to the Jungle” blaring over the speakers at Dodger Stadium is returning to the mound that created a legend.

Eric Gagné will throw out the first pitch before the Dodgers and Diamondbacks duel on July 3. The date marks the 20th anniversary of Gagné recording his 84th consecutive save, which still stands as the longest consecutive save streak in Major League history.

On August 28, 2002, Gagné began a streak of 84 consecutive saves that lasted until July 5, 2004. During that time Gagné became synonymous with two words — game over.

The former closer and 2023 National League Cy Young Award winner began his tenure in Los Angeles as a starting pitcher, but his career took off once the Dodgers moved him to the bullpen before the start of the 2002 season. From 2002 to 2004, he led the league with 152 saves while also ranking first in ERA (1.79) and WHIP (0.82) among pitchers with at least 100 games pitched.

The 2003 season really changed the trajectory of his career. He won the NL Cy Young award, becoming the ninth reliever and second Canadian pitcher in Major League history to win it after receiving 28 of 32 first-place votes. He finished sixth in NL MVP voting that season.

Gagné spent parts of 10 seasons in the big leagues ranking second all-time in saves (161) and strikeouts per nine innings (10.38) in Dodgers franchise history. He finished his career 33-26 with 187 saves, a 3.47 ERA, and a 1.16 WHIP along with 718 strikeouts.

Photo Credit: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

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