Sparky Lyle’s Unusual Performance in the 1977 Playoffs Against Kansas City
May 29, 2012 · Harold Friend · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Before Mariano Rivera and Rich Gossage, the New York Yankees had Sparky Lyle. No one did more than Lyle to help the Yankees win the 1977 world championship, which was their first one since 1962.
On March 22, 1972, the Boston Red Sox traded Lyle to the Yankees in exchange for first baseman-outfielder Danny Cater. It was a trade, not a free agent signing, that Brian Cashman would give his eyeteeth to have made.
The Yankees were an average team Lyle’s first few seasons as their top relief pitcher. He was very good, but had to prove himself in October.
After Mr. Steinbrenner purchased the Yankees in 1973, the team improved. The Yankees won the 1976 pennant, but they were no match for the Cincinnati Reds. The Yankees were swept.
Then along came Reggie Jackson. Well, he didn’t exactly come along, but Mr. Steinbrenner signed him for a lot of money. The Yankees won the 1977 pennant and this time, they also won the World Series.
Lyle got them to the World Series.
The Yankees faced the Kansas City Royals in the best-of-five playoffs. The teams split the first two games at Yankee Stadium. The next three games would be in Kansas City.
The Royals won the third game, which meant the Yankees would have to win the final two games at Royals Stadium.
Ed Figueroa started against Yankees’ nemesis Larry Gura. The Yankees staked Figueroa to an early 4-0 lead but Kansas City pulled to within 5-4 in fourth inning.
Billy Martin brought in Sparky Lyle, his “closer,” to face George Brett. This, folks, was in the fourth inning. Brett lined out to left fielder Lou Piniella.
Lyle pitched 5 1/3 innings of scoreless relief, nursing the one run lead until the Yankees added another run in the ninth. The Yankees won, 6-4.
Martin realized that he needed his best pitcher in the fourth inning. He brought in his “closer,” because sometimes the game is not decided in the ninth inning.
The next day, with the Yankees trailing 3-2 in the eighth inning, Lyle came in to get the needed out to end the inning
The Yankees scored three in the ninth, Lyle retired the Royals in their half of the ninth, and the Yankees were once again American League champions.
In the World Series, Lyle made two appearances, pitched 4.2 innings and had a 1.93 ERA. The Yankees beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in six games.
Without Lyle’s playoff performance, they never would have reached the World Series.
Read more New York Yankees news on BleacherReport.com
Yankee Tickets
Shop Yankee
.…
áëà ãîäà ðåÃ!!…