Dan Quisenberry, American baseball player and poet (d. 1998)
Daniel Raymond "Quiz" Quisenberry (February 7, 1953 – September 30, 1998) was a legendary American right-handed relief pitcher who left an indelible mark on Major League Baseball, primarily through his distinguished tenure with the Kansas City Royals. Renowned for his remarkably unconventional submarine-style pitching delivery and his engaging, often humorous, personality, Quisenberry became an iconic figure in the sport, particularly throughout the 1980s.
The Distinctive Submarine Delivery: A Closer Look
Quisenberry's most defining on-field characteristic was his highly unusual and exceptionally effective submarine-style pitching motion. Unlike the common overhand or three-quarters arm slots, "Quiz" released the baseball from an extremely low point, often with his knuckles nearly grazing the mound. This unique, almost underhand, delivery imparted a significant horizontal break to his pitches, especially his sinker, causing the ball to move dramatically away from right-handed batters and in on left-handed batters. This unparalleled movement made his pitches notoriously difficult to track and hit squarely, contributing immensely to his success as one of the era's most formidable closers.
A Personality as Captivating as His Pitching
Beyond his athletic achievements, Daniel Quisenberry was widely celebrated for his quick wit and memorable, often humorous, quotes. His engaging persona provided a refreshing element to the competitive world of professional baseball, earning him widespread popularity among fans, teammates, and the media. He famously quipped, "I'm a nonconformist. My pitches are nonconformist," showcasing his self-awareness and wit regarding his unique style.
Dominance and Records in the American League
Quisenberry's statistical supremacy as a relief pitcher is undeniable. He led the American League in saves an unprecedented five times, a testament to his consistent elite performance:
- 1980: 33 saves
- 1982: 35 saves
- 1983: 45 saves
- 1984: 44 saves
- 1985: 37 saves
His remarkable achievement of leading the league in saves for four consecutive seasons (1982-1985) highlights his pivotal role during a golden era for the Kansas City Royals, which culminated in their historic 1985 World Series championship.
When Daniel Quisenberry concluded his illustrious Major League Baseball career in 1990, he had accumulated an impressive 244 saves. At the time of his retirement, this significant total placed him as the fifth-highest in major league history, cementing his legacy among the all-time great relief pitchers and setting a high benchmark for future closers in baseball.
Frequently Asked Questions About Daniel "Quiz" Quisenberry
- Who was Daniel Raymond "Quiz" Quisenberry?
- Daniel Raymond "Quiz" Quisenberry was a highly respected American right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball, primarily known for his exceptional career with the Kansas City Royals and his distinctive submarine-style pitching delivery.
- What was Daniel Quisenberry's signature pitching style?
- His signature was a submarine-style delivery, a unique technique where he released the baseball from a very low, almost underhand, arm slot. This created unusual and effective horizontal movement on his pitches, making them very challenging for batters to hit.
- How many times did Quisenberry lead the American League in saves?
- Daniel Quisenberry led the American League in saves a record five times, achieving this feat in 1980, and then for four consecutive seasons from 1982 through 1985.
- What was Quisenberry's total number of saves when he retired?
- Upon his retirement in 1990, Daniel Quisenberry had recorded 244 career saves, which ranked as the fifth-highest total in Major League Baseball history at that time.
- Why was Daniel Quisenberry also known for his humorous quotes?
- Beyond his athletic prowess, Quisenberry was widely recognized for his witty and humorous personality. He often provided memorable and insightful quotes, which contributed to his popularity and made him a beloved figure in baseball.