Mike Marshall, American baseball player

Michael Grant "Iron Mike" Marshall: A Groundbreaking MLB Pitcher

Michael Grant Marshall (January 15, 1943 – May 31, 2021), widely known as "Iron Mike," was an American professional baseball pitcher whose career significantly impacted Major League Baseball (MLB) history. His distinctive pitching style and remarkable durability allowed him to achieve unprecedented feats for a relief pitcher.

Marshall's extensive MLB career spanned from his debut in 1967, and then consistently from 1969 through 1981. Over these 13 seasons, he showcased extraordinary resilience and adaptability, suiting up for an impressive ten distinct franchises. These included the Minnesota Twins, Seattle Pilots/Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, Montreal Expos, Texas Rangers, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Detroit Tigers.

Making History: The First Reliever to Win the Cy Young Award

Michael Marshall etched his name into baseball lore in 1974 while pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He became the first-ever relief pitcher to win the prestigious National League Cy Young Award, an honor traditionally bestowed upon starting pitchers who typically log far more innings. This achievement was a monumental shift in how relief pitching was viewed in the sport.

His 1974 season was nothing short of phenomenal:

• He appeared in an astounding 106 games, setting a single-season MLB record for a pitcher, a testament to his unparalleled availability.
• He logged an incredible 208.1 innings pitched, a workload virtually unheard of for a reliever then, and one that remains a remarkable benchmark today.
• Marshall finished the season with a stellar 15-12 win-loss record, accumulating 21 saves, and maintaining an excellent 2.42 earned run average (ERA).

His ability to pitch almost daily and absorb such a high volume of innings stemmed from his unique, low-stress pitching mechanics, which minimized strain on his arm and allowed for rapid recovery.

All-Star Recognition and Lasting Legacy

Beyond his historic Cy Young triumph, Marshall's exceptional performance earned him two well-deserved All-Star selections in consecutive seasons, in both 1974 and 1975, further cementing his status as one of the game's elite pitchers during his era. Michael "Iron Mike" Marshall's career fundamentally reshaped perceptions of the relief pitcher's role, setting a new, albeit rarely matched, standard for workload and effectiveness. His legacy endures as a testament to his groundbreaking contributions and unique place in baseball history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Marshall

What was Michael Marshall's notable nickname?

He was widely known throughout his career as "Iron Mike," a moniker that reflected his incredible durability and ability to consistently pitch in high-leverage situations.

What significant award did Michael Marshall win in 1974?

In 1974, Michael Marshall won the National League Cy Young Award, making him the first relief pitcher in MLB history to receive this prestigious honor.

How many games did Michael Marshall appear in during his record-setting 1974 season?

During his Cy Young-winning 1974 season, Michael Marshall appeared in an unprecedented 106 games, which remains an MLB single-season record for a pitcher.

How many innings did "Iron Mike" Marshall pitch as a reliever in 1974?

In his historic 1974 campaign, Michael Marshall pitched an astounding 208.1 innings as a relief pitcher, a workload that was virtually unheard of for a reliever then or now.

How many distinct MLB teams did Michael Marshall play for?

Michael Marshall played for ten distinct Major League Baseball franchises over the course of his career, including the Minnesota Twins, Seattle Pilots/Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, Montreal Expos, Texas Rangers, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Detroit Tigers.