| Bob Wickman | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) Wickman in 2023 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1969-02-06)February 6, 1969 (age 56) Green Bay, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| August 24, 1992, for the New York Yankees | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| September 30, 2007, for the Arizona Diamondbacks | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 63–61 |
| Earned run average | 3.57 |
| Strikeouts | 785 |
| Saves | 267 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
Robert Joe Wickman (born February 6, 1969) is an American former professionalbaseballrelief pitcher. He played 15 seasons inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for five teams: theNew York Yankees (1992–1996),Milwaukee Brewers (1996–2000),Cleveland Indians (2000–2006),Atlanta Braves (2006–2007), andArizona Diamondbacks (2007). He batted and threw right-handed.
Wickman is fromAbrams, Wisconsin.[1] During a childhood farming accident, he lost part of his index finger on his right hand.[2] AtOconto Falls High School, he playedfootball,baseball,horseback riding,table tennis andbasketball, being named an All-State pick inbasketball. Afterhigh school, he attendedUniversity of Wisconsin–Whitewater, and was selected by theChicago White Sox in the1990 Major League Baseball draft (2nd round) and signed by area scoutMike Rizzo.[citation needed] In 1992, he was sent by Chicago to theNew York Yankees in the same trade that broughtSteve Sax to the White Sox.
Wickman's career with the Yankees began with a superb record of 20–5 in his first two seasons (1992–1993), including a 14–4 mark in 1993. In the strike-shortened 1994 season, Wickman appeared in an American League-high 53 games, all in relief, and posted a 3.09earned run average (ERA) for the league-leading Yankees. Though he slumped to a 4.05 ERA in 1995, he rebounded to pitch three shutout innings in theDivision Series against theSeattle Mariners. The Yankees lost that series in five games to Seattle.
In August 1996, the Yankees traded Wickman andGerald Williams to the Brewers forGraeme Lloyd andPat Listach.[3] The Brewers later sentRicky Bones to the Yankees and reacquired Listach as Listach was injured at the time of the trade.[4] After the Yankees won the World Series, they gave Wickman aWorld Series ring for being part of the active roster during the 1996 season.
Wickman made his firstAll-Star Game appearance in 2000 as a member of theMilwaukee Brewers. The day after Wickman was traded to the Cleveland Indians, the Brewers chose to hold a Bob Wickman Poster Night.[5]
Occurring on July 28, 2000, the trade to Cleveland was a seven-player deal which broughtRichie Sexson to Milwaukee.[6]
On May 7, 2006, Wickman became the Indians' all-time franchise leader insaved games with 130, surpassing the record previously held byDoug Jones.[7] His 139 saves with the Indians was a club record untilCody Allen passed it July 3, 2018, and his 45 saves on the season in2005 is tied for second-best in team history.[8]
On July 20, 2006, Wickman was traded to the Atlanta Braves forMax Ramírez.[9] Wickman then served as Atlanta's closer, recording his first save on July 24.
On September 20, 2006, Wickman signed a one-year $6.5 million contract extension to stay with the Atlanta Braves for the 2007 season.[10]
On August 24, 2007, after giving up a walk-off two-run home run toAdam Dunn of theCincinnati Reds in extra innings, Wickman complained to managerBobby Cox about pitching in non-save situations. Consequently, he was released.[11]
On September 7, 2007, Wickman signed a contract with theArizona Diamondbacks,[12][13] joining a bullpen that featured relieversBrandon Lyon andTony Peña, alongside established closerJosé Valverde.[14] Wickman pitched in 8 games for the Diamondbacks, going 0–1 with a 1.35 ERA. He became a free agent after the season, subsequently retiring.
Wickman ended his career with 511 games finished, ranking 34th all time among major league pitchers.
Wickman was known to rely on hissinker to save games. He credited much of the motion on his sinker to missing part of his index finger.[2]
