Flashback Friday: Eric Gagne Sets MLB Record With 84 Consecutive Saves

Eric Gagne began his major league career as a starter for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1999. After undergoing Tommy John surgery two years prior, the right-hander fared only decently in the starting rotation before finding his groove when he was converted to a closer in 2002. In his eight-year tenure with the Dodgers, Gagne logged over 600 innings of work and 718 strikeouts.

Gagne most impressive milestone with the Dodgers is his MLB record 84 consecutive saves. Beginning on Aug. 28, 2002 against the Arizona Diamondbacks and ending on July 3, 2004 against the Anaheim Angels, Gagne established himself as a great closer during this consecutive save streak. Over the 84 saves, Gagne allowed just 44 hits and eight runs over 89 innings of work while striking out 139 batters.

To put the feat into perspective, current setup man Brian Wilson has given up eight runs over just seven innings this season. While some of the shine would later be taken off Gagne’s accomplishments in the wake of the steroids scandal, he was at one point widely considered one of the best closers in the game.
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