Larry Andersen

Larry Eugene Andersen (born May 6, 1953) is a former relief pitcher in Major League Baseball and current radio color commentator for the Philadelphia Phillies. From 1975 through 1994, Andersen played for the Cleveland Indians (1975, 1977–1979), Seattle Mariners (1981–1982), Philadelphia Phillies (1983–1986, 1993–1994), Houston Astros (1986–1990), Boston Red Sox (1990) and San Diego Padres (1991–1992).

Career

Andersen possessed an average fastball and outstanding slider. Andersen has said that he had better command of his slider than his fastball. He gained notoriety for his 1990 trade to the Red Sox straight up for a minor league prospect named Jeff Bagwell. Andersen played a month in Boston, appearing in 15 games, recording a 1.35 ERA, and helping the Red Sox to a division title. In a 15-year career spent entirely with Houston, Bagwell hit 449 home runs with over 1500 RBI and a .297 average. Bagwell won the 1991 NL Rookie of the Year award, and the NL MVP in 1994.

In a 17-season career, Andersen posted a 40-39 record with 49 saves and a 3.15 ERA in 699 games pitched. His best season was 1987 when he recorded nine wins, 94 strikeouts, and 101²⁄₃ innings pitched in 67 games, all career highs. He is the only member of the Phillies to play in both the 1983 World Series and the 1993 World Series (Darren Daulton had been called up, but did not make a game appearance in 1983).