Bret Saberhagen

Lore & Background

Known for his blazing fastball and pinpoint control, Saberhagen was named a three-time All-Star, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, a Gold Glove Award winner, and the Most Valuable Player of the 1985 World Series as the Royals beat the St. Louis Cardinals in 7 games. He led MLB in wins and earned run average in 1989, and threw a no-hitter in 1991.

In Their Own Story

The Texas sun beat down on the mound at The Ballpark in Arlington, baking the dirt into a pale dust that clung to Saberhagen's uniform. He wiped his brow with his glove, adjusting his cap before stepping onto the rubber. The crowd was a mix of anticipation and skepticism; they knew he was a legend elsewhere, but could 'The Kid' still dominate here? As he wound up, the familiar rhythm took over—the sharp snap of the wrist, the deceptive hold, and the release that sent a fastball screaming toward home plate. For one brief moment, the noise of the stadium faded, leaving only the crack of the bat or the thud of the catcher's mitt, proving once again why he was among the game's elite.

Reader's Guide

Saberhagen was drafted out of high school by the Kansas City Royals in the 19th round of the 1982 Major League Baseball draft. He made his major league debut at age 19 on April 4, 1984. He played for the Royals (1984–1991), New York Mets (1992–1995), Colorado Rockies (1995), and Boston Red Sox (1997–1999, 2001). He retired at the end of the 2001 season.

Did You Know?

• Saberhagen threw a no-hitter for the Royals against the Chicago White Sox on August 26, 1991.
• He won the Cy Young Award in 1985 and 1989.
• In 1994 with the Mets, he had more wins than walks (14 to 13), a feat not accomplished by any pitcher with over 150 innings since 1919.
• He appeared as himself in the 1994 movie The Scout.