A popular star pitcher with the fans in Atlanta during the 1980s, Rick Mahler was one of the workhorses of MLB all thru this decade. He started his career with the Braves in 1979 as was used as a starter and reliever his first three big-league seasons. Mahler assumed a starting role in the Braves staff in 1982 and pitched over 200 innings in six different seasons, including every year from 1984-1989 except 1987 when he toiled 197 innings. And, he pitched opening day shutouts three times for Atlanta - 1982, 1987-1988. Regarded as one of the league's top fielders, Mahler also had excellent control, he allowed just 62 walks in 205.3 innings in 1982 to help the Braves win the NL West - going 9-10, with 5 complete games. In 1984 Mahler posted a 13-10 record in 222 innings, a 3.12 ERA, allowing only 209 hits. In 1985 he went 17-15, 3.48 ERA started 39 games, with 6 GC. He became a free agent in 1989, inked a contract with the Reds and helped Cincinnati win the NL pennant. Rock Mahler career: 96-111, 3.99 ERA, 392G, 271GS, 43GC, 9 Shutouts, 6 Saves, allowed 2,069 hits in 1,951.3 IP, 952Ks, 606Ws. Baseball Historian |