Sutcliffe appeared in one game during the 1976 season, pitching five innings of scoreless ball in his Big League debut, allowing only two hits and a walk along with three strikeouts.
He’d have to wait until 1979 to get a shot at full-time work, and he wouldn’t disappoint as he’d cruise to a Rookie of the Year season that saw him post a record of 17-10, with a 3.46 earned run average over 39 appearances, 30 of them starts, with five complete games and a shutout.
Of course, he’d end up putting in 18 seasons as a Major League pitcher, leading the AL in ERA in 1982 while with the Cleveland Indians, then on to his banner year of 1984 that saw him lead the Chicago Cubs to the NL East title when he went 16-1 after coming over in a trade from Cleveland.
He’d finish his career with a record of 171-139, with an ERA at 4.08 over 457 appearances, 392 of those starts, with 18 shutouts and six saves and three All-Star nods, before heading into broadcasting, something he still does for ESPN today.
