Thomas Gordon (born November 18, 1967 in Sebring, Florida), nicknamed "Flash", is a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher who plays for the New York Yankees. Previously, he played with the Kansas City Royals (1988-95), Boston Red Sox (1996-99), Chicago Cubs (2001-02), Houston Astros (2002) and Chicago White Sox (2003). He signed with the Yankees before the 2004 season.

Gordon started his career as a Royal, and was signed away by Boston where he was converted from a starter to a closer. In 1998, Gordon set the club's single-season saves record (46) and was named to his first All-Star. His success continued in 1999 setting a major league record with his 54th consecutive save in June, but a nagging elbow injury limited him to just 21 appearances, which required Tommy John surgery that forced him to spend 2000 on the disabled list.

After stops in Houston and both sides of Chicago, Gordon landed in New York. He has been an invaluable adittion to the Yankees bullpen, serving as a set-up for closer Mariano Rivera, or as a middle reliever in tough situations. Basically, Gordon is a 95-MPH fastball thrower and his success is tied to when and how often he uses his excellent curve.

Gordon has compiled a career 122-111 record with 1733 strikeouts, a 3.99 ERA, 114 saves, and 1896.2 innings in 671 games (203 as a starter).

Highlights

• Twice All-Star (1998, 2004)
• Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award (1998)
• Twice led AL in shutouts (6, 1996; 9, 1997)
• Led AL in saves (1998)
• Led AL in games finished (69, 1998)
• Set a MLB record with 54 consecutive saves (1998-99)

Trivia

• Gordon is also known by his unique signal after striking out a batter; he's pointing towards god and showing his appreciation [1] (http://www.southcoasttoday.com/daily/05-98/05-19-98/gordon.jpg)

• He was referenced as the object of infatuation for the young protagonist of the 1999 Stephen King novel The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon.

External links

• Tom Gordon at:
  • Baseball Library (article) (http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/G/Gordon_Tom.stm)
  • Baseball Reference (career stats) (http://www.baseball-reference.com/g/gordoto01.shtml)
  • ESPN (profile and daily stats) (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4279)
  • The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon (review) (http://members.tripod.com/~charnelhouse/girlwholovedtomgordon.html)