Major League Career
In 1996, the New York Yankees traded Wickman to the Brewers before they won the World Series. After the Yankees won the World Series, they gave Wickman a ring for being part of the active roster during the 1996 season.
Wickman made his first All-Star Game appearance in 2000 as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers. He was involved in a seven-player trade between the Brewers and Cleveland Indians, which would include sending Richie Sexson to Milwaukee. On May 7, 2006, Wickman became the Indians’ all-time franchise leader in saved games with 130, surpassing the record previously held by Doug Jones. His 139 saves with the Indians is a club record, and his 45 saves on the season in 2005 is tied for second-best in team history.
On July 20, 2006, Wickman was traded to the Atlanta Braves for Single-A Rome catcher Max Ramírez. Wickman then served as Atlanta's closer, recording his first save on July 24.
On September 20, 2006, Wickman signed a one-year $6.5 million contract extension to stay with the Atlanta Braves for the 2007 season.
On August 24, 2007, after giving up a walk-off two run home run to the Reds' Adam Dunn in extra innings, Wickman complained to manager Bobby Cox about pitching in non-save situations. Consequently, he was released.
On September 7, 2007, Wickman signed a contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, a move that signaled that he had backed off his disdain for non-save situations, given that the team had an established closer in José Valverde. Wickman pitched in 8 games for the Diamondbacks, going 0-1 with a 1.35 ERA. He became a free agent after the season, subsequently retiring.
Wickman ended his career with 511 games finished, ranking 34th all time among major league pitchers. His 267 saves give him more than any other pitcher in history with the name Bob.
Read more about this topic: Bob Wickman
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