Gregg Olson's 1989 Rookie of the Year season was a series of small steps that led up to a final rush of success.
Olson did not win a spot on the Baltimore Orioles' Opening Day roster until the final weeks of spring training. He grew into the Orioles' closer over the first two months of the season.And, as the Orioles battled to the final weekend for the American League East Divi sion title, he finished with 21 consecutive scoreless appearances, a streak that clinched the award.
"Staying in contention as long as we did, that made the whole season fun," Olson said by telephone from Louisville, Ky. "We had such a great season. I don't think those two games . . . it wasn't like we choked up and gave away those games. We fought until the end."
Olson finished with a 5-2 record and a 1.69 earned-run average, and wound up converting 27 saves in 33 chances that were as much learning experiences as confidence boosters for Olson and his manager, Frank Robinson.
His 27 saves set an AL rookie record, breaking the mark of 23 by Doug Corbett in 1980. The total was eight more than the rest of AL rookies combined this year. He is the first relief pitcher to win the AL honor.
Olson, the Orioles' first-round draft choice (fourth overall) in 1988, struck out 90 and walked 46 in 85 innings. He gave up 57 hits as opponents batted .188 against him, while left-handed hitters batted .135, the lowest in the majors.
After making an adjustment and mixing more fastballs with one of the sharpest breaking curve balls in the majors, Olson did not allow a run after July 31. In those 21 appearances, the right-hander gave up 11 hits and struck out 23 in 262/3 innings, getting 11 saves.
He also was the toughest major leaguer to hit a home run against. He faced 365 batters and allowed only one homer, to Dwight Evans in Boston on April 15.
Olson received 26 first-place votes and two seconds from a 28-member panel of the Baseball Writers Association of America for 136 points. Kansas City Royals pitcher Tom Gordon got one first, 19 seconds and five thirds for 67 points. Seattle Mariners outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. got one first, two seconds and 10 thirds for 21 points.
Baltimore third baseman Craig Worthington was fourth with 16 points, followed by California Angels pitcher Jim Abbott with 10 points and Texas Rangers pitcher Kevin Brown with two points.