Dave Hamilton

Dave Hamilton, born in 1947, was a professional baseball pitcher whose career spanned from May 29, 1972, to September 19, 1980. He made his mark in Major League Baseball during a time when the game was evolving, characterized by a shift towards power hitting and the increasing importance of specialized relief pitchers. Over the course of his career, Hamilton recorded a win-loss record of 39-41 and maintained an earned run average (ERA) of 3.85. His versatility on the mound was highlighted by his ability to close games, as evidenced by his 31 saves, making him a valuable asset to the teams he played for. Hamilton's tenure in the league was defined by his strikeout capability, amassing a total of 434 strikeouts throughout his career. He showcased a pitching style that combined finesse and power, allowing him to navigate through lineups effectively during the late 1970s. As the game progressed into the 1980s, Hamilton's contributions laid the groundwork for future generations of pitchers, particularly in the development of relief roles and the strategic use of bullpens, which became increasingly prominent in the years following his retirement.