Gregg Olson is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for several teams during his career. He was born on October 11, 1966, in Scribner, Nebraska, and attended Auburn University, where he played college baseball.
Olson was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the first round of the 1988 MLB draft and made his debut with the team later that year. He quickly established himself as one of the top relief pitchers in the league, earning the American League Rookie of the Year award in 1989.
Over the course of his career, Olson played for several teams, including the Orioles, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, and Arizona Diamondbacks. He was primarily used as a relief pitcher and was known for his fastball and devastating curveball.
Olson's best season came in 1990 when he recorded 37 saves and a 1.69 ERA for the Orioles. He was named to the All-Star team that year and finished third in the Cy Young Award voting.
Injuries began to take a toll on Olson's career in the mid-1990s, and he struggled to regain his form. He retired from baseball in 2001 with a career record of 40-39, 217 saves, and a 3.46 ERA.
After retiring from baseball, Olson worked as a pitching coach for several minor league teams and also served as a television analyst for the Diamondbacks. He was inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame in 2008.
Overall, Gregg Olson had a successful career as a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. He was known for his dominant fastball and curveball and was one of the top closers in the league during his prime. Despite injuries limiting his effectiveness later in his career, Olson remains a beloved figure among Orioles fans and is remembered as one of the best relief pitchers in team history.
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