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 record for
saves (46) and was named to his first
All-Star Team. 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
ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (or UCL) also known as 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 was an invaluable addition to the Yankees
bullpen, serving as a
set-up for closer
Mariano Rivera, or as a
middle reliever in tough situations.
At this point, Gordon had 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).
Gordon debuted in Philadelphia as a closer during the 2006 season, replacing
Billy Wagner, who signed with the
Mets after the 2005 season. On May 2nd, 2007, Gordon was placed on the disabled list due to a rotator cuff inflammation, at which time he was replaced in the closer slot by former starting pitcher
Brett Myers. Following both pitchers' return from the DL, Myers retained the closer position, while Gordon was shifted to a late-inning reliever.
Gordon has quickly become a local celebrity in the city of Philadelphia and even has his own fan group known as Flash's Followers, a group of adult men who dress in superhero costumes.
Tom Gordon was also named to the 2006 NL All Star Team as the leading vote getter from the players.
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