Yankees Former Pitcher Who Made MLB History Dies

Wayne Granger, a former reliever for the Yankees and Reds, passed away at age 81.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The New York Yankees are preparing to retire the jersey number of former pitcher CC Sabathia, but they have also received news of the passing of another former player, Wayne Granger, who died at the age of 81. Granger, a native of Springfield, Massachusetts, spent most of his nine-season MLB career with the Cincinnati Reds, where he became the first pitcher to appear in 90 games in a single season and was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame.

Why it matters

Granger's career accomplishments, including his record-setting 90-game season and World Series grand slam, cement his place in baseball history. His death marks the passing of another Yankees great, highlighting the team's rich legacy of legendary players.

The details

Granger joined the Yankees in 1973, appearing in seven games with a 1.76 ERA. He is best remembered for his time with the Reds, where he earned MVP Award votes in two different seasons as a reliever. Granger finished his career with a 3.14 ERA across 638 2/3 innings, recording 108 saves and striking out 303 opponents.

  • Granger joined the Cape Cod Baseball League out of high school.
  • Granger made his MLB debut with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1968.
  • Granger joined the Reds in 1968 as part of a trade and had his best season in 1970, finishing 59 games with 35 total saves.
  • Granger joined the Yankees in 1973 and appeared in seven games.
  • Granger retired after the 1976 season and was inducted into the Reds' team Hall of Fame six years later.

The players

Wayne Granger

A former relief pitcher who spent most of his nine-season MLB career with the Cincinnati Reds, where he became the first pitcher to appear in 90 games in a single season and was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame.

CC Sabathia

A former starting pitcher for the New York Yankees who is having his jersey number retired by the team.

Dave McNally

A pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles who hit a grand slam off of Wayne Granger in the 1970 World Series, making Granger the only pitcher to ever give up a World Series grand slam to another pitcher.

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What they’re saying

“Granger became the first pitcher to appear in 90 games in a single season when he did so for the Reds in 1969.”

— Dave Clark, Cincinnati Enquirer writer (Cincinnati Enquirer)

“He retired after the 1976 season and was inducted into the Reds' team Hall of Fame six years later.”

— Anthony Franco (MLB Trade Rumors)

The takeaway

Wayne Granger's passing marks the end of an era for the Yankees and Reds, as the team honors another legendary player who made significant contributions to the game of baseball through his record-setting performances and induction into the Reds' Hall of Fame.