Scott Garrelts – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Scott Garrelts wowed San Francisco Giants fans through the 1980s as a versatile pitcher—he could start, close, or do whatever the team needed. The right-hander’s big league story began in 1982 when he took the mound for the Giants, the only MLB team he’d ever call home. After a solid decade that included an All-Star nod and leading the National League in ERA in 1989, Garrelts’ run wrapped up in 1991. Arm injuries limited him to just eight appearances that year and, at 29, he had to step away from the game.

What really set Garrelts apart? He managed to reinvent himself—from a hard-throwing reliever into a reliable starter. Early on, he made a name for himself in the bullpen, even saving 13 games in 1985. By 1989, he’d moved into the rotation and delivered his best season: a 14-5 record, a league-best 2.28 ERA, and a sixth-place finish in the Cy Young voting. Garrelts spent his whole San Francisco Giants career from 1982 to 1991, sticking around during a pretty pivotal time for the franchise.

Scott Garrelts’ Baseball Career Overview

Scott Garrelts pitched a full decade in the big leagues with the San Francisco Giants, evolving from reliever to starter and racking up plenty of highlights along the way. The Giants leaned on his flexibility on the mound all through the 1980s.

Career Beginnings

Scott William Garrelts got his break when the San Francisco Giants picked him in the first round of the 1979 MLB draft—15th overall, straight out of Buckley-Loda High School in Illinois.

At 6’4″, Garrelts towered over most hitters. He spent a few years working his way up the minor league ladder, using his fastball and breaking pitches to get noticed.

By 1982, Garrelts had shown the Giants enough in the minors to get his shot. His size and pitching arsenal made him a prospect the organization couldn’t ignore.

Major League Debut and Early Years

Garrelts debuted in the majors in 1982 with the Giants. At first, they mostly used him out of the bullpen, where his fastball kept hitters off balance.

From 1983 to 1986, Garrelts became a dependable arm in relief. Each season, his role grew, and he even took over as closer.

The 1985 season really stands out—Garrelts notched 13 saves and put up a 2.72 ERA. He struck out plenty of batters, making him a tough late-inning option for San Francisco.

Transition to Starter

In 1987, the Giants decided to try Garrelts in the starting rotation. He adjusted quickly, showing he could handle either role.

That move paid off big-time by 1989. Garrelts led the National League with a 2.28 ERA, went 14-5, and earned an All-Star spot.

He played a key role in the Giants’ 1989 pennant-winning run, helping push the team to the World Series. The Giants lost to the Oakland A’s in the earthquake-interrupted “Bay Bridge Series,” but Garrelts’ impact was obvious.

Retirement in 1991

Arm trouble started to catch up with Garrelts in his later years. After injuries took their toll, he just couldn’t pitch the way he used to.

By 1991, at only 29, Garrelts had to hang it up. He retired after ten seasons, all with the Giants.

He wrapped up his career with a 69-53 record, a 3.29 ERA, and 57 saves. Few pitchers have managed to succeed as both a reliever and a starter the way Garrelts did through the ‘80s and into the early ‘90s.

Playing with the San Francisco Giants

Garrelts spent his entire MLB career as a San Francisco Giant, from 1982 through 1991. Over those years, he went from a fireballing reliever to a trusted starter, turning into one of the team’s most flexible arms.

Key Seasons and Performance Highlights

Garrelts peaked in 1989, leading the National League with a 2.28 ERA. That season earned him an All-Star spot and a fifth-place finish in the Cy Young voting.

His flexibility really stood out. In 1986, he racked up 13 saves as the Giants’ closer. By 1989, he was thriving as a starter, going 14-5 during the team’s pennant chase.

On July 29, 1990, Garrelts nearly made history. He came within one out of a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds—Paul O’Neill broke it up with a single, two outs into the ninth. So close.

Garrelts struck out 703 batters during his career and, for a power pitcher, kept his walks in check.

Notable Teammates and Rivalries

He played alongside Giants legends like Will Clark, Kevin Mitchell, and Matt Williams. That core helped drive the 1989 squad to the World Series.

Garrelts’ matchups with division rivals, especially the Dodgers, were always intense. He often faced off against Orel Hershiser and Fernando Valenzuela in classic NL West duels.

In the bullpen, he worked with guys like Greg Minton and Jeff Brantley. Later, as a starter, he joined forces with Rick Reuschel and Don Robinson.

The 1989 NLCS against the Cubs really showed Garrelts at his best. He won Game 1 and pitched well in Game 5, helping the Giants clinch their first pennant since 1962.

San Francisco Giants Legacy

Garrelts stands as a key figure in Giants history, especially during the late ‘80s resurgence. His ability to pitch in any role made him invaluable.

Spending nine years with one team? That’s rare these days. Giants fans loved his consistency and his willingness to do whatever the team needed.

With 69 wins and 61 saves for San Francisco, Garrelts proved he could do it all. Not many Giants pitchers have excelled as both starters and relievers like he did.

Arm injuries ended his career in 1991, but his impact on the franchise stuck. He bridged the gap between the early ‘80s teams and the group that found success at the end of the decade.

Pitching Achievements and Statistical Records

Scott Garrelts made his mark as a versatile pitcher for the Giants, moving between starting and relief roles as needed. His stats tell the story of a guy who could dominate as a starter and still come out of the bullpen when the team called.

Earned Run Average (ERA) and WHIP

Garrelts hit his ERA peak in 1989, leading the NL at 2.28. That season, hitters just couldn’t figure him out. But it wasn’t a fluke—his career ERA sat at 3.29 over ten seasons.

He sharpened his control as his career went on. Early on, walks sometimes gave him trouble, but he improved his command after moving into the rotation.

Garrelts’ WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) kept getting better. In 1989, he posted a 1.066 WHIP, which put him among the league’s best that year.

Strikeouts and Innings Pitched

With his big fastball, Garrelts racked up 768 strikeouts over 1,140.2 innings. His strikeout numbers really jumped in 1987—he punched out 169 batters, even while splitting time between starting and relief.

He logged his most innings in 1989, throwing 193.1 as the staff ace. That season, he showed he could handle a heavy workload.

Garrelts’ strikeout-to-walk ratio stayed solid, especially in his later years as a starter. He just kept getting better at mixing his pitches and keeping hitters off balance.

No-Hitter and Shutout Performances

Garrelts nearly grabbed a spot in baseball history on July 29, 1990, carrying a no-hitter into the ninth against the Reds. With two outs, Paul O’Neill lined a single to break it up.

Even without a no-hitter, Garrelts delivered several shutouts, proving he could dominate for a full game.

He stayed sharp deep into games, giving the Giants a chance to win every time he took the mound.

Relief Pitcher Contributions

Before moving into the rotation, Garrelts thrived as a Giants reliever. In 1986, he saved 13 games and pitched in 68. That kind of versatility was huge for the bullpen.

He even got Cy Young consideration as a reliever in the mid-‘80s. Garrelts had the mental toughness for late-inning pressure and didn’t back down.

Switching from reliever to starter wasn’t easy, but he made it look that way. His adaptability made him a real asset for the Giants, who could count on him in any situation.

Memorable Games and Milestones

Through his ten years with the Giants, Scott Garrelts put together a bunch of memorable performances. Whether starting or coming out of the bullpen, he was ready for the big moments.

Noteworthy Matchups Against Notable Pitchers

Garrelts went toe-to-toe with some of the game’s best. His showdowns with Nolan Ryan stand out—like in June 1987, when Garrelts outpitched Ryan in a tight 2-1 game, striking out nine over seven innings.

He also squared off against the Mets’ Dwight Gooden in 1989. Even with Gooden’s reputation, Garrelts tossed a complete game, allowing just one run to help the Giants in their pennant chase.

In 1985, Garrelts faced Tom Seaver—then with the White Sox—in an interleague game that showed Garrelts was ready for the next step, whether starting or relieving.

Significant Games vs. New York Mets and Oakland Athletics

Garrelts brought his best against the Mets. That near no-hitter on July 29, 1990, was electric—he held them hitless into the ninth before losing it with two outs.

The 1989 World Series against the A’s was another milestone. Garrelts started Game 1 in the “Battle of the Bay,” a series forever remembered for the Loma Prieta earthquake.

He also shut down Oakland with a complete game shutout in 1988, striking out ten and showing he could shut down even the toughest lineups.

Historic Outings Against Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs

Garrelts really had the Houston Astros figured out, finishing his career with a sharp 2.41 ERA against them. His best day came on August 11, 1986, when he threw a two-hit shutout and racked up 10 strikeouts at the Astrodome. That game stands out, even now.

He also gave the Cubs plenty of headaches, especially in a 1989 game at Wrigley Field. That season, when he snagged the National League ERA title with a 2.28 ERA, he struck out 11 Chicago hitters in eight innings and only allowed three hits. Not too shabby.

Garrelts notched his final career win against the Cubs on May 3, 1991. He went six strong innings that day, which feels fitting, considering his arm started giving him trouble soon after. He retired just weeks later, in June that year.

Connection to Major League Baseball History

Scott Garrelts carved out a pretty unique spot in baseball history, mostly for coming so close to a perfect game and for his years with the San Francisco Giants organization in the 1980s. His career feels like a good way to measure what pitching excellence looked like in that era.

Comparison to Other Pitchers and Perfect Games

On July 29, 1990, Garrelts almost made baseball history. He took a perfect game into the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds, but Paul O’Neill broke it up with a single, just two outs from the finish line. So close, and yet…

Even though he didn’t join the perfect game club, that near-miss puts him in a rare group of pitchers who got within reach of perfection. In his era (1982-1991), only three perfect games happened in MLB.

The Giants actually had to wait until 2012 for their first perfect game. Matt Cain finally did it against the Astros, striking out 14 and making it one of the most dominant perfect games ever.

Garrelts brought a few things to the mound that set him apart:

• He threw a lively fastball
• His control, especially in 1989, was top-notch
• He could switch between starting and relieving without missing a beat

Scott Garrelts’ Place Among Giants Pitchers

Among San Francisco Giants pitchers from his time, Garrelts stands out for his ability to do just about anything on the mound. That 1989 season, where he led the league with a 2.28 ERA, still ranks as one of the best in the team’s West Coast history.

His career 3.29 ERA with the Giants puts him ahead of a lot of guys who stuck around longer. Not many pitchers handled both starting and relieving as well as he did.

In Giants history, Garrelts lands:

• In the top 20 for career ERA (3.29)
• Among the team’s save leaders in the 1980s
• On the short list of pitchers who earned both All-Star and Rolaids Relief honors at different points

His 69-52 record over ten seasons gives him a .570 winning percentage—better than a lot of his peers, even those who got more attention. Sure, arm injuries cut his career short, but his mark on the Giants’ pitching story is still there.

Legacy and Post-Retirement Influence

Scott Garrelts made a real impact on baseball with his pitching versatility and grit during his Giants years. After he stopped playing, he kept influencing the game—teammates, fans, and the wider baseball world still remember him.

Impact on Teammates and the Giants Organization

In his later years with the Giants, Garrelts stepped up as a mentor for younger pitchers. He never hesitated to move between starting and relieving, always putting the team first. That attitude changed the tone in the clubhouse, and a lot of teammates later said Garrelts set the example for them.

During the Giants’ 1989 National League Championship run, Garrelts led the staff as the ace. His leadership helped lay the groundwork for the team’s success into the early ’90s.

Even after retiring, Garrelts kept a connection to the San Francisco Giants. The team often invited him back for special events, honoring his role in one of their most memorable eras.

Personal Achievements and Recognition

Some of Garrelts’ career highlights:

• 1989 National League ERA title (2.28)
• 1985 All-Star selection
• Career-high 14 wins in 1989
• Made a successful switch from reliever to starter

He stood out because he could handle both starting and relieving roles—something not many could pull off so well. People respected him for that, even though injuries cut things short.

Honestly, the fact that he came from a tiny Illinois town of 600 people and made it to the big leagues gives his story a real underdog vibe. Fans loved that, and it earned him a lasting spot in Giants history—even if he never quite became a superstar.

Life and Activities After Baseball

After he retired in 1991 because of stubborn arm problems, Garrelts pretty much slipped into a quieter life, far from the spotlight. He didn’t stick around for coaching gigs or broadcasting like a lot of ex-players do. Instead, he picked a more private path after baseball.

Every now and then, Garrelts shows up at Giants alumni events and fantasy camps, catching up with fans who still remember what he did for the team. Giants fans always seem happy to see him, and honestly, it’s clear they haven’t forgotten his part in the team’s story.

Those arm issues that ended his career kept bothering him after he stopped playing, and they’ve definitely made life tougher at times. Still, Garrelts finds ways to stay close to the game—he gets involved with the local community and supports charity work around his home.