#95

Bill Campbell, P

In 1976, Bill Campbell was pitching for the Minnesota Twins. As their closer, he posted a record 17 wins (for a reliever).

Let's just say that the Red Sox front office couldn't resist the temptation, and they signed him as a free agent in the off season. He was the first high-priced free agent signed by the Olde Towne Team.

In 1977, he responded with 31 saves (a huge number for the time) and a 13-9 record. Unfortunately, when they really needed him, in 1978, he appeared in only 29 games with only 4 saves. He saved only 16 more games for the Sox over the next 3 seasons before going to the Cubs.

He was a member of the 1985 Cardinals team that lost to Kansas City in the World Series.

Because of the poor experience with Campbell, the Red Sox unofficially swore off high-priced free agents for nearly a decade. At the time, teams were allowed to sign only two free agents, plus an additional amount to cover any players they lost. The other Red Sox signee was Darryl Cias, a catcher who would play in only 18 major league games (and none with the BoSox).

Other notable free agents that the Sox could have pursued in 1977...Reggie Jackson, Don Gullett, Bobby Grich, Don Baylor, Bert Campaneris, Gary Matthews, Dave Cash, and Wayne Garland. Instead, the brain trust of the Yawkey Estate signed Campbell. Good move, guys.