COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. Posing near plaques makes Eckersley's day

After alcohol treatment in 1987, the former starting pitcher found a niche in the bullpen.
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (AP) -- Dennis Eckersley posed for a photo in front of Juan Marichal's plaque, and that's when it struck him: He's going into the Hall of Fame, too.
"Being with the plaques is where I felt it. That's when it hit home," Eckersley said Monday as he toured the baseball shrine.
"You get the feeling that it's not really true. That's what puts it in perspective, how awesome it feels," the pitcher said.
Eckersley and Paul Molitor were elected to the Hall in January in their first year of eligibility. They will be enshrined on July 25.
Speech not started
Although induction is only 75 days away, Eckersley said he hasn't even started to write his speech.
"Every time that I think about it, I get nervous," he said. "It's going to be difficult. I like being emotional about something, but there's no way I can get through this. Everybody says enjoy the moment. How can you enjoy the moment?"
Then he paused, and it almost seemed like he was back on the mound again.
"Maybe it's time to put closure on that part of my life," he said. "What a way to close."
Eckersley saved an American League-record 324 games for the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox and Oakland Athletics. He also pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs before retiring in 1998 with a record of 197-171 and 390 saves in 1,071 games.
With his shaggy black hair and distinct mustache, Eckersley relied on pinpoint control and was the most effective reliever in baseball from 1988-92, helping the Athletics win four division titles and one World Series.
Eckersley also won the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards in 1992 with one of the best seasons by a reliever, going 7-1 with 51 saves and a 1.91 ERA.
Impressive statistics, to be sure. But Eckersley never was as confident as he appeared on the mound with his intimidating stare and remains amazed at his good fortune.
"It doesn't really sink in," said Eckersley, who will be 50 in October. "I thought I was good, but I never thought that I was going to be a Hall of Famer."
No-hitter
Eckersley reached the big leagues in 1975 with Cleveland and pitched a no-hitter against the Angels in 1977. It wasn't until 10 years later -- after stints with the Red Sox and Cubs -- that he became a closer and his baseball life changed forever.
After completing a month of alcohol treatment in January 1987, Eckersley went to spring training with the Cubs, and they traded him to the Athletics during the first week of the season. It was there that manager Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan relegated him to the bullpen.
"I was looking for a niche," Eckersley said. "I just kind of fell into it."