Remembered for his waxed handlebar mustache, Rollie Fingers actually invented the blueprint for the modern closer. Raised by a father who sold the family home for $1,500 and drove west to California steel mills, he absorbed a deep working-class pragmatism, turning down a bigger Dodgers bonus to sign with the Athletics for a faster path to the majors.

A 1967 line drive shattered his face and left him flinching on the mound, nearly ending his career before it began. A 1971 move to the bullpen unlocked his dominance, and owner Charlie Finley's $300 mustache bonus created a legend.

• Helped Oakland win three straight World Series from 1972 to 1974
• Won 1974 World Series MVP as the anchor of the dynasty
• Won both the AL MVP and Cy Young in 1981 with a 1.04 ERA for Milwaukee
• Retired holding the career saves record w ...