Rick Mahler

Mahler was the workhorse of Atlanta’s staff in the 1980s. Although he first came up with the Braves in 1979, he did not stick for good until a surprising 1984 season. In his ten years with the club, he tied a modern NL record with three Opening Day shutouts, in 1982, ’86, and ’87. The streaky hurler led the NL in starts in 1985 and 1986 but also in hits allowed and, in 1986, in losses (14-18). Mahler was demoted to partial relief duty in 1987, but he ranked among Atlanta’s all-time leaders in wins, starts, innings, and strikeouts after he went to the Reds as a free agent after the 1988 season. In two seasons with Cincinnati, he served as both a starter and a reliever, recording his first saves since 1981 in 1990. After leaving as a free agent, he finished his career in with the Expos and Braves in 1991. Rick’s brother, Mickey Mahler, was also a major league pitcher; the two were even teammates in 1979.