Nebraska native Gregg Olson was a high school pitching phenom. He led Omaha Northwest High School to four state titles, even throwing a no hitter in the state championship game to cap off his senior season. He was featured as one of the “Faces in the Crowd” in an issue of Sports Illustrated back in 1984.
The powerful closer attended the Auburn University and continued to dominate on the mound over the course of his three collegiate seasons.
Olson was drafted in the first round (4th overall) of the 1988 Amateur Draft by the Baltimore Orioles. He wasted no time making an impact, as he became the first reliever to ever win the American League Rookie of the Year award, setting a rookie record for saves with 27 while posting a 5-2 record with a minuscule 1.69 ERA all while recording 90 strikeout in 85 innings pitched.
Olson’s career spanned 14 seasons with nine different teams. He retired with over 200 saves and was inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame.
He spoke with us about opening a box of Topps baseball to find his rookie card, the mancave in the making and conversations with Fidel Castro.
