A Look Back at the 10 Greatest Relievers in San Francisco Giants History

By Taylor Wirth

Apr 22, 2017

Aug 14, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Sergio Romo (54) celebrates after striking out a batter during the eighth inning at AT&T Park. The San Francisco Giants defeated the Washington Nationals 8-5. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 5, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first base coach Mickey Morandini (12) grabs a baseball off the warning track at Great American Ball Park. The Reds won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

#8 Stu Miller (1958-1962)

Stu Miller is arguably the most fascinating relief pitcher in Giants history. For half of Millers career, he split time between the rotation and the bullpen.

In 1961 he started to exclusively pitch in relief, boasting insane numbers as a long-relief guy. In 1961 and 1962, he pitched 100-plus innings in relief.

Miller would then move on to the Orioles and the Braves, as he continued to eat up innings year-after-year.

Miller was known for his famous balk in the 1961 All-Star game. Called for a balk in the ninth inning that helped the A.L score the tying run, only to get the win the very next inning.

Stu Miller’s bullpen success would not go un-noticed. Named “Fireman of the year” twice, he was honored as the leagues top relief pitcher.

Miller is one of nine pitchers in major league history to compile both 100 wins and 150 saves in his career.

In 2015, Miller passed away suddenly at the age of 87. He was honored by the Giants, and given a plaque on the Giants Wall of Fame.

Miller’s numbers with the Giants:

Record: 47-44 ERA: 3.16 IP: 804.1

Miller’s accomplishments:

All-Star: 1961
Finished in Top-20 in MVP voting 4 times
1958 NL Pitching Title
1958 ERA Title