Dan Quisenberry was one of the most dominant closers in baseball history, leading the American League in saves five times and helping the Kansas City Royals win the 1985 World Series. He was also known for his submarine-style pitching delivery and his witty humor. But his life was cut short by a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer that claimed his life at age 45.
The Rise of Quiz
Quisenberry was born in Santa Monica, California, in 1953. He played baseball at Orange Coast College and the University of La Verne, where he met his future wife, Janie Howard. He was not drafted by any major league team, so he signed with the Royals as an amateur free agent in 1975. He made his major league debut in 1979, and soon became the team’s closer.
Quisenberry’s signature pitch was a sinking fastball that he threw from a sidearm or submarine angle, making it difficult for hitters to lift the ball in the air. He relied on his pinpoint control and his ability to induce ground balls, rather than overpowering batters with speed. He also had a knack for getting out of jams, earning him the nickname “Quiz”.
From 1980 to 1985, Quisenberry was the best reliever in the American League, saving 217 games and posting a 2.54 ERA. He won the Rolaids Relief Man Award five times, and finished in the top five in Cy Young Award voting three times. He was also a three-time All-Star and a key member of the Royals’ championship team in 1985.
Quisenberry was not only a great pitcher, but also a great personality. He was famous for his self-deprecating and humorous quotes, such as “I found a delivery in my flaw” and “I lull them into a false sense of security by letting them watch me pitch”. He was also a poet and a humanitarian, writing poems for charity and supporting causes such as hunger relief and literacy.
The Diagnosis and the Fight
In December 1997, Quisenberry started experiencing headaches and vision problems. He was diagnosed with grade IV astrocytoma, a highly malignant form of brain cancer that affects the glial cells in the brain. He underwent surgery in January and June 1998, but the doctors were unable to remove all of the tumor.
Quisenberry faced his illness with courage and optimism, maintaining his sense of humor and his faith. He also received an outpouring of support from his family, friends, fans, and former teammates. He was inducted into the Royals’ Hall of Fame in May 1998, and gave a touching speech to the crowd at Kauffman Stadium.
Quisenberry died on September 30, 1998, at his home in Leawood, Kansas. He was survived by his wife and two children, David and Alysia. He was also mourned by the baseball community, who remembered him as one of the best and most beloved pitchers of his era.
The Legacy of Quiz
Quisenberry’s death raised awareness about brain cancer and its devastating effects. His family and friends established the Dan Quisenberry Foundation, which supports research and education on brain tumors, as well as other charitable causes. His wife also wrote a book about his life and his battle with cancer, titled “The Quiz: The Life and Times of Dan Quisenberry”.
Quisenberry’s achievements on the field have also been recognized and celebrated over the years. He ranks sixth on the all-time saves list with 244, and holds several Royals’ records, including most saves in a season (45) and most games finished (406). He was also named to the Royals’ 25th Anniversary Team in 1993, and the Royals’ All-Time Team in 2019.
Quisenberry was also a pioneer of the submarine pitching style, inspiring other pitchers such as Chad Bradford, Steve Olin, and Brad Ziegler. He was also one of the first closers to pitch multiple innings and save more than 40 games in a season, setting the standard for modern relievers.
Quisenberry was a remarkable pitcher and a remarkable person, who left a lasting impression on the game and the world. He was a submarine pitcher who rose above the challenges, and a funny man who touched many hearts. He was, in his own words, “a lucky guy”.
