- published: 30 Nov 2015
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Robert Joe Wickman (born February 6, 1969) is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. Wickman played for the New York Yankees (1992–1996), Milwaukee Brewers (1996–2000), Cleveland Indians (2000–2006), Atlanta Braves (2006–2007), and Arizona Diamondbacks (2007). He batted and threw right-handed. Wickman was known to rely on his sinker to save games.
During a childhood farming accident, Wickman lost part of his index finger on his right hand, to which he credited much of the sinking motion on his fastball.
At Oconto Falls High School, Wickman played football, baseball and basketball, being named an All-State pick in basketball. After high school, he attended University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, living in Wells East 215, and was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 1990 Major League Baseball Draft (2nd round) and signed by area scout Mike Rizzo.[citation needed] In 1992, he was sent by Chicago to the New York Yankees in the same trade that brought Steve Sax to the White Sox.
Wickman made his first All-Star Game appearance in 2000 as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers. He was involved in a seven-player trade between the Brewers and Cleveland Indians, which would include sending Richie Sexson to Milwaukee. On May 7, 2006, Wickman became the Indians’ all-time franchise leader in saved games with 130, surpassing the record previously held by Doug Jones. His 139 saves with the Indians is a club record, and his 45 saves on the season in 2005 is tied for second-best in team history.