At age 34, Wilhelm was just getting started
Wilhelm became the first true reliever to be elected to the Hall of Fame when he was honored in 1985.
Craig Muder is the director of communications for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
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Lou Brock and Hoyt Wilhelm elected to the Hall of Fame
On Jan. 7, 1985 two players who perfected two unpredictable aspects of the game joined the Hall of Fame.

Wilhelm opened Cooperstown doors for relief pitchers
Hoyt Wilhelm was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1985.

Rollie Fingers becomes the first pitcher to record 300 saves
Rollie Fingers became the first pitcher to record 300 saves in 1982.

Hoyt Wilhelm pitches no-hitter vs. Yankees
Facing a lineup that included three future Hall of Famers, Wilhelm’s triumph couldn’t be credited to a poor offensive showing by the Yankees.