Wayne Allan Granger, a formidable relief pitcher whose dominant performances were a hallmark of the Cincinnati Reds' early "Big Red Machine" era, passed away on February 25, 2026, at the age of 81. Born on March 15, 1944, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Granger left an indelible mark on Major League Baseball with his durability and effectiveness out of the bullpen.

Granger's journey in baseball began in his home state, where he graduated from Huntington High School. His talent was evident early on, as he played in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League in 1962, excelling against collegiate competition. His contributions to the league were later recognized with his induction into the CCBL Hall of Fame in 2010.

He signed with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1965 and made his Major League debut on June 5, 1968. After a brief stint with the Cardinals, Granger was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in October 1968, a move that would define a significant portion of his career.

With the Reds, Granger quickly established himself as one of the league's premier closers. In 1969, the first season MLB officially recognized the save statistic, he led the majors in appearances with a then-National League record of 90 games and recorded 27 saves. His outstanding performance earned him the first of two consecutive Sporting News Fireman of the Year awards.

The 1970 season saw Granger continue his dominance, setting another National League record with 35 saves, a mark that stood for many years. He again received the Sporting News Fireman of the Year award, solidifying his reputation as a bullpen workhorse. That same year, he had the historic distinction of throwing the final pitch and earning the last victory at the Reds' venerable home, Crosley Field, before the team moved to Riverfront Stadium.

Granger's career with the Reds concluded after the 1971 season, after which he pitched for several other teams, including the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Houston Astros, and Montreal Expos, before arm injuries ultimately cut short his career in 1976.

His impact on the Cincinnati Reds was profound, leading to his induction into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in 1982, a testament to his pivotal role in the team's success during a memorable era. Wayne Allan Granger will be remembered for his fierce competitive spirit and his invaluable contributions to the game of baseball.