Tekulve is a 1969 graduate of Marietta College in Ohio. He signed that year as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Pirates and remained with that organization until 1985. He made his major league debut in 1974.\n', '

His best seasons came in 1978 and 1979, in both of which he saved 31 games and posted ERAs of 2.33 and 2.75, respectively. He saved three games in the 1979 World Series including the winner, as his Pirates defeated the Baltimore Orioles. He was selected an All-Star in 1980.\n', '

Early in the 1985 season, Tekulve was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for Al Holland and a minor leaguer, Frankie Griffin. He continued to be an effective reliever into his 40s. Only in his first season (1974) and his last season (1989) did he post an ERA above 4. While with the Phillies, he led the NL in games pitched for the fourth time, with 90 in 1987 at the age of 40.\n', '

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