Jim Gott

James William Gott (born August 3, 1959) is an American professional baseball pitcher and coach. Gott pitched in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 14 years for the Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Los Angeles Dodgers, from 1982 to 1995. He was the bullpen coach for the Philadelphia Phillies from 2018 through 2020.

Career Playing career Gott was born in Hollywood, California. He graduated from San Marino High School in San Marino, California, in 1977.

In baseball, he was named his league's most valuable player that year. He committed to attend Brigham Young University (BYU) on a college football scholarship as a linebacker, and was also recruited for the school's baseball team. He signed with the Cardinals for a $18,500 ($ in current dollar terms) signing bonus, rather than follow through with his commitment to attend BYU. He began his professional career with the Calgary Cardinals of the Rookie-level Pioneer League.

Gott made his major league debut in 1982. His first major league win was against Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer of the Baltimore Orioles in May 1982. Gott's first major league win was a 6–0 decision over the Baltimore Orioles at Memorial Stadium on May 30, 1982 which was also the start of Cal Ripken Jr.'s MLB-record consecutive games played streak. In 1983, he was fifth in the American League in strikeouts per 9 innings pitched (6.164).

In January 1985, the Blue Jays traded Gott along with two minor league players to the San Francisco Giants for Gary Lavelle. On May 12, 1985, Gott hit two home runs against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Pittsburgh Pirates claimed Gott off of waivers in 1987. He was also 7th in the National League in games played (67). Gott was a setup pitcher and closer for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1990 to 1994. In 1993, he was 9th in the National League in saves (25). Gott served in that role through 2017.

On November 17, 2017, the Philadelphia Phillies named Gott their bullpen coach for the 2018 season. He remained with the club through the 2020 season, after which time his contract was not renewed.

Gott was named pitching coach for the AZL Athletics for the 2024 season.

In 2025, Gott was named pitching coach of the Stockton Ports the Single-A affiliate of the Athletics.

Personal life Gott's brother, Erich, attended BYU on a scholarship for golf.

Gott taught Dennis Quaid to pitch for his portrayal of Jim Morris in the 2002 film The Rookie.