In the Braves’ division-winning 1969 campaign, Upshaw had a 6–4 win–loss record, with a 2.91 earned run average (ERA), and a career-high 27 saves (to finish second in the league).
[3] He never fully recovered, but was considered one of the better relief pitchers in major league baseball up to that time.
Upshaw was traded four times within a span of two years, including at two consecutive Winter Meetings.
[5] He was acquired along with Chris Chambliss and Dick Tidrow by the Yankees from the Indians for Fritz Peterson, Steve Kline, Fred Beene and Tom Buskey on April 26, 1974.
The Yankees were criticized for giving away four pitchers as opposed to the two it got in return and a failure to land a starting second baseman.