He was born in Steubenville, Ohio.
A relief pitcher with 341 career saves, he won the AL MVP and the Cy Young Award in 1981 while with Milwaukee. In 1974 he was the World Series MVP while with Oakland. In 1992 he was inducted into the United States Baseball Hall of Fame, the second reliever inducted. His career lasted from 1968 till 1985; Oakland Athletics from 1968-1976, the San Diego Padres from 1977-1980, and the Milwaukee Brewers from 1981-1985.
Fingers won the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award in 1977, 1978, and 1980 with the Padres and in 1981 with the Milwaukee Brewers.