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- In September of 1999, Eric and Florida’s Ryan Dempster (from British Columbia) became the first two native Canadians in 26 years to oppose each other on the mound. The Marlins won, 2-1, but neither starter figured in the decision.
- After the 2002 season, Eric received the Tip O’Neill Award from the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. He shared the honor—given to his homeland’s top baseball performer—with Larry Walker of the Rockies, who was born in Maple Ridge, British Columbia.
- Eric was the first reliever to win the Cy Young since Dennis Eckersley captured the AL award for the Oakland A's in 1992.
- In 2003, the Dodgers got a $500 repair bill from the San Francisco Giants after Eric destroyed a telephone in the visiting dugout at Pacific Bell Park. He was angry after giving up the winning run in the 11th inning of a 3-2 loss.
- Eric’s wedding vow to his wife included the line, "Valerie, I pledge you my heart and my arm."
- Eric and his wife have a daughter, Faye.
- Eric’s last name is derivative of the French word “gagner,” which means “to win.”
- One of the most popular t-shirts worn by fans at Dodger Stadium has a likeness of Eric’s face above the words, “Game Over.”
- Eric likes to take the mound to “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses.
- The Montreal Expos have long wanted to acquire Eric, figuring a hometown hero would help boost attendance. At one point, the team had agreed on a deal with the Dodgers for outfielder Milton Bradley, but Los Angeles ownership nixed the deal at the last second.
- Eric has a tattoo of a joker on his left shoulder.
- Paul Lo Duca calls Eric’s trademark goatee a “Chia chin.”
Ryan Dempster, 2002 Tradition
Larry Walker, 1993 Studio