The Greatest Closers in MLB History: An Analysis

Baseball has always had its share of dominant relievers, but there are a select few who have consistently been named among the best closing pitchers in history. In this article, we will delve into the careers of the top ten closers in Major League Baseball (MLB) and examine why they stand out from the rest.

Top Ten Closers in MLB History

Here are the top ten closers in MLB history:

Mariano Rivera: The name that stands out the most, Rivera boasts 602 saves and 881 games finished, making him the clear frontrunner in this list. Dennis Eckersley: Sitting at second on the all-time saves chart with 400 saves, Eckersley is a close second. Trevor Hoffman: With over 500 saves, Hoffman is one of the most decorated closers in MLB history. Rollie Fingers: Renowned for his "Fireball," Fingers is another solid choice for the list. Rich Goose Gossage: Known for his relentless strikeout rates, Gossage earned his place on this list. Lee Smith: Known for his clutch performances, Smith is another excellent selection. Bruce Sutter: Renowned for his slider, Sutter's career is filled with memorable moments. Hoyt Wilhelm: One of the early closers, Wilhelm's legacy is well-established. Billy Wagner: Known for his economy with the pitch, Wagner has been a dominant force in the late innings. Robb Nen: Known for his raw power and ability to induce ground balls.

Mariano Rivera: The Best Closing Pitcher of All Time

When it comes to the best closing pitcher in MLB history, Mariano Rivera stands out not only for his extraordinary career but also for his legendary status and iconic moments. Rivera's 602 saves are the most in MLB history and his 881 games finished rank second. His remarkable consistency and reliability in high-pressure situations made him the clear choice as the best closing pitcher of all time.

Despite being a serious competitor, Rivera is known for his sense of humor. A standout incident includes his last season, where each team gifted him a retirement gift. However, the best gift was from the Minnesota Twins, who collected all the bats Rivera had broken with his cutter and built a rocking chair filled with bats. Rivera's gratitude was evident when he defeated the Twins in their own ballpark after receiving the gift.

Other Notable Relievers

While Mariano Rivera is undoubtedly the best, there are plenty of other dominant relief pitchers who have made significant contributions to their teams. Here are some names to consider:

Mike Huffman: A solid reliever with a handful of key saves. Aroldis Chapman: Known for his extraordinary fastball velocity, Chapman has been a force in the closing role. Mike Marshall: Another individual with an impressive list of saves. Dennis Eckersley: The second all-time leader in saves, Eckersley has a long list of clutch performances. Rollie Fingers: Renowned for his unique “Fireball,” Fingers' ability to keep batters off-balance made him a consistent threat.

The First Great Reliever: Elroy Face

In examining the history of closing pitchers, it is essential to acknowledge some of the earlier contributors. One of the earliest great relievers was Elroy Face, who made history with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1960 when he went 16-1 during the team's World Series run. Face's remarkable performance and the Pirates' subsequent success have placed him among the early legends of the position.

Conclusion

The world of baseball closing pitchers is full of fascinating stories and memorable moments. From Mariano Rivera's legendary career to Elroy Face's historic performance, each of these players plays a unique role in the game's history. The top ten closers in MLB history provide a great starting point for understanding the importance of this position and the players who have dominated it.