Closer (baseball)
Videos
In baseball, a closing pitcher, more frequently referred to as a closer, is a relief pitcher who specializes in getting the final outs in a close game when his team is leading. The role is often assigned to a team's best reliever. Before the 1990s, pitchers in similar roles were referred to as a fireman, short reliever, and stopper. A small number of closers have won the Cy Young Award. Eight closers have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame: Dennis Eckersley, Rollie Fingers, Goose Gossage, Trevor Hoffman, Mariano Rivera, Lee Smith, Bruce Sutter and Hoyt Wilhelm.
Bruce Sutter was the first pitcher to start the ninth inning in 20 percent of his career appearances.
Lee Smith in 1994 was the first pitcher to start the ninth inning in over 75 percent of his appearances.
By relegating Dennis Eckersley to mostly one-inning save situations, manager Tony La Russa (pictured) was instrumental in the development of the modern closer.
Goose Gossage
Videos
Richard Michael "Goose" Gossage is an American former baseball pitcher who played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) between 1972 and 1994. He pitched for nine different teams, spending his best years with the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres.
Gossage as a member of the Yankees in 1981
Gossage during 1983 spring training
Gossage at the All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game during the 2008 All-Star break.