What is a save in baseball?
A baseball save is a statistic specifically designated for relief pitchers. Established by baseball writer Jerome Holtzman in 1959, it's been officially recognized by Major League Baseball since 1969. A baseball save is rewarded to a pitcher who enters a game in which his team is leading, successfully completes the game without surrendering that lead, and satisfies certain other conditions based on the situation when he stepped onto the mound. This measure ultimately highlights the reliability and clutch performance of a MLB relief pitcher in preserving a team's lead.
What is the role of a closer in baseball?
The term “closer” refers to a team's primary relief pitcher, often tasked with securing the win by getting the final outs in close games. Usually, the closer enters the game in the last inning, commonly during a save situation, to prevent the opposing team from scoring. As some of the best pitchers on the team, closers play a pivotal role in high-pressure scenarios, contributing significantly to a team's success. Their ability to perform under pressure often makes the difference between a win and a loss.
How many runs ahead does a pitcher need to be to qualify for a save?
The concept of a save isn't strictly about the number of runs a team is ahead, but rather focuses on the potential tying run being on base, at bat, or on deck. To qualify for a save, a pitcher must enter the game with the potential tying run either on base, at bat, or on deck. That means when a pitcher steps in, his team must be leading by three runs or fewer. This rule ensures that saves are only credited in situations where the outcome of the game was realistically in jeopardy.
Can you get a save with a four run lead?
Under usual conditions, a pitcher cannot be credited with a save when holding a four-run lead. This is because a save centers around preserving a small lead when the game's outcome is uncertain. However, there is an exception. If a MLB pitcher enters the game with any size lead and pitches for at least three innings to finish the game, they qualify for a save in baseball, irrespective of the final score margin. This exception acknowledges the difficulty of a pitcher maintaining their performance over a longer duration.
MLB Save Rule: When does a save become a win?
A save can morph into a win if the relief pitcher is in the game when his team takes the lead for the final time, and that lead is maintained till the end of the baseball game. This could happen if the game was tied or the team was trailing when the relief pitcher came in, and the team then takes the lead while that pitcher is active in the game. It’s another facet of the game that illustrates the dynamic and fluid nature of baseball scoring.
What is a blown save in baseball?
A blown save takes place when a relief pitcher comes into a game in a save situation, but allows the opposing team to either tie the game or gain the lead. This statistic serves as a gauge of a pitcher's effectiveness in high-pressure situations. Despite the team possibly winning the game afterwards, the pitcher is still credited with a blown save if they allowed the lead to slip away. These moments can be particularly demoralizing as they represent missed opportunities.
How does a pitcher lose a save in baseball?
A save can be forfeited if the relief pitcher relinquishes the lead. This could happen if the relief pitcher permits runs to score which eradicates their team's lead, eliminating their opportunity for a save in that game, even if the team ultimately wins. If the relief pitcher is replaced while the tying or go-ahead run is on base, and that run subsequently scores, they too lose the chance for a save. Understanding this aspect can provide a deeper appreciation for the strategic decisions made by managers during a game.
What pitcher has the most saves ever?
The record for the most career saves in Major League Baseball is held by Mariano Rivera. Known as “The Sandman,” Rivera, a Panamanian-American, played 19 seasons for the New York Yankees, from 1995 to 2013. With an astounding 652 saves, his record attests to a long, prosperous career marked by consistent performance and a remarkable ability to maintain coolness under pressure.
What pitcher has the most saves in a single season?
The most saves by a pitcher in a single season is a record held by Francisco Rodríguez. In the 2008 season, while pitching for the Los Angeles Angels, Rodríguez secured an impressive 62 saves. This record-setting season showcased Rodríguez's dominance and reliability, helping to etch his name into baseball history. His single-season record continues to serve as a benchmark for other relief pitchers.