Are you an expert on baseball closers?

Are you an expert on baseball closers?

The save was first 'invented' in MLB in 1969 and then officially adopted a few years later. It is a statistic that awards a relief pitcher for finishing a game that his team wins by a small margin (3 runs or less). It was in the 1970s that 'Relief Specialists' started to become a big part of the game. Are you an expert on baseball 'closers'? Get ready, because here comes the 1st pitch!

Albert Lyle was a 1970s relief pitcher for the New York Yankees. What nickname was he more well known as?

The #13 all time closer Troy Percival had 314 of his 358 career saves for what team?

What former relief ace was famous for throwing the ball sidearmed?

Joe Nathan ranks 9th all time in career saves. For which team did he record most of them?

Ugueth Urbina ranks 41st in all time saves with 237. What country is he from?

Who lead the league in saves in 2021?

What 1970s relief ace was famous for his waxed/twirled mustache?

Who is the only closer to record more than 60 saves in one season?

Before Mariano Rivera became the closer for the Yankees, he served as the 'set up man' for which teammate?

Who was the relief specialist for the Toronto Blue Jays when they won back to back titles in the early 90s?

Which of the following pitchers never saved 50 or more games in a season?

Who lead the league in saves in the covid-shortened 2020 season?

Who is the all time leader in career saves?

What relief specialist had 152 of his 367 career saves for a team not based in the USA?

In the early 2000s, Eric Gagne had 152 saves in 3 seasons for what team?

The #2 all time closer Trevor Hoffman finished his career with 47 saves over 2 seasons with what team?

Relief Specialists/Closers have also been referred to as?

Rich Gossage was a very successful relief pitcher for the New Yankees and other teams. What was his nickname?

What fomer New York Yankees relief specialist also once threw a no hitter for the Yankees as a starter?

From 2002 to 2004, what former starter for the Atlanta Braves saved 144 games?

Which of the following pitchers is NOT in the Top 10 for all time career saves?

1970s/80s relief specialist for the Mets and Phillies Frank McGraw was better known by what nickname?

Which of the following pitchers is the only one to have saved 50 or more games in a season?

When Edwin Diaz saved 57 games in 2018, for what team was he playing ?

Who saved 57 games for the Chicago White Sox in 1990?

How many saves did Mariano Rivera have in his final season in the big leagues?

How many times did Mariano Rivera save 50 or more games in a season?

What former Oakland A's relief ace is 7th all time in saves but began his career as a starter?

Lee Smith is 3rd all time in career saves. With which team did he get the most saves?

Which of the following relief specialists did NOT have a beard?

Are you an expert on baseball closers?

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Dave Morrissey

Dave is an accomplished economics instructor with over two decades of experience in the prestigious International Baccalaureate program. His students have consistently ranked in the top 10% annually, and one year they achieved the highest overall class average in the world. This outstanding achievement led a UK publisher to request that he write a textbook, an offer he declined in favor of creating sports quizzes, which he found more engaging.

In addition to his teaching career, Dave is also a former high school football coach, having won a couple of local championships. While he wishes he had won more, he continues to be deeply involved in football as a scout, recruiter, and social media creator for a university football team.

Dave's passions extend beyond the classroom and football field. He is an avid fan of live music and international travel, often combining these interests. He has traveled to Spain, England, Iceland, and Chile to see bands perform. His greatest pride and joy is his daughter, who has recently excelled in powerlifting. In just a few years, she has become the Canadian record holder for the bench press in her weight class and finished second overall in the combined national event (bench, deadlift, and squat) in Moose Jaw in March 2024. She will be representing Canada at the World Bench Competition in Austin, Texas, in May 2024.

A die-hard fan of the Las Vegas Raiders, Dave has experienced his share of sports heartache, having seen them play in seven NFL cities with six losses. His all-time favorite athlete is Don Mattingly, reflecting his deep love for sports that spans many arenas.


Did you know
The UEFA Grassroots Charter is a set of guidelines aimed at promoting and supporting the development of grassroots soccer across Europe.
The Premier League has implemented a number of rule changes in recent years to promote player safety and improve the quality of play.
The MLB has a partnership with Nike, with players wearing the company's apparel and equipment.
The NFL has a Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, honoring the greatest players, coaches, and contributors to the sport.