![A right-handed Hispanic baseball pitcher, wearing a grey uniform with the lettering "NEW YORK" across it, with his body facing the right as he prepares to throw a baseball.](Https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/36/Mariano_Rivera_allison_7_29_07.jpg/220px-Mariano_Rivera_allison_7_29_07.jpg)
In Major League Baseball (MLB), the 300 save club is the group of pitchers who have recorded 300 or more regular-season saves in their careers.[1][2][3][4] Most commonly a relief pitcher ("reliever" or "closer") earns a save by being the final pitcher of a game in which his team is winning by three or fewer runs and pitching at least one inning without losing the lead. The final pitcher of a game can earn a save by getting at least one batter out to end the game with the tying run on base, at bat, or on deck, or by pitching the last three innings without relinquishing the lead, regardless of score.[5] The statistic was created by Jerome Holtzman in 1959 to "measure the effectiveness of relief pitchers" and was adopted as an official statistic by MLB in 1969.[6][7] The save has been retroactively measured for past pitchers where applicable. Hoyt Wilhelm retired in 1972 and recorded just 31 saves from 1969 onwards, for example, but holds 228 total career saves.[8]
Mariano Rivera holds the MLB save record with 652. Only Rivera and Trevor Hoffman have exceeded 500 or 600 saves, and Hoffman was the first to achieve either. Only eight pitchers have recorded 400 or more saves: Rivera, Hoffman, Lee Smith, Kenley Jansen, Craig Kimbrel, Francisco Rodríguez, John Franco, and Billy Wagner.
Rollie Fingers was the first player to record 300 saves, reaching the mark on August 21, 1982. Aroldis Chapman is the most recent, achieving his 300th on August 26, 2021. The New York Mets are the only franchise to see three players reach the milestone while on their roster—John Franco, Billy Wagner, and Jason Isringhausen. In total, 31 players have recorded 300 or more saves in their career. Only eight relievers – Dennis Eckersley, Fingers, Goose Gossage, Hoffman, Rivera, Smith, Bruce Sutter, and Wilhelm – have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame;[9] all but Wilhelm also have at least 300 saves.[10] Jansen, Kimbrel, and Chapman are the only active players with more than 300 saves.[11]
Key
[edit]Player | Name of the player |
SV | Total career saves |
Date | Date of the pitcher's 300th save |
Team | The pitcher's team for his 300th save |
† | Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame |
---|---|
‡ | Player is active[note 1] |
List
[edit]![A man in a white baseball uniform and navy blue cap stands on a dirt mound throwing a pitch with his right hand. He is wearing a black belt, black shoes, and a black baseball glove, and his uniform reads "Padres" in navy blue script across the chest, outlined in tan. His cap has two interlocked letters: "S" and "D".](Https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/91/Trevor_Hoffman_01.jpg/220px-Trevor_Hoffman_01.jpg)
- Stats updated as of August 13, 2024.
Player | SV | 300th save | Years active | Ref(s) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date | Team | ||||
Mariano Rivera† | 652 | May 28, 2004 | New York Yankees | 1995–2013 | [12][13] |
Trevor Hoffman† | 601 | August 15, 2001 | San Diego Padres | 1993–2010 | [14] |
Lee Smith† | 478 | August 25, 1991 | St. Louis Cardinals | 1980–1997 | [15][16] |
Kenley Jansen‡ | 442 | September 25, 2019 | Los Angeles Dodgers | 2010–present | [17] |
Craig Kimbrel‡ | 440 | May 5, 2018 | Boston Red Sox | 2010–present | [18] |
Francisco Rodríguez | 437 | June 22, 2013 | Milwaukee Brewers | 2002–2017 | [19][20] |
John Franco | 424 | April 29, 1996 | New York Mets | 1984–2005 | [21] |
Billy Wagner | 422 | July 4, 2006 | New York Mets | 1995–2010 | [22] |
Dennis Eckersley† | 390 | May 24, 1995 | Oakland Athletics | 1975–1998 | [23] |
Joe Nathan | 377 | April 8, 2013 | Texas Rangers | 1999–2000, 2002–2009, 2011–2016 | [24][25] |
Jonathan Papelbon | 368 | June 10, 2014 | Philadelphia Phillies | 2005–2016 | [26] |
Jeff Reardon | 367 | May 20, 1991 | Boston Red Sox | 1979–1994 | [27][28] |
Troy Percival | 358 | July 28, 2004 | Anaheim Angels | 1995–2005, 2007–2009 | [29][30] |
Randy Myers | 347 | July 1, 1997 | Baltimore Orioles | 1985–1998 | [31][32] |
Rollie Fingers† | 341 | August 21, 1982 | Milwaukee Brewers | 1968–1985 | [33] |
John Wetteland | 330 | May 12, 2000 | Texas Rangers | 1989–2000 | [34] |
Francisco Cordero | 329 | June 1, 2011 | Cincinnati Reds | 1999–2012 | [2][35] |
Fernando Rodney | 327 | September 22, 2017 | Arizona Diamondbacks | 2002–2003, 2005–2019 | [36] |
Roberto Hernández | 326 | May 25, 2002 | Kansas City Royals | 1991–2007 | [37][38] |
Aroldis Chapman‡ | 325 | August 26, 2021 | New York Yankees | 2010–present | [39] |
Huston Street | 324 | July 22, 2015 | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | 2005–2017 | [40] |
José Mesa | 321 | April 27, 2005 | Pittsburgh Pirates | 1987, 1990–2007 | [41][42] |
Todd Jones | 319 | September 16, 2007 | Detroit Tigers | 1993–2008 | [43][44] |
Rick Aguilera | 318 | June 2, 2000 | Chicago Cubs | 1985–2000 | [45][46] |
Robb Nen | 314 | August 6, 2002 | San Francisco Giants | 1993–2002 | [3][47] |
Tom Henke | 311 | August 18, 1995 | St. Louis Cardinals | 1982–1995 | [48] |
Goose Gossage† | 310 | August 6, 1988 | Chicago Cubs | 1972–1989, 1991–1994 | [49] |
Jeff Montgomery | 304 | August 25, 1999 | Kansas City Royals | 1987–1999 | [50] |
Doug Jones | 303 | September 11, 1999 | Oakland Athletics | 1982–2000 | [51] |
Jason Isringhausen | 300 | August 15, 2011 | New York Mets | 1995–2012 | [52] |
Bruce Sutter† | 300 | September 9, 1988 | Atlanta Braves | 1976–1986, 1988 | [53] |
See also
[edit]- List of Major League Baseball annual saves leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career games finished leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career saves leaders
Notes
[edit]- ^ A player is considered inactive if he has announced his retirement or not played for a full season.
References
[edit]- General
- "All-Time Total Pitching Statistics". MLB.com. Major League Baseball. Archived from the original on May 28, 2020. Retrieved August 22, 2011.
- "Career Leaders & Records for Saves". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on May 20, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2011.
- Specific
- ^ Waldstein, David (June 8, 2011). "For Mets, Collegiality Is Part of Closing". The New York Times. Archived from the original on September 10, 2017. Retrieved July 11, 2011.
- ^ a b Torres, Adry (June 6, 2011). "Bartolo Colon Goes Old School, Carlos Zambrano Sounds Off, and Francisco Cordero Joins 300 Club – Fox News Latino". Latino.foxnews.com. Archived from the original on 2016-12-21. Retrieved July 3, 2011.
- ^ a b Harding, Thomas (October 11, 2002). "Giants lean on Nen to slam door | MLB.com: News". Mlb.mlb.com. Archived from the original on November 6, 2012. Retrieved July 3, 2011.
- ^ Holtzman, Jerome (December 15, 1991). "It's Historic: 300-save Club Gets Together". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on July 7, 2012. Retrieved July 11, 2011.
- ^ Office of the Commissioner of Baseball (2017). Official Baseball Rules (PDF) (2017 ed.). United States of America: MLB Advanced Media. p. 135. ISBN 978-0-9961140-4-2. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2017-12-15. Retrieved 2018-02-18.
- ^ Weber, Bruce (July 22, 2008). "Jerome Holtzman, 82, 'Dean' of Sportswriters, Dies". The New York Times. Archived from the original on August 12, 2019. Retrieved May 23, 2011.
- ^ Bloom, Barry (July 21, 2008). "Legendary historian Holtzman passes". MLB.com. Major League Baseball. Archived from the original on 29 April 2011. Retrieved May 23, 2011.
- ^ "Hoyt Wilhelm Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on 27 April 2011. Retrieved May 23, 2011.
- ^ "Goose Gossage joins exclusive club of relievers in baseball's Hall of Fame". New York Daily News. Associated Press. July 27, 2008. Archived from the original on June 8, 2011. Retrieved May 23, 2011.
- ^ "Rules for Election". National Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on May 30, 2010. Retrieved May 23, 2011.
- ^ "Active Leaders & Records for Saves". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 19, 2023. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
- ^ Gagliano, Anthony (May 29, 2004). "Rivera earns 300th career save". MLB. Archived from the original on October 24, 2007. Retrieved July 11, 2011.
- ^ "Mariano Rivera Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
- ^ "Trevor Hoffman Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on April 25, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
- ^ "Lee Smith Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
- ^ "Lee Smith, Harold Baines elected to Hall of Fame by Today's Game Era Committee". Baseballhall.org. Archived from the original on 1 March 2019. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
- ^ "Kenley Jansen Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 19, 2021. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
- ^ "Craig Kimbrel Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 8, 2012. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
- ^ "Francisco Rodríguez Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 4, 2014. Retrieved June 23, 2013.
- ^ "Francisco Rodriguez closes out Brewers' win for 300th save". ESPN.com. Associated Press. 2013-06-22. Archived from the original on 2013-06-24. Retrieved 2013-06-22.
- ^ "John Franco Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
- ^ "Billy Wagner Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 12, 2019. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
- ^ "Dennis Eckersley Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on May 24, 2011. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
- ^ "Joe Nathan Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on April 3, 2018. Retrieved April 9, 2013.
- ^ Lacques, Gabe (April 9, 2013). "Ump's blown call enables Joe Nathan to notch 300th save". USA Today Sports. Archived from the original on 13 April 2014. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
- ^ "Jonathan Papelbon Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on June 26, 2011. Retrieved June 11, 2014.
- ^ "Jeff Reardon Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on 22 June 2011. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
- ^ Montella, Paul (May 19, 2011). "This Date in Baseball – MLB – ESPN". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on July 17, 2012. Retrieved August 22, 2011.
- ^ "Troy Percival Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on June 17, 2011. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
- ^ "Percival gets 300th save against Texas | Amarillo.com | Amarillo Globe-News". Amarillo.com. The Associated Press. July 29, 2004. Archived from the original on September 19, 2012. Retrieved July 3, 2011.
- ^ "Randy Myers Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on June 4, 2019. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
- ^ Schmuck, Peter (July 2, 1997). "Myers, O's hit mark, 4–1 Closer gets 300th save – Baltimore Sun". Articles.baltimoresun.com. Archived from the original on July 1, 2012. Retrieved July 3, 2011.
- ^ "Rollie Fingers Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on May 2, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
- ^ "John Wetteland Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on April 30, 2011. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
- ^ "Francisco Cordero Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on June 12, 2011. Retrieved June 19, 2011.
- ^ "Fernando Rodney Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved September 23, 2017.
- ^ "Roberto Hernandez Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on February 14, 2014. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
- ^ "Hernandez picks up 300th save in Royals' win". Highbeam Research. Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service. May 25, 2002. Archived from the original on November 6, 2012. Retrieved August 22, 2011.
- ^ "Aroldis Chapman Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 1, 2022. Retrieved August 26, 2021.
- ^ "Huston Street Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 8, 2009. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
- ^ "José Mesa Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
- ^ "José Mesa named winner of the "DHL Presents the Major League Baseball Deliveryman of the Month Award" for April" (Press release). Major League Baseball. May 4, 2005. Archived from the original on December 21, 2016. Retrieved August 22, 2011.
- ^ "Todd Jones Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
- ^ "AL Notes: Tigers' Jones notches 300th save | Baseball | Chron.com – Houston Chronicle". Chron.com. September 18, 2007. Archived from the original on July 29, 2012. Retrieved July 3, 2011.
- ^ "Rick Aguilera Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 26, 2018. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
- ^ "On This Date – Chicago Tribune". Articles.chicagotribune.com. June 2, 2006. Archived from the original on July 8, 2012. Retrieved July 3, 2011.
- ^ "Robb Nen Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on 23 May 2011. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
- ^ "Tom Henke Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on April 27, 2011. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
- ^ "Goose Gossage Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on 23 May 2011. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
- ^ "Jeff Montgomery Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 4, 2014. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
- ^ "Doug Jones Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on June 3, 2011. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
- ^ "Jason Isringhausen Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 10, 2011. Retrieved August 16, 2011.
- ^ "Bruce Sutter Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 16, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2011.