Fireman: The Evolution of the Closer in Baseball

(Paperback)

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Revealing how the pitching roles in baseball have been redefined over the years, this book uses statistics, trend analysis, and interviews with front office personnel, managers, coaches, and pitchers past and present, to discuss the changing nature of the bullpen and how the current, specialized role of the closer came into being. Goose Gossage, Dennis Eckersley, Fergie Jenkins and All-Star closer Lee Smith all share their insights and own experiences as pitchers and why they were instrumental in helping to change the role of relievers during their careers. Fireman provides a true understanding of how relief pitching got to where it is today and how the closers role has been able to reshape Americas pastime. Baseball fans from every generation will not want to be with out this book.

Author Bio

Fran Zimniuch is an award-winning sports journalist, columnist, and author who has written for various newspapers and magazines for more than 25 years. He is the author of seven other books, including Ph-ANTASTIC! The 2008 World Champion Philadelphia Phillies. He lives in southern New Jersey. Lee Smith is a former Major League closer who was one of the most dominate players of his time. He retired with 478 saves, which is currently third all-time.