Joe Nathan
Encyclopedia
Joseph Michael Nathan is an American professional baseball
pitcher
for the Texas Rangers
of Major League Baseball
(MLB). Nathan started out his baseball career as a shortstop
in high school but converted to a pitcher
after being drafted by the San Francisco Giants
. He worked his way through the minor leagues, alternating between spots in the rotation and the bullpen
. After a few years of splitting time between the majors and the minors, Nathan had a breakout season as a setup man
for the Giants in 2003. That off-season, Nathan was traded to the Twins and became their closer
.
From 2004 to 2009, Nathan was considered one of the top closers in MLB with four All-Star appearances and a league-leading 246 saves. In 2010, Nathan underwent Tommy John surgery
to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament
in his throwing elbow and missed the entire season. On April 3, 2011, Nathan recorded his first save since his injury against the Toronto Blue Jays
. On July 16th, 2011, Nathan regained his role as closer. On August 10th, 2011, Nathan became the Twins all-time leader in saves with 255 in a game against the Boston Red Sox
. He signed with the Texas Rangers on November 21, 2011
in Pine Bush
, New York
in 1992, where he played basketball, baseball, and ran track. However, only Division III colleges showed minimal interest in having him play for their program. Nathan ended up playing college baseball at Stony Brook University as a result of his baseball coach and Stony Brook's coach having a history; Pine Bush assistant baseball coach Jeff Masionet and Stony Brook baseball coach Matt Senk played college baseball together at State University of New York at Cortland
.
(now Division I). He became a two-time Academic All-American, and graduated as a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society
. During his tenure there, professional baseball scouts began to notice his good arm and pitcher's body, and on a day where a game was rained out, "literally someone from every organization" came to watch him pitch. Nathan was drafted in the sixth round (159th overall) from the amateur draft
by the San Francisco Giants in 1995, and signed on June 2, a day after being drafted. His college jersey number has since been retired, and he has been given the University Medal
, the highest recognition given by the university. Nathan also played for the Fairfield Stallions in the New England Collegiate Baseball League
in 1994.
In August 2008, Nathan made a $500,000 lead gift to the Department of Athletics in support of the construction of a new baseball field at Stony Brook University. In recognition of the gift from the Joe Nathan Charitable Foundation (www.joenathan.com), the State University of New York has approved that the new field will be named "Joe Nathan Field."
, he played at both the A and AA levels (the San Jose Giants
and Shreveport Captains) in 1998 as a starter. During his tenure with San Jose, he started 22 games, earned an ERA
of 3.32 with 118 strikeouts, and led the Giants to the California League Championship. He played two games in Shreveport in 1999 before receiving his promotion to the big-league club in 1999.
, who was sent to the disabled list after undergoing surgery on his left elbow. He made his major league debut the next day, pitching seven shutout innings and winning his first major-league decision in a 4–0 win against the Florida Marlins
. Nathan split time the rest of the season between the AAA-affiliate Fresno Grizzlies
and the Giants, posting a 6–4 record at AAA, and a 7–4 record with an ERA of 4.18 at the major league level. Nathan also earned his first career save on May 16 against the Houston Astros
.
After playing in the minors for a short time in 2000, Nathan spent most of the season in the majors, finishing with a 5–2 record and hitting two home run
s as a hitter. However, he struggled with his control by walking 63 batters in 93.1 innings, and ended up with a 5.21 ERA. He also spent two stints on the disabled list: from May 17 to June 6 due to right shoulder tendinitis, and from July 14 to August 18 due to right shoulder inflammation. At the end of the season, Nathan had arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder.
During the 2001 season, Nathan spent part of the season at AAA Fresno
, and some time at AA Shreveport, where he played both as a starter and a reliever. He finished the season with a combined 3–11 record and an ERA over 7. The next season, Nathan had an ERA of over 5 at Fresno with a 6–12 record. Despite his struggles after the surgery, he eventually reached the majors in September and pitched 3.2 scoreless innings in relief for the Giants.
by 15.5 games and faced the Wild Card winner Florida Marlins in the NLDS. Nathan however was hit hard in the playoffs; He blew a save in his first postseason appearance and the Giants were upset by the Marlins in four games.
and Francisco Liriano
in exchange for catcher A.J. Pierzynski and cash. The Twins decided to make Nathan their closer for the 2004 season. This was a risky move, as Nathan had only one save in six opportunities as a Giant. Nathan had the inside track on the job, competing against J.C. Romero
and Jesse Crain
. He was signed to a three-year deal on March 4, 2004 and agreed to an intentionally incentive-laden contract with a base salary of $440,000. Nathan won the closing job in Spring Training, and started off the season strong. He allowed no runs in 20 appearances, from April 15 to June 4, and earned 14 saves during the same period. Nathan was also named the American League Co-Player of the Week for the week of May 10, after pitching four innings for the week, earning 4 saves in 4 appearances and facing the minimum number of batters in each appearance. His credentials for the first half of the season, converting 23 saves in 24 opportunities with a 1.19 ERA in 26 appearances, led to his first All-Star appearance
in the 2004 MLB All-Star Game. He was the only Twin to earn a spot in the game and pitched in the seventh inning, getting Bobby Abreu
to strike out, Mike Lowell
to fly out, and Miguel Cabrera
to strike out. Nathan continued to post impressive numbers throughout the rest of the season, while allowing no runs between June 9 and August 18, and between August 25 and September 16. Nathan finished the 2004 season with 44 saves in 47 opportunities, and an ERA of 1.62. The Twins won the AL Central division and faced the New York Yankees
in the ALDS. Nathan picked up his first postseason save in Game 1, but blew his second opportunity in Game 2 as the Twins went on to lose in four games. Nathan's outstanding season earned him MVP and Cy Young
votes, finishing fourth in Cy Young voting and 12th in MVP voting. With the end of his first year with the Twins came the birth of his first son, Cole, on November 9, 2004.
, and lead the AL with 23 saves in 25 opportunities. Nathan pitched in the 2005 MLB All-Star Game alongside fellow pitcher Johan Santana
. Pitching the eighth inning of the game, he got Morgan Ensberg
to pop out for the first out, then gave out a double to Moisés Alou
. Felipe López singled, and Nathan was able to get Miguel Cabrera and Luis Castillo out, but not before Alou scored. Nathan had a brilliant second half as he went 6–1 with 18 saves in 20 chances, and posted an ERA of 1.76. He finished the season with a 7–4 record, a 2.70 ERA, 43 saves in 48 opportunities, and 94 strikeout
s. Nathan also became the third pitcher in club history to post consecutive 40 save seasons. The Twins however missed the playoffs.
as one of the 30 players selected for the Team USA roster. He played the first game, a 2–0 win against Mexico, striking out the side while allowing one hit. He also pitched the 4–3 victory against Japan, again throwing a shutout inning. Nathan went on to pitch the last game for the United States in the ninth inning against Mexico, again not allowing a run and striking out two.
As the regular 2006 season began for the Twins, Nathan started off strong, allowing no runs from the start of the season to April 25. He also converted 10 straight save opportunities from April 11 to June 17. On June 24, Nathan recorded his one hundredth career save against the Chicago Cubs
, and 99th save with Minnesota. Four days later he got save number 101, his hundredth save with Minnesota against the Los Angeles Dodgers
, becoming the fifth pitcher in Twins history to achieve that mark. Despite putting up great numbers during the 2006 season, Nathan was not selected to the All-Star Game
. He continued to pitch well throughout the season, passing Eddie Guardado
for second on the Twins' all-time save list when he earned his 117th save against the Detroit Tigers
on September 9. Nathan was also given the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Month award for July, going 9 for 9 in save opportunities and posting a 0.75 ERA for the month. He finished the season with some of his best numbers to date: a 7–0 record, a 1.58 ERA, 95 strikeouts, 36 saves, an 18th place finish in MVP voting, and a fifth place finish in Cy Young voting. His 61 games finished were also good for the AL lead and opponents batted just .158 against him, a career high. With 36 saves in 38 opportunities, Nathan also became the first pitcher for the organization to earn 35 saves in three straight seasons. The Twins stormed back to win the division on the last day of the regular season, but were swept by the Oakland Athletics in the ALDS as Nathan made one scoreless appearance.
On September 25, 2007, Nathan was named as one of 10 finalists for the "DHL Delivery Man of the Year Award
," the third year in a row that he has been a finalist. On October 29, the Twins exercised Nathan's club option for 2008.
re-signed Nathan to a four-year, $47 million contract through 2011. The deal also includes a $12.5 million club option for 2012 with a $2 million buyout.
Nathan started the season with 13 consecutive saves but blew his first save of the season on May 27 by giving up a three-run inside-the-park home run
on a misplayed fly ball by teammate Delmon Young
; however, Nathan got two outs to end the 9th inning and the Twins went on to win the game. By converting 27 of 29 save opportunities prior to the All-Star break, Nathan was selected as a reserve player for the American League
in the 2008 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
. Nathan finished the year with 39 saves and a career best 1.33 ERA. He also had a career high six blown saves and surrendered his first career walk-off home run
to Victor Martinez on September 16. Nathan ranked seventh in the majors in saves and had the lowest ERA of the top 30 save leaders in 2008. Despite Nathan's success, the Twins narrowly missed the playoffs by losing the tie-breaker
game against division rival Chicago White Sox
.
. However, Nathan did not fare as well in the postseason; in Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees, with the Twins leading 3–1 in the bottom of the ninth inning, Nathan blew the save when he surrendered a game-tying two-run home run to Alex Rodriguez
. It was the first home run Nathan had allowed with men on base all year. The Yankees later won the game in the 11th inning and swept the series. On October 11, 2009, after the Twins lost the final game at the Metrodome
(a 4–1 playoff loss to the Yankees that eliminated them), Nathan took a pile of dirt from the mound as a keepsake from the Metrodome.
. On March 21, after attempting to pitch without having surgery, Nathan decided to undergo Tommy John Surgery
, missing the entire 2010 season.
On April 18, 2011, Nathan was replaced at closer by Matt Capps
after going 3 for 5 in save opportunities. On May 28, 2011, Nathan was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right flexor muscle strain. Chuck James
was called up to take his place.
On August 10, 2011, against the Boston Red Sox
, Nathan became the Twins' all-time saves leader with 255, passing Rick Aguilera
.
After the Twins declined his $12.5 million club option and exercised a $2 million buyout, Nathan became a free agent at the end of the 2011 season.
Nathan is currently the Minnesota Twins' leader in career saves.
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
for the Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
of Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
(MLB). Nathan started out his baseball career as a shortstop
Shortstop
Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. Shortstop is often regarded as the most dynamic defensive position in baseball, because there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the...
in high school but converted to a pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
after being drafted by the San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
. He worked his way through the minor leagues, alternating between spots in the rotation and the bullpen
Bullpen
In baseball, the bullpen is the area where relief pitchers warm-up before entering a game. Depending on the ballpark, it may be situated in foul territory along the baselines or just beyond the outfield fence. Also, a team's roster of relief pitchers is metonymically referred to as "the bullpen"...
. After a few years of splitting time between the majors and the minors, Nathan had a breakout season as a setup man
Setup pitcher
In baseball, a setup pitcher is a relief pitcher who regularly pitches before the closer. They commonly pitch the 7th and/or 8th innings, with the closer pitching the 9th....
for the Giants in 2003. That off-season, Nathan was traded to the Twins and became their closer
Closer (baseball)
In baseball, a closing pitcher, more frequently referred to as a closer , is a relief pitcher who specializes in closing out games, i.e., getting the final outs in a close game. Closers often appear when the score is close, and the role is often assigned to a team's best reliever. A small number of...
.
From 2004 to 2009, Nathan was considered one of the top closers in MLB with four All-Star appearances and a league-leading 246 saves. In 2010, Nathan underwent Tommy John surgery
Tommy John surgery
Tommy John surgery, known in medical practice as ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, is a surgical procedure in which a ligament in the medial elbow is replaced with a tendon from elsewhere in the body...
to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament
Ulnar collateral ligament (elbow)
The ulnar collateral ligament is a thick triangular band consisting of two portions, an anterior and posterior united by a thinner intermediate portion....
in his throwing elbow and missed the entire season. On April 3, 2011, Nathan recorded his first save since his injury against the Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
. On July 16th, 2011, Nathan regained his role as closer. On August 10th, 2011, Nathan became the Twins all-time leader in saves with 255 in a game against the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
. He signed with the Texas Rangers on November 21, 2011
High school career
Nathan graduated from Pine Bush High SchoolPine Bush High School
Pine Bush High School is the central high school for the Pine Bush Central School District, located on NY 302 in the hamlet of Pine Bush, New York. Drawing over 2,000 students from northwestern Orange County and the adjacent portions of Sullivan and Ulster counties.The school no longer offers the...
in Pine Bush
Pine Bush, New York
Pine Bush is a hamlet located in the Town of Crawford, and Shawangunk, New York, in Orange/Ulster Counties, New York, U.S., roughly coterminous with the 12566 ZIP code and 744 telephone exchange in the 845 area code Pine Bush is a hamlet (and census-designated place) located in the Town of...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
in 1992, where he played basketball, baseball, and ran track. However, only Division III colleges showed minimal interest in having him play for their program. Nathan ended up playing college baseball at Stony Brook University as a result of his baseball coach and Stony Brook's coach having a history; Pine Bush assistant baseball coach Jeff Masionet and Stony Brook baseball coach Matt Senk played college baseball together at State University of New York at Cortland
State University of New York at Cortland
The State University of New York College at Cortland, also officially called SUNY Cortland or informally known as Cortland State, is a coeducational university located in Cortland, New York...
.
College career
Nathan played college baseball as a shortstop at then Division III SUNY Stony Brook PatriotsStony Brook Seawolves
The Stony Brook Seawolves are the athletic teams of Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, NY, United States. The school is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and participates in the America East Conference for all sports except football in which they participate as...
(now Division I). He became a two-time Academic All-American, and graduated as a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society
Golden Key International Honour Society
The Golden Key International Honour Society is an Atlanta, Georgia-based non-profit organization founded in 1977 to recognise academic achievement among college and university students in all disciplines....
. During his tenure there, professional baseball scouts began to notice his good arm and pitcher's body, and on a day where a game was rained out, "literally someone from every organization" came to watch him pitch. Nathan was drafted in the sixth round (159th overall) from the amateur draft
1995 Major League Baseball Draft
-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1995 Major League Baseball draft.* Did not sign-Background:Outfielder Darin Erstad of the University of Nebraska was the first pick in the 1995 Rule 4 Draft. Erstad compiled a career .356 average in three seasons with the...
by the San Francisco Giants in 1995, and signed on June 2, a day after being drafted. His college jersey number has since been retired, and he has been given the University Medal
University Medal
A University Medal is one of several different types of awards, bestowed by universities upon outstanding students or members of staff. The usage and status of university medals differ between countries.-As award on graduation:...
, the highest recognition given by the university. Nathan also played for the Fairfield Stallions in the New England Collegiate Baseball League
New England Collegiate Baseball League
The New England Collegiate Baseball League is a 12-team collegiate summer baseball league founded in 1993 and sanctioned by the NCAA and Major League Baseball. Each NECBL team plays an eight-week, 42-game schedule during June and July, with a playoff in early August...
in 1994.
In August 2008, Nathan made a $500,000 lead gift to the Department of Athletics in support of the construction of a new baseball field at Stony Brook University. In recognition of the gift from the Joe Nathan Charitable Foundation (www.joenathan.com), the State University of New York has approved that the new field will be named "Joe Nathan Field."
Minor league career
Nathan began his minor league career playing Class A ball for the Bellingham Giants. After an unsuccessful year at the plate, the Giants tried to convert Nathan into a pitcher, but he refused to do that and left the game. He went back to Stony Brook for a year, graduating with a degree in business management. Nathan thought about his future and after graduation, decided to return to the Giants organization. Now a pitcher, He developed into a standout pitching prospect. After a season with the Salem-Keizer VolcanoesSalem-Keizer Volcanoes
The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes are a minor league baseball team in Keizer, Oregon, United States. They are a Short-Season Class A team in the Northwest League, and have been an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants since the Volcanoes' inception in 1997...
, he played at both the A and AA levels (the San Jose Giants
San Jose Giants
The San Jose Giants are a minor league baseball team in San Jose, California, USA. They are a Class A - Advanced team in the Northern Division of the California League, and have been a farm team of the San Francisco Giants since 1988. Home games are played at San Jose Municipal Stadium...
and Shreveport Captains) in 1998 as a starter. During his tenure with San Jose, he started 22 games, earned an ERA
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
of 3.32 with 118 strikeouts, and led the Giants to the California League Championship. He played two games in Shreveport in 1999 before receiving his promotion to the big-league club in 1999.
1999–2002
Nathan was recalled from Shreveport on April 20, 1999, taking the roster spot of Barry BondsBarry Bonds
Barry Lamar Bonds is an American former Major League Baseball outfielder. Bonds played from 1986 to 2007, for the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants. He is the son of former major league All-Star Bobby Bonds...
, who was sent to the disabled list after undergoing surgery on his left elbow. He made his major league debut the next day, pitching seven shutout innings and winning his first major-league decision in a 4–0 win against the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
. Nathan split time the rest of the season between the AAA-affiliate Fresno Grizzlies
Fresno Grizzlies
The Fresno Grizzlies are a minor league baseball team based in Fresno, California. The team, which plays in the Pacific Coast League , is the Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants major league club. The Grizzlies play in Chukchansi Park , located in downtown Fresno and built in 2002...
and the Giants, posting a 6–4 record at AAA, and a 7–4 record with an ERA of 4.18 at the major league level. Nathan also earned his first career save on May 16 against the Houston Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
.
After playing in the minors for a short time in 2000, Nathan spent most of the season in the majors, finishing with a 5–2 record and hitting two home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s as a hitter. However, he struggled with his control by walking 63 batters in 93.1 innings, and ended up with a 5.21 ERA. He also spent two stints on the disabled list: from May 17 to June 6 due to right shoulder tendinitis, and from July 14 to August 18 due to right shoulder inflammation. At the end of the season, Nathan had arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder.
During the 2001 season, Nathan spent part of the season at AAA Fresno
Fresno Grizzlies
The Fresno Grizzlies are a minor league baseball team based in Fresno, California. The team, which plays in the Pacific Coast League , is the Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants major league club. The Grizzlies play in Chukchansi Park , located in downtown Fresno and built in 2002...
, and some time at AA Shreveport, where he played both as a starter and a reliever. He finished the season with a combined 3–11 record and an ERA over 7. The next season, Nathan had an ERA of over 5 at Fresno with a 6–12 record. Despite his struggles after the surgery, he eventually reached the majors in September and pitched 3.2 scoreless innings in relief for the Giants.
2003
At the start of the season he was back with the Giants as a reliever. This transition came with marriage as well; Nathan married Lisa Lemoncelli, his girlfriend of five years, in November 2002. The 2003 season was a breakout year for Nathan, as he started the season with 23 scoreless innings en route to a 12–4 record in his first season as a reliever. His 78 appearances put him high on the list of most-used pitchers for the season, and he allowed no runs in a span of 15 appearances from July 18 to August 20. He had 12 wins as a reliever, the most during that season. The San Francisco Giants won the NL WestNational League West
The National League Western Division, or NL West, is one of the three divisions of Major League Baseball's National League. It was created in 1969 when the previously undivided National League expanded its membership to twelve teams, positioning half of them in an Eastern division and the other...
by 15.5 games and faced the Wild Card winner Florida Marlins in the NLDS. Nathan however was hit hard in the playoffs; He blew a save in his first postseason appearance and the Giants were upset by the Marlins in four games.
2004
Nathan was traded to the Minnesota Twins on November 16, 2003, in what may be the worst trade in San Francisco Giants' history. The Giants sent Nathan along with pitchers Boof BonserBoof Bonser
Boof Bonser is a professional American baseball player. He is currently a pitcher in the New York Mets organization of Major League Baseball.-High school career:...
and Francisco Liriano
Francisco Liriano
Francisco Liriano y Casillas is a left-handed Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins.-Professional career:...
in exchange for catcher A.J. Pierzynski and cash. The Twins decided to make Nathan their closer for the 2004 season. This was a risky move, as Nathan had only one save in six opportunities as a Giant. Nathan had the inside track on the job, competing against J.C. Romero
J.C. Romero
Juan Carlos Romero is a Puerto Rican professional baseball pitcher. He has played for the Minnesota Twins , the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim , the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies and Colorado Rockies....
and Jesse Crain
Jesse Crain
Jesse Alan Crain is a Canadian professional baseball pitcher with the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball.-High school and college:...
. He was signed to a three-year deal on March 4, 2004 and agreed to an intentionally incentive-laden contract with a base salary of $440,000. Nathan won the closing job in Spring Training, and started off the season strong. He allowed no runs in 20 appearances, from April 15 to June 4, and earned 14 saves during the same period. Nathan was also named the American League Co-Player of the Week for the week of May 10, after pitching four innings for the week, earning 4 saves in 4 appearances and facing the minimum number of batters in each appearance. His credentials for the first half of the season, converting 23 saves in 24 opportunities with a 1.19 ERA in 26 appearances, led to his first All-Star appearance
Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
in the 2004 MLB All-Star Game. He was the only Twin to earn a spot in the game and pitched in the seventh inning, getting Bobby Abreu
Bobby Abreu
Bob Kelly "Bobby" Abreu , nicknamed "El Comedulce" and also "La Luche", is a Major League Baseball left fielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim....
to strike out, Mike Lowell
Mike Lowell
Michael Averett Lowell is a Puerto Rican former professional baseball third baseman. During a 13-year career, Lowell played for the New York Yankees , Florida Marlins , and the Boston Red Sox...
to fly out, and Miguel Cabrera
Miguel Cabrera
José Miguel Cabrera Torres nicknamed "Miggy", is a Venezuelan professional baseball first baseman with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws right-handed....
to strike out. Nathan continued to post impressive numbers throughout the rest of the season, while allowing no runs between June 9 and August 18, and between August 25 and September 16. Nathan finished the 2004 season with 44 saves in 47 opportunities, and an ERA of 1.62. The Twins won the AL Central division and faced the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
in the ALDS. Nathan picked up his first postseason save in Game 1, but blew his second opportunity in Game 2 as the Twins went on to lose in four games. Nathan's outstanding season earned him MVP and Cy Young
Cy Young Award
The Cy Young Award is an honor given annually in baseball to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball , one each for the American League and National League . The award was first introduced in 1956 by Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick in honor of Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who died in 1955...
votes, finishing fourth in Cy Young voting and 12th in MVP voting. With the end of his first year with the Twins came the birth of his first son, Cole, on November 9, 2004.
2005
During spring training in 2005, Nathan signed a two year deal that includes a club option for 2008. He picked up from where he left off in 2004, allowing no earned runs in 15 appearances from April 5 to May 10. He also had streaks of 13 and 12 consecutive save opportunities converted between April and July. As a result, Nathan was named the American League Player of the Week for the week of June 27. Nathan earned another All-Star appearance in 2005 for his pitching in the first half of the season. Although his record was 1–3 with a 3.57 ERA in 37 appearances, he had struck out 43 batters in 35.1 innings pitchedInnings pitched
In baseball, innings pitched are the number of innings a pitcher has completed, measured by the number of batters and baserunners that are put out while the pitcher on the pitching mound in a game. Three outs made is equal to one inning pitched. One out counts as one-third of an inning, and two...
, and lead the AL with 23 saves in 25 opportunities. Nathan pitched in the 2005 MLB All-Star Game alongside fellow pitcher Johan Santana
Johan Santana
Johan Alexander Santana Araque is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher who is currently playing for the New York Mets. He is a native of Venezuela....
. Pitching the eighth inning of the game, he got Morgan Ensberg
Morgan Ensberg
Morgan Paul Ensberg is a former infielder in Major League Baseball. Ensberg bats and throws right-handed...
to pop out for the first out, then gave out a double to Moisés Alou
Moisés Alou
Moisés Rojas Alou |Spanish:]] ; born July 3, 1966 in Atlanta, Georgia) is a former American outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for 17 seasons in the National League. In 1,942 career games, Alou had a batting average of .303 with 2,134 hits, 421 doubles, 332 home runs, and 1,287 runs...
. Felipe López singled, and Nathan was able to get Miguel Cabrera and Luis Castillo out, but not before Alou scored. Nathan had a brilliant second half as he went 6–1 with 18 saves in 20 chances, and posted an ERA of 1.76. He finished the season with a 7–4 record, a 2.70 ERA, 43 saves in 48 opportunities, and 94 strikeout
Strikeout
In baseball or softball, a strikeout or strike-out occurs when a batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. A strikeout is a statistic recorded for both pitchers and batters....
s. Nathan also became the third pitcher in club history to post consecutive 40 save seasons. The Twins however missed the playoffs.
2006
Before the 2006 season began, Nathan participated in the 2006 World Baseball Classic2006 World Baseball Classic
---------Pool B:-------------Pool C:-------------Pool D:-------------Pool 1:-----------------Pool 2:-------------Finals:-Semifinals:-Final:-Final standings:...
as one of the 30 players selected for the Team USA roster. He played the first game, a 2–0 win against Mexico, striking out the side while allowing one hit. He also pitched the 4–3 victory against Japan, again throwing a shutout inning. Nathan went on to pitch the last game for the United States in the ninth inning against Mexico, again not allowing a run and striking out two.
As the regular 2006 season began for the Twins, Nathan started off strong, allowing no runs from the start of the season to April 25. He also converted 10 straight save opportunities from April 11 to June 17. On June 24, Nathan recorded his one hundredth career save against the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
, and 99th save with Minnesota. Four days later he got save number 101, his hundredth save with Minnesota against the Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
, becoming the fifth pitcher in Twins history to achieve that mark. Despite putting up great numbers during the 2006 season, Nathan was not selected to the All-Star Game
2006 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 2006 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 77th playing of the midseason exhibition baseball game between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 11, 2006 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh,...
. He continued to pitch well throughout the season, passing Eddie Guardado
Eddie Guardado
Edward Adrian Guardado is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. Throughout his career, Guardado had played with the Minnesota Twins , Seattle Mariners , Cincinnati Reds , and the Rangers .His common nickname is "Everyday Eddie", a testament to his durable arm during his first stint with the...
for second on the Twins' all-time save list when he earned his 117th save against the Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
on September 9. Nathan was also given the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Month award for July, going 9 for 9 in save opportunities and posting a 0.75 ERA for the month. He finished the season with some of his best numbers to date: a 7–0 record, a 1.58 ERA, 95 strikeouts, 36 saves, an 18th place finish in MVP voting, and a fifth place finish in Cy Young voting. His 61 games finished were also good for the AL lead and opponents batted just .158 against him, a career high. With 36 saves in 38 opportunities, Nathan also became the first pitcher for the organization to earn 35 saves in three straight seasons. The Twins stormed back to win the division on the last day of the regular season, but were swept by the Oakland Athletics in the ALDS as Nathan made one scoreless appearance.
2007
Nathan continued to dominate as the Twins' closer for the 2007 season. He had a stretch between July and August where he gave up just two earned runs and converted all 12 save chances. Once again despite Nathan's numbers, he was not picked for the All-Star team. Nathan finished the year by converting 37 of 41 save opportunities with a record of 4–2 and an ERA of 1.88. The Twins however had a disappointing season and missed the playoffs.On September 25, 2007, Nathan was named as one of 10 finalists for the "DHL Delivery Man of the Year Award
DHL Delivery Man of the Year Award
Major League Baseball honors its best relief pitcher monthly with the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Month Award and annually with the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Year Award. The awards were initially part of a sponsorship agreement between MLB and package delivery company...
," the third year in a row that he has been a finalist. On October 29, the Twins exercised Nathan's club option for 2008.
2008
Though Nathan was slated to make $6 million in 2008, on March 24, 2008, the Minnesota TwinsMinnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
re-signed Nathan to a four-year, $47 million contract through 2011. The deal also includes a $12.5 million club option for 2012 with a $2 million buyout.
Nathan started the season with 13 consecutive saves but blew his first save of the season on May 27 by giving up a three-run inside-the-park home run
Inside-the-park home run
In baseball parlance, an inside-the-park home run, "leg home run", or "quadruple", is a play where a batter hits a home run without hitting the ball out of play.-Discussion:...
on a misplayed fly ball by teammate Delmon Young
Delmon Young
Delmon Damarcus Young is an American professional baseball outfielder with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He is the younger brother of former major league outfielder and first baseman Dmitri Young. He was born in Montgomery, Alabama.Young is known for having a strong and accurate...
; however, Nathan got two outs to end the 9th inning and the Twins went on to win the game. By converting 27 of 29 save opportunities prior to the All-Star break, Nathan was selected as a reserve player for the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
in the 2008 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
2008 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 2008 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 79th midseason exhibition between the all-stars of the American League and the National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was played at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx, New York, home of the New York Yankees, on...
. Nathan finished the year with 39 saves and a career best 1.33 ERA. He also had a career high six blown saves and surrendered his first career walk-off home run
Walk-off home run
In baseball, a walk-off home run is a home run that ends the game. It must be a home run that gives the home team the lead in the bottom of the final inning of the game—either the ninth inning, or any extra inning, or any other regularly scheduled final inning...
to Victor Martinez on September 16. Nathan ranked seventh in the majors in saves and had the lowest ERA of the top 30 save leaders in 2008. Despite Nathan's success, the Twins narrowly missed the playoffs by losing the tie-breaker
2008 American League Central tie-breaker game
The 2008 American League Central tie-breaker game was a one-game playoff for Major League Baseball's American League Central division. The game took place on September 30, 2008 between the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins at US Cellular Field. It was necessary after both teams finished the...
game against division rival Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
.
2009
Nathan had a strong season, as he was selected as an All-Star for the 2009 MLB All Star Game, and he finished the year with 2.10 ERA with 47 saves in 52 opportunities, which was a franchise record. He shared honors for the AL Rolaids Relief Man award with Mariano RiveraMariano Rivera
Mariano Rivera is a Panamanian right-handed baseball pitcher who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. Nicknamed "Mo", Rivera has served as a relief pitcher for most of his career, and since 1997, he has been the Yankees' closer...
. However, Nathan did not fare as well in the postseason; in Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees, with the Twins leading 3–1 in the bottom of the ninth inning, Nathan blew the save when he surrendered a game-tying two-run home run to Alex Rodriguez
Alex Rodriguez
Alexander Emmanuel "Alex" Rodriguez is an American professional baseball third baseman with the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. Known popularly by his nickname A-Rod, he previously played shortstop for the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers.Rodriguez is considered one of the best...
. It was the first home run Nathan had allowed with men on base all year. The Yankees later won the game in the 11th inning and swept the series. On October 11, 2009, after the Twins lost the final game at the Metrodome
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University...
(a 4–1 playoff loss to the Yankees that eliminated them), Nathan took a pile of dirt from the mound as a keepsake from the Metrodome.
2010–2011
On March 9, 2010, it was reported that Nathan had a tear in his ulnar collateral ligamentUlnar collateral ligament (elbow)
The ulnar collateral ligament is a thick triangular band consisting of two portions, an anterior and posterior united by a thinner intermediate portion....
. On March 21, after attempting to pitch without having surgery, Nathan decided to undergo Tommy John Surgery
Tommy John surgery
Tommy John surgery, known in medical practice as ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, is a surgical procedure in which a ligament in the medial elbow is replaced with a tendon from elsewhere in the body...
, missing the entire 2010 season.
On April 18, 2011, Nathan was replaced at closer by Matt Capps
Matt Capps
Matthew Dicus Capps , is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He is a 2002 graduate of Alexander High School in Douglasville, where he lettered in football, basketball, cross-country and baseball before receiving a scholarship at LSU...
after going 3 for 5 in save opportunities. On May 28, 2011, Nathan was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right flexor muscle strain. Chuck James
Chuck James
Charles Hamilton "Chuck" James is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Minnesota Twins.-Atlanta Braves:...
was called up to take his place.
On August 10, 2011, against the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
, Nathan became the Twins' all-time saves leader with 255, passing Rick Aguilera
Rick Aguilera
Richard Warren Aguilera is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. During a 16-year baseball career, he pitched from 1985-2000 for the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs....
.
After the Twins declined his $12.5 million club option and exercised a $2 million buyout, Nathan became a free agent at the end of the 2011 season.
Nathan is currently the Minnesota Twins' leader in career saves.
Texas Rangers
On November 21, 2011, Nathan agreed to terms on a two-year deal with the Texas Rangers worth $14.5 million, with an option for a third year.Personal life
- Is married to Lisa (neeNEENEE is a political protest group whose goal was to provide an alternative for voters who are unhappy with all political parties at hand in Belgium, where voting is compulsory.The NEE party was founded in 2005 in Antwerp...
Lemoncelli), with two children: a son Cole (born November 9, 2004) and a daughter Riley (born April 4, 2007). - Joe has a foundation, Joe Nathan Charitable Foundation, which is to be named "Save It", helping raise money and awareness for many different charities.
- Resides in Knoxville, TennesseeKnoxville, TennesseeFounded in 1786, Knoxville is the third-largest city in the U.S. state of Tennessee, U.S.A., behind Memphis and Nashville, and is the county seat of Knox County. It is the largest city in East Tennessee, and the second-largest city in the Appalachia region...
in the off season.