Miscellaneous
MLB Closers | “A closer is often considered the best relief pitcher that a club has in its bullpen. Closers are most often deployed for the final inning of a game when a narrow lead — three runs or less — needs to be protected. Closers almost always excel against both right- and left-handed batters and are more often than not capable of striking out batters at high rates.” -MLB GlossarySo you want to be a closer. We have two award-winning MLB closers today, and they say you better want the job or you’ll never excel at it.How do you know who wants it? Jeff Brantley and Jeff Shaw have seen those who do and those who don’t – they’ll tell you the difference.MLB ClosersBrantley was the NL relief pitcher of the year in 1996 and Shaw took that crown in 1997. Brantley was in the Majors for 14 seasons and Shaw for 12. They were both opponents and teammates during that stretch. Who did they learn from? How do you maneuver through the middle of a line-up, game on the line, and you need three outs? They’ll describe a unique universe they inhabit when they take to the mound in the 9th inning, a roaring crowd and a game with no room for error.And all that time spent waiting – a couple of bull pen stories will be shared as well.Jeff Shaw and Jeff Brantley take you into the world of the closer – then, now and tomorrow.Enjoy.