the.com/closer
the person you bring in when the game is basically won and you just need it official.
means in baseball, a relief pitcher who specializes in finishing games, usually protecting a lead in the final inning.
from emerged in the 1970s-80s as bullpens got specialized; before that, teams just rode their best starter or bullpen ace to the finish. the save statistic, invented in 1969, basically created the job by giving it something to measure.
stat that made themthe save rule literally invented the role
entrance musicunofficial job requirement since the 90s
mariano riverathrew one pitch for 19 dominant years
blown savethe job's built-in heartbreak clause