The best closers in MLB history: 13. Troy Percival
- 358 total saves
- 3.17 ERA
- 86.3 save percentage
- 26.8 strikeout percentage
Sometimes it’s pretty tough out there for relief pitchers, at least in terms of their Baseball Hall of Fame vote. Troy Percival, who began his professional career as a catcher, quickly became one of the best relief pitchers to ever do it. And, despite owning the 11th-most saves of all-time with 358, Percival earned just one trip to the Hall of Fame voting. He did this back in 2015 and only received 0.7 percent of the vote, resulting in him being left off the ballot in subsequent years.
Whether you believe Percival deserves a spot in Cooperstown or not, it’s really beside the point. He’s still one of the best relief pitchers in the history of this beautiful game.
Known for that intimidating high leg kick and his fastball that popped throughout stadiums, Percival dominated hitters throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 14 seasons, 10 of which he spent with the Angels, Percival recorded at least 30 saves on eight different occasions. Taking out his final two seasons in Tampa Bay, which should be considered an aberration by his career standards, Percival pitched to a 3.02 ERA and 1.090 WHIP across 12 years.
The four-time All-Star and 2002 World Series Champion converted 86.3 percent of his save opportunities and struck out 26.8 percent of batters he faced.