The best closers in MLB history: 30. Dan Quisenberry
- 553 games finished
- 244 total saves
- 2.76 ERA
- 3.8 walk percentage
We kick off this list with Dan Quisenberry, a shutdown reliever known for his unconventional submarine delivery and lights out control. Quisenberry spent 12 years in the MLB, 10 of which he spent with the Kansas City Royals.
A three-time All-Star, Quisenberry was the game’s best finisher/closer through a brilliant six-year run from 1980-1985. In that span, he led the American League four times in games finished and five times in saves. This also included five different top-five finishes in the AL Cy Young Award voting. In 1983, he recorded 45 saves, a then record-setting mark.
Throughout his 12-year career, Quisenberry successfully finished 553 games – which ranks 26th on the all-time list. He also earned more than 244 total saves while pitching to a 2.76 ERA, all out of the bullpen.
Quisenberry’s command was his greatest asset. Of all-time relief pitchers with at least 200 total saves and a 60 percent successful save percentage, he leads all in walk percentage. He walked only 3.8 percent of batters faced.