Closers are not supposed to have a long-term memory of whether or not they blew their last save opportunity. They are only supposed to focus on nailing down the next save. But they are also apparently allowed to focus on planning some elaborate celebrations for when they are successful.
While celebrating and showboating on the mound is by and large frowned upon (see: early Joba Chamberlain), closers get a free pass for this sort of thing.
When the game is over and the final out is recorded, closers are afforded a little something extra in the way of celebration. And boy, do they take advantage of it. So we wondered, which closer has the best celebration in baseball?
Red Sox fans are familiar with the Tiger Woods-esque fist pumps and occasional Irish jigs from their closer Jonathan Papelbon. But outside of the confines of Friendly Fenway Park, there's no knowing what to expect when a closer nails down that final out.
Jose Valverde has established himself as a fiery guy in his time pitching for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Houston Astros and now the Detroit Tigers. After finishing each save, he's not averse to throwing himself a little impromptu dance party and showing off his excitement at having closed the door.
Another character known to enjoy himself now and again is San Francisco Giants closer Brian Wilson. Although his beard has earned mythic status these days, underneath it is a man who is a fine pitcher. He celebrates every game with some sort of X-factor arm motion before pointing to the skies. (Note: this motion is particularly effective after closing the clinching game of the World Series.)
Cubs closer Carlos Marmol may have learned some fiery antics from teammate Carlos Zambrano. The fireballer is usually good for an adventure or two after locking down a win for the Cubbies.
And Seattle closer Brandon League will be someone Red Sox fans may get a look at beginning Friday night as the Sox head to Safeco for a three-game West Coast swing. League's celebration can best be described as an "enthusiastic high-five."
We would want to mention Francisco Rodriguez's whirling dervish of a celebration, but now that he has been traded to the Milwaukee Brewers, he's been relegated to set-up man status. Sorry, K-Rod.
The folks over at SBNation broke down the 32 different closer celebrations into seven different categories, including the "adorable tiny hoppers" and the "showstoppers." Catch a glimpse of what the closers are capable of and vote below for who you think has the best closer celebration in baseball.
