Finish the Game Trivia Quiz

Answer: Mariano Rivera

Rivera had 652 saves between 1995 and 2013 and had the most career saves at the time of his retirement. He played his entire MLB career with the Yankees, making 13 all-star teams and winning 5 World Series titles. He missed almost the entire 2012 season after a freak knee injury. He returned to form in 2013, winning comeback player of the year before calling it a career.

Answer: Shortstop

Hoffman saved 601 games in his 18 seasons. He was the first player to save 500 and 600 games and retired as the all-time saves leader. After he retired Mariano Rivera surpassed him. Hoffman attended the University of Arizona.

Answer: two

While he played for eight teams over his 18-year career, he only played for the Chicago Cubs (1980-87) and the Boston Red Sox (1988-90) during the decade. Smith retired as the then all-time leader in saves with 478. It wasn't until about a decade after his retirement that Trevor Hoffman passed him on the career list.

Answer: John Smoltz

Smoltz was a dominant starting pitcher early in his career, winning 157 games as a starting pitcher from 1988-1999. He missed the entire 2000 season injured and became a relief pitcher in 2001 after starting a few games unsuccessfully. He set a then-record for most saves in a single season in the National League in 2002. He saved 154 games over three plus seasons. In 2005 he returned to the ranks of a starting pitcher and led the league in wins in 2006. He was an all-star as a starter before and after his time as a reliever. He was also an all-star as a reliever.

Answer: Bill Singer

Singer came on in relief of Drysdale and pitched three scoreless innings on opening day 1969. His Dodgers picked up the 3-2 victory over the visiting Cincinnati Reds. Singer was primarily a starting pitcher, winning 20 games and making the all-star team that season.

Answer: Bobby Thigpen

Bobby Thigpen broke the 50-save barrier in 1990 while pitching for the Chicago White Sox. He saved 57 games that year. He also pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies and Seattle Mariners during his MLB career.

Answer: John Franco

The game took place on May 11, 1996, when the Mets were playing the Chicago Cubs. In the fifth inning of "John Franco Day", a bench-clearing and bullpen-clearing brawl caused nine players (including Franco) to be ejected from the game. Despite this, John Franco finished his career with 424 saves.

Answer: Goose Gossage

Goose Gossage had 112 blown saves and 310 saves in his MLB career (1972-1994). He pitched for several teams including the Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, and San Diego Padres. A blown save is when a relief pitcher comes into a game in a save opportunity and gives up the lead.

Answer: Francisco Rodriguez

Francisco Rodriguez broke the 60-save barrier while he was pitching for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2008. He had 62 saves out of 69 games finished. He has pitched for numerous other teams, including the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers.

Answer: Bruce Sutter

Bruce Sutter played for the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, and Atlanta Braves during his MLB career (1976-1986, 1988). He earned 45 saves (his personal best for a season) in 1984. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2006.