New York Mets closer, Jeurys Familia became the first Dominican-Born pitcher to reach 50 saves in a season with the Mets’ 5-2 victory over the Miami Marlins.
Save number 50 put Familia in a special class, as only 12 other closers have reached the season mark that Familia had on Wednesday night. No other closer has yet to reach that mark in 2016
“For me it’s something very important,” Familia said. “From my country to be the first to get to 50, I just want to say thank you to all the coaches in here and my teammates, because if they don’t do well before me I don’t make it.”
“In that moment, big moment, the dugout was there to motivate me to keep going and doing my job the way I do.” (NY Daily News)
Familia has put together another impressive season, posting a 2.62 ERA while appearing in 76 games. He matched a season-high record in appearances on Wednesday, as he appeared 76 times both in 2014 and 2015.
The Mets closer only ever received the opportunity due to Jenrry Mejia being busted for PED use. To think what never might have been if Mejia had never failed that drug test. Familia’s stuff was too good to be kept under wraps, thrust in to a closing role, he has succeeded.
Manager, Terry Collins reflected on the amazing job his closer has done.
“Look up now and he has 93 saves in two years. I can’t tell you what a great job he’s done and what he has meant to us.”
Overall in his career he has made 245 appearances while accumulating 99 saves in 254 innings pitched. His career ERA sits at a very impressive 2.48. Familia has struck out 257 batter, with 80 of those being in 2016.
The Mets hold one of the most dominant closers in the game in their bullpen. He continues to prove on a daily basis why he is one of the best.
