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Jonathan Papelbon
Papelbon with the Red Sox in 2011
Pitcher
Born: (1980-11-23) November 23, 1980 (age 43)
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
July 31, 2005, for the Boston Red Sox
Last MLB appearance
August 6, 2016, for the Washington Nationals
MLB statistics
Win–loss record41–36
Earned run average2.44
Strikeouts808
Saves368
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Jonathan Robert Papelbon (/ˈpæpəlbɒn/; born November 23, 1980) is an American former professional baseball relief pitcher. He played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), most notably for the Boston Red Sox, with whom he was an All-Star in four consecutive seasons (from 2006 to 2009), won the 2007 Delivery Man Award, and was a 2007 World Series champion. Papelbon also played for Philadelphia Phillies from 2012 to 2015, and the Washington Nationals from 2015 to 2016. He wore uniform number 58 throughout his career.

After moving from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Papelbon attended high school in Jacksonville, Florida, where he played at Bishop Kenny High School and earned All-City accolades prior to attending Mississippi State to play college baseball. Subsequently, in 2003, the Boston Red Sox drafted him in the 4th round of the 2003 Major League Baseball Draft, and he played three seasons of minor league baseball before breaking into the majors. His effectiveness as a pitcher used to center on above-average velocity and deceptive breaking balls that fooled hitters.

Early career

Early life

Papelbon was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His mother, Sheila, played volleyball and softball at Louisiana State University.[1][2] His father, John, spent time as the Deputy Director of the Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame in St. Petersburg, Florida.[3] Jonathan is the older brother of twins Josh Papelbon, former pitcher for the Brockton Rox, and Jeremy Papelbon, former pitcher for the Tennessee Smokies, the double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.

High school

Papelbon was a three-time All-City honoree while playing in high school for Bishop Kenny High School in Jacksonville, Florida.[4] He was primarily a first baseman in high school, but he also pitched when needed, throwing two no-hitters as a senior.[5] Early in his senior year, he committed to play college baseball for Mississippi State University.[6]

College

Papelbon was a closer for the Mississippi State Bulldogs and had a 9–6 record with 13 saves and 2.90 ERA in his three years on the team. During his time at MSU, the Bulldogs appeared in the 2001 and 2003 NCAA Tournaments and won the 2001 SEC Tournament. During the summer after his freshman year, Papelbon played with the Silver Spring-Takoma Park Thunderbolts in suburban D.C., a team which is part of a wooden bat league for college players. During the subsequent summers of his college career Papelbon played for the Danville Dans, a summer baseball team located in Danville, Illinois. Soon after arriving in Danville, he became a crowd favorite and led the team to a CICL championship.

In the 2002 MLB draft, the Oakland Athletics selected Papelbon with a 40th-round draft pick.[7] Oakland's 2002 draft became known as the "Moneyball draft" after the team's scouting strategies were featured in a book by that name, which later became a movie by the same name. The team was taking a chance with the pick in the hopes that Papelbon would agree to leave Mississippi State after his junior year, but Athletics scouting director Eric Kubota said Papelbon was firm in his decision to return to school. Papelbon graduated from Mississippi State in 2003.[8]

Professional career

Minor leagues

Papelbon was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the fourth round of the 2003 Major League Baseball draft.[9] Papelbon began his minor league career as a starting pitcher for the Lowell Spinners of the New York–Penn League. In 13 games (6 started), he had a 1–2 record, a 6.34 ERA, 36 strikeouts, and 9 walks in 32+2⁄3 innings pitched.[10]

After a 13–10 record for Class-A Lowell Spinners and Sarasota Red Sox from 2003–04, Papelbon was 5–2 in 14 starts for Double-A Portland in 2005. Promoted to Triple-A Pawtucket, he went 1–2 with a 3.57 ERA in four starts, walking two and striking out 21 in 221⁄3 innings.[11]

Boston Red Sox (2005–2011)

2005

Papelbon made his major league debut with the Red Sox on July 31, 2005 against the Minnesota Twins, in which he went 51⁄3 innings, struck out seven batters and issued five walks in Boston's 4–3 victory.[12] He did not receive a decision.[13] He earned his first major league win on September 12, 2005, pitching three scoreless innings in an extra-inning game against the Toronto Blue Jays.[13] In two postseason appearances in 2005, he pitched four scoreless innings against the eventual World Series Champion Chicago White Sox. The Red Sox had plans of slotting Papelbon into their starting rotation prior to the regular season in 2006.[14] However, the incumbent closer, Keith Foulke, proved to be ineffective trying to come back from an injury-plagued 2005.[15]

2006

In April 2006, he changed his hair to a Mohawk style, after Charlie Sheen's character Ricky Vaughn from the film Major League due to a wager with teammate Kevin Youkilis in which they bet whether he could start the season with 10 scoreless innings.[16]

On April 5, the second game of the 2006 season, Papelbon recorded his first career save in Texas.[10] On April 29, 2006, he set a major league record with his 10th save, against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. No rookie in major league baseball history had recorded that many saves in the month of April.[17] In early September, Papelbon injured his shoulder. When the Red Sox were eliminated from playoff contention, he was shut down for the remainder of the season to rest. The team considered using Papelbon as a starter due to his shoulder problems, but he was moved back to the bullpen before the start of the 2007 season and remained the team's closer.[18] The 25-year-old closer finished 2006 with one of the most dominant seasons ever for a rookie reliever. Papelbon saved 35 games, struck out 75 batters in 68 innings, and held opposing batters to a .167 batting average.[10]

2007

On October 11, 2007, Papelbon was named the 2007 winner of the "DHL Presents the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Year Award."[10] Papelbon garnered 39,043 votes out of almost 125,000 votes cast.[19]

Papelbon celebrates the Red Sox victory in the 2007 World Series.

In Game 2 of the World Series, Papelbon was brought in with the bases empty and two outs in the eighth with the Red Sox leading 2–1 to face Rockies hitter Matt Holliday. Papelbon gave up a single to Holliday before picking him off to end the inning. Papelbon pitched a one-two-three ninth for the save. In Game 4, he entered in the eighth inning to shut down the Rockies' comeback, and pitched the ninth inning where he threw the game-winning strikeout for the Red Sox as they clinched the 2007 Championship.[20] He and catcher Jason Varitek then collided in a victory jump.[20]

2008

Papelbon during a pregame warmup on May 14, 2008

On March 6, 2008, Papelbon agreed to terms with the Red Sox for $775,000. Papelbon's deal set the record for the largest contract for a closer not eligible for salary arbitration, topping Mariano Rivera's previous record by $25,000. Boston was under no obligation to pay Papelbon more than the league minimum of $390,000.[21] On January 20, 2009, Papelbon agreed to a one-year $6.25 million contract with the Red Sox, avoiding arbitration. This is the largest contract for a closer in his first year of arbitration eligibility.[22] Papelbon recorded his 100th career save on July 13, 2008.[23] Among pitchers who have thrown at least 200 innings, Jonathan Papelbon's 0.930 WHIP through 2008 is the lowest in major league history.[24]

2009

Papelbon criticized former teammate Manny Ramirez in the April 2009 issue of Esquire magazine, citing his selfishness and incapability of working with his teammates.[25][26]

On June 29, 2009, Papelbon gained his 132nd save, in a 4–0 shut out against the Baltimore Orioles, tying Bob Stanley's record for most saves by a Red Sox pitcher. On July 1, Papelbon recorded his 133rd save with the Red Sox, setting a new franchise record. On July 5, 2009, Jonathan was selected to represent Boston at the 2009 All-Star Game.

Papelbon has been cited repeatedly for his slow play; on September 4, 2009 it was reported that he had been fined $5,000 for failing to deliver his first pitch within the required time in a September 1 appearance. Papelbon told the Boston Herald that he had been cited on at least five occasions and fined more than $10,000 for these violations. Papelbon jokingly added, "I think they're going to call my parole officer and put me away."[27]

In Game 3 of the 2009 ALDS, with Boston down two games to none, Papelbon blew the save and Boston was swept. He allowed four hits and three runs; all of the runs scored with two outs.[28] His difficulties continued into the next season.

2010

In 2010, he blew eight saves (including one against the Yankees on May 17, 2010, where he allowed four earned runs and a walk-off home run for the first time in his career), leaving open the possibility that he might be traded. The Red Sox kept Papelbon as their closer and his productivity improved over the 2011 season.

2011

On June 7, 2011, Papelbon recorded his 200th career save against the New York Yankees, and achieved the mark in the fewest number of appearances (359), beating Mariano Rivera's mark in 382 appearances.[29] For the 2011 season, Papelbon recorded 31 saves in 34 opportunities. He blew just 3 saves all season long, but 2 occurred during the final month of the season, including the final game of the 2011 regular season; the Red Sox and Rays tied in the standings for the AL Wild Card, and Papelbon blew a 3–2 lead against the Baltimore Orioles and allowed them a walk-off 4–3 win. Just moments later, the Rays won their game against the Yankees with a walk-off home run by Evan Longoria to clinch the Wild Card, capping off a nine-game comeback in the standings against Boston and officially eliminating them from the playoffs. Following the 2011 World Series, Papelbon became a free agent.

Philadelphia Phillies (2012–2015)

2012

On November 11, 2011, Papelbon reportedly reached an agreement with the Philadelphia Phillies on a four-year, $50 million contract with a vesting option for a fifth year, bringing the total contract value to $60 million. He was signed to fill the role of former closer Ryan Madson who left to join the Reds.[30][31] The deal became official on November 14.[32]

Papelbon pitching for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2012

In Papelbon's first game for the Phillies, he had a perfect 9th inning to earn the save as the Phillies defeated the Pirates by a score of 1-0 on April 5, 2012.[33] Papelbon finished the month of April with a perfect 8 saves on 8 opportunities. During April, Papelbon started using Metallica's song "For Whom The Bell Tolls" as his entrance music.[34] On May 7, Papelbon gave up a 3 run homer to Jordany Valdespin in the top of the 9th, giving the rival New York Mets a 5-2 lead. The home run was Valdespin's first major league hit.[35] Papelbon finished the season with a career high 64 games finished, 38 saves, 92 strikeouts, and a 2.44 ERA over 70 innings pitched.[10]

2013

Papelbon finished the 2013 season with 29 saves in 61 games. His save total was the lowest of any of his complete MLB seasons to that point, and the Phillies finished with a 73-89 win-loss record. Papelbon said that he could not remember playing for another losing team.[36] He lost more than two miles per hour off of his average fastball velocity, and after the season he told a Philadelphia radio show that he had been playing with an injured hip.[37]

2014

On June 10, Papelbon earned his 300th career save in a win against the San Diego Padres, becoming the 26th member of the 300 save club. On August 26, Papelbon recorded his 100th save with the Philadelphia Phillies becoming tied for 4th on the all-time franchise saves list. On September 1, Papelbon was one of four pitchers who combined for a no-hitter in the Phillies' 7-0 win over the Atlanta Braves in Turner Field. On September 14, 2014, Papelbon blew a save against the Miami Marlins, and was booed off the mound by the fans. He subsequently made an obscene gesture towards the fans and then got into a confrontation with umpire Joe West. He was punished by MLB and suspended for 7 games.[38]

2015

On May 13, Papelbon became the Phillies all-time saves leader with 113 saves.[39]

Washington Nationals

Papelbon with the Nationals

Rest of 2015

Papelbon began to express his discontent with being on the Phillies as the trade deadline inched closer.[40] On July 28, 2015, the Phillies traded Papelbon to the Washington Nationals for Nick Pivetta.[41] Papelbon assumed the role of Nationals' closer from Drew Storen.[42]

On September 23, Papelbon intentionally threw a pitch at Manny Machado's head. MLB suspended him for three games on September 25, but he appealed it.[43] Papelbon and teammate Bryce Harper got into an argument during their September 27 game as Harper was returning to the dugout following his at bat. The exchange escalated and Papelbon grabbed Harper by the throat and then shoved him toward the bench with both hands, before the two were separated by teammates.[44] The Nationals suspended Papelbon for four games for his role in the altercation with Harper, and Papelbon dropped his appeal of the suspension for hitting Machado. With seven games remaining for the Nationals, the pair of suspensions ended his season.[45] Papelbon finished the season with 7 saves with the Nationals, and 24 in total for the season. On December 6, 2015, Papelbon filed a grievance complaint against the Nationals organization.

2016

During the offseason, Storen was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, cementing Papelbon as the team's closer with new manager Dusty Baker coming in. On June 14, 2016, Papelbon was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to an intercostal strain, the first stint on the disabled list in his career.[46] Papelbon logged 19 saves with the Nationals in 2016 before the team acquired Mark Melancon to supplant him as closer in late July.[47][48]

On August 13, Papelbon requested and was granted his release from the Nationals.[49]

Pitching style

Papelbon's velocity has fueled much discussion about his overall value as a pitcher. Around 2011, his four-seam fastball reached 95 miles per hour (153 km/h),[50] but by 2013, one column on FanGraphs asserted that his velocity is "on the down side of that mountain", and that, for a reliever, he does not strike out enough hitters. Peter Gammons tweeted that some teams were not interested in acquiring Papelbon because of his velocity decline as well as poor performance in clutch situations – in 2013, he converted only five of nine one-run save opportunities.[51]

Papelbon throws three pitches.[50] His predominant pitch is the fastball, which he cuts with "hard sweeping movement", particularly effectively against left-handed hitters.[52] He also throws an occasional two-seam fastball, which averages 92 miles per hour (148 km/h). Secondarily, he throws a splitter, which he utilizes as a strikeout pitch and particularly "works well with the fastball".[50] His tertiary pitch is a sweeping slider, the velocity of which is around 76 miles per hour (122 km/h).[52]

Personal life

Papelbon and his wife, Ashley Jefferies, live in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Ashley gave birth to their first child, a daughter named Parker Alice, on December 27, 2008.[53] Ashley gave birth to their son, Gunner Robert, on April 17, 2010.[54]

He appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman on October 31, 2007, after the Red Sox won the 2007 World Series. On December 20, 2007, Papelbon claimed that his dog "Boss", chewed up the ball that recorded the final out of the 2007 World Series.[55]

Papelbon is an avid fan of the Jacksonville Jaguars and attends games at TIAA Bank Field after the completion of the baseball season.[56]

Achievements

  • 6x All-Star (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2015)[10]
  • Holds the single-season record for most saves in a season by a Red Sox rookie (2006).[10]
  • Second in 2006 American League Rookie of the Year voting to Justin Verlander.[10]
  • First pitcher in Boston Red Sox franchise history to have three 30 save seasons.[10]
  • Holds the Major League record for most consecutive scoreless innings to start a postseason career (25).[10]
  • One of only two (Craig Kimbrel) and first pitcher to record 25 saves in each of his first five full seasons; he has gone beyond that and recorded 30 in each of those years.[10]
  • Was the fastest pitcher in MLB history to reach 200 career saves until Craig Kimbrel beat his previous record. [10]
  • Philadelphia Phillies All-Time Saves Leader
  • Boston Red Sox All-Time Saves Leader

References

  1. ^ Pierce, Charles P. (March 12, 2006). "Rocket Redux". Boston Globe. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
  2. ^ Borden, Sam (March 6, 2007). "Fresh start as a starter". Florida Times-Union. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
  3. ^ "TW MUSEUM COMES TO AID OF TILTON-NORTHFIELD BABE RUTH LEAGUE". May 11, 2007. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
  4. ^ MLB official player profile. Retrieved March 22, 2007.
  5. ^ Montemurro, Meghan (May 11, 2015). "Inside the mind of Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon". DelawareOnline. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  6. ^ Kenny's Papelbon to play ball at MSU 11/10/98 Jacksonville.com
  7. ^ "Jonathan Papelbon drafted By Oakland - Mississippi State Athletics". hailstate.com. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
  8. ^ "Jonanthan Papelbon". SoxProspects. Retrieved April 1, 2012.
  9. ^ "Jonathan Papelbon Drafted By Oakland". Mississippi State Bulldogs. Mississippi State Athletics. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Jonathan Papelbon History and Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 5, 2014.
  11. ^ The Baseball Cube: Jon Papelbon Statistics. Archived August 17, 2010, at the Wayback Machine Retrieved March 22, 2007.
  12. ^ "Jonathan Papelbon Stats, Video, Photos, Highlights, Bio". Philadelphia Phillies. Major League Baseball. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
  13. ^ a b "Jonathan Papelbon Game Logs - 2005". MLB Official Website. Major League Baseball. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
  14. ^ Shaughnessy, Dan (April 17, 2006). "Papelbon has heater, stays cool". The Boston Globe.
  15. ^ At This Point, Foulke Has Lost It Hartford Courant
  16. ^ Boston Herald: "A hair-raising incident: Papelbon takes wild walk on Mohawk trail." Retrieved March 22, 2007. (archived version), archived on May 2, 2006.
  17. ^ "He's A Super Saver". tribunedigital-thecourant. Retrieved September 28, 2015.
  18. ^ Boston Red Sox press release: "Papelbon to return as closer." Retrieved March 22, 2007.
  19. ^ "Jonathan Papelbon wins "DHL Presents the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Year Award"" (Press release). Major League Baseball. October 11, 2007. Retrieved July 26, 2008.
  20. ^ a b "MLB Playoffs - 2007 World Series". ESPN. Retrieved March 9, 2014.
  21. ^ ESPN: "Red Sox re-sign Papelbon for one year, $775,000" Retrieved March 15, 2008.
  22. ^ "ESPN": Jonathan Papelbon's $6.25M deal with Boston Red Sox makes history"
  23. ^ "Papelbon notches 100th career save". redsox.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
  24. ^ Chuck, Bill. 100 random things about the Red Sox, Rays, and Yankees, The Boston Globe. Published April 2, 2009.
  25. ^ Jonathan Papelbon Grinds His Teeth Esquire
  26. ^ Benjamin, Amalie (March 13, 2009). "Papelbon blasts Ramírez". The Boston Globe.
  27. ^ "Baseball fines Papelbon $5,000", ESPN.com, September 4, 2009.
  28. ^ "2009 AL Division Series". baseball-reference.com. sports-reference.com. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
  29. ^ Browne, Ian. "Boston at NY Yankees – 06/07/2011 | MLB.com Gameday". Major League Baseball. Retrieved August 12, 2011.
  30. ^ Zolecki, Todd (November 14, 2011). "Porting alter-ego, Papelbon joins Phillies". MLB.com.
  31. ^ Abraham, Peter (November 11, 2011). "Report: Papelbon agrees to deal with Phillies". The Boston Globe.
  32. ^ "Phillies Sign Papelbon". MLB.com. November 14, 2011. Retrieved November 14, 2011.
  33. ^ "Carlos Ruiz provides Phillies' offense; Jonathan Papelbon debuts". ESPN.com. Associated Press. April 5, 2012. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
  34. ^ Ricky Mast (April 10, 2012). "Papelbon's Entrance Music". MLB Fan Cave. Major League Baseball. Retrieved February 13, 2014.
  35. ^ DiComo, Anthony (May 7, 2012). "Valdespin shocks Pap as Mets rally past Phils". MLB.com. Mets.com. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  36. ^ Woods, Aiden (March 27, 2014). "Jonathan Papelbon taking on leadership role in Philadelphia Phillies' bullpen". MLB.com. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
  37. ^ Di Fino, Nando (March 3, 2014). "Jonathan Papelbon had hip injury in 2013". CBS Sports. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
  38. ^ Lacques, Gabe (September 16, 2014). "Jonathan Papelbon suspended seven games for obscene gesture". USA Today. Retrieved September 16, 2014.
  39. ^ "Jonathan Papelbon becomes Phillies saves leader on throw-out at home". SI.com. May 13, 2015. Retrieved May 13, 2015
  40. ^ "Phillies' Papelbon eager to be traded to contender". Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia. Retrieved September 28, 2015.
  41. ^ "Philadelphia Phillies trade Jonathan Papelbon to Washington Nationals". espn.go.com. ESPN.com. July 28, 2015. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
  42. ^ "Nationals Pastime: Jonathan Papelbon to Drew Storen: "I just want to come here and win"". MASNsports. Retrieved September 28, 2015.
  43. ^ Chelsea Janes (September 25, 2015). "Jonathan Papelbon suspended three games for throwing at Manny Machado, will appeal". Washington Post. Retrieved September 28, 2015.
  44. ^ Chicago Tribune (September 27, 2015). "Nationals' Bryce Harper, Jonathan Papelbon fight in dugout". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved September 28, 2015.
  45. ^ "Jonathan Papelbon suspended 4 games by Washington Nationals for fight with Bryce Harper". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 28, 2015.
  46. ^ Janes, Chelsea (June 14, 2016). "Jonathan Papelbon to 15-day DL; Matt Belisle reinstated". The Washington Post.
  47. ^ "Nationals release P Jonathan Papelbon". Sports Illustrated. August 13, 2016. Retrieved August 13, 2016.
  48. ^ Zuckerman, Mark (July 30, 2016). "Rizzo, Baker and Papelbon react to the Melancon trade". MASN Sports. Retrieved August 13, 2016.
  49. ^ Wells, Adam (August 13, 2016). "Nationals release Johnathan Papelbon". Bleacher Report. Retrieved August 13, 2016.
  50. ^ a b c "Jonathan Papelbon - Statistics - Pitching". FanGraphs Baseball. FanGraphs. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  51. ^ Swydan, Paul (July 9, 2013). "Jonathan Papelbon: Buyer Beware". FanGraphs Baseball. FanGraphs. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  52. ^ a b Parker, James (March 31, 2013). "Jonathan Papelbon (70)". Phillies Scouting Reports. MLB Scouting Reports. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  53. ^ Red Sox Pitcher Jonathan Papelbon Welcomes Daughter Parker Alice Celebritybabyblog.com, December 30, 2008
  54. ^ Baby comes first for Papelbon ESPN
  55. ^ Armour, Nancy (December 23, 2007). "Doggone! World Series memento chewed up". The Associated Press. Retrieved March 1, 2013.
  56. ^ Papelbon thankful this holiday season MLB.com
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Jonathan Papelbon.
Preceded by No-hit game
September 1, 2014
(with Hamels, Diekman & Giles) 		Succeeded by
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