Rollie rolls up his Saves

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON • Milwaukee Brewers reliever Rollie Fingers made it exciting, but managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and become the first major leaguer to reach 300 career saves on this date in 1982.

The term "Closer" wasn't widely used at the time. In fact Fingers, like many ace relievers, entered the game in the 8th trying to salvage a shutout being thrown by Brewer starter Doc Medich agains the Seattle Mariners. This was when the Brewers were in the American League.

The only runs given up by Brewer pitching were given up by Fingers, but he managed to keep Seattle from getting any closer, and the Brewers won 3-2. It was Fingers 28th save of the year, a year, by the way, in which Milwaukee ended up in the World Series, losing to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven.

Mariano Rivera is the career leader with 608 saves(as of this date), mostly with the San Diego Padres, and counting. Fingers is 10th on the all-time list with 341 saves.

Sources:
August 21, 1982 box score/play-by-play
The Closer

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