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One of Baseball’s Best Ever Closers Finds Himself on the HOF Ballot

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For nearly two decades, Fernando Rodney captivated baseball fans with his unorthodox style, signature tilted cap, and celebratory arrow-shooting after recording saves. His 17-year MLB career spanned 11 teams, three All-Star appearances, and one World Series championship, making him one of the most recognizable and durable closers of his era.

Rodney’s career totals, including 327 saves, rank him among the most successful closers in MLB history. Rodney’s story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and undeniable flair. Believe it or not, somehow, someway, Rodney is still out there pitching at age 47. In November, he signed to pitch for the Hamilton Cardinals of Ontario’s Intercounty Baseball League for the 2025 season. But having been out of MLB for the requisite period, Fernando Rodney now finds himself on the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot or the first time.

One of Baseball’s Best Closers Finds Himself on the HOF Ballot

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born on March 18, 1977, in Samaná, Dominican Republic, Fernando Rodney grew up playing baseball on sandy fields with a dream of reaching the big leagues. Signed by the Detroit Tigers as an international free agent in 1997, Rodney took years to develop into a reliable pitcher. His minor league journey was riddled with injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2004, but his electric fastball and devastating changeup kept scouts intrigued.

Rodney debuted in MLB on May 4, 2002, but struggled to find consistency early in his career. He finally broke through as a reliable reliever during the 2005 season, posting a 2.86 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 44 innings. By 2006, he was a key bullpen piece for a Tigers team that reached the World Series, though they fell to the St. Louis Cardinals in five games.

Fernando Rodney’s Journey Through MLB

Rodney built his career primarily around a fastball-changeup combination. He utilized a two-seam sinking fastball averaging 95–96 MPH and a four-seam fastball clocking in at 96–97 MPH, occasionally reaching speeds of up to 101 MPH, with his last recorded triple-digit pitch in 2013. His signature off-speed pitch, a palmball-style changeup averaging around 84 MPH, was particularly effective, holding opponents to a mere .178 batting average throughout his career.

After bouncing between setup roles and occasional closing opportunities with Detroit and the Los Angeles Angels, Rodney’s career eventually peaked in 2012 with the Tampa Bay Rays. That year, he delivered one of the greatest seasons ever by a closer, which we will dive more into later.

Rodney’s incredible performance earned him the American League Comeback Player of the Year Award and a fifth-place finish in AL Cy Young voting. His 2012 season established him as one of the premier closers in baseball and cemented his reputation as a high-leverage pitcher.

Rodney’s Late-Career Longevity

Despite being in his mid-30s, Rodney continued to thrive as a closer for various teams. His 2014 season with the Seattle Mariners saw him lead MLB with 48 saves, earning his third All-Star nod. He remained a serviceable bullpen arm into his 40s, pitching for the Chicago Cubs, Arizona Diamondbacks, Minnesota Twins, and others.

His final MLB season came in 2019 with the Washington Nationals. At age 42, Rodney played a key role in the Nationals’ bullpen during their historic postseason run, helping them secure their first-ever World Series championship.

Career Year Breakdown

Rodney’s 2012 season stands as the crown jewel of his career. Beyond the eye-popping traditional stats (0.60 ERA, 48 SV), advanced metrics highlight his dominance:

  • FIP: 2.13
  • ERA+: 641
  • LOB%: 89.3% (Left On Base Percentage, a testament to his ability to escape jams)

Rodney was an All-Star in 2012, finished fifth in the Cy Young voting, and 13th in the MVP. His changeup, thrown 37% of the time that season, surrendered just a .070 opponent batting average, and in 27 high-leverage innings, Rodney piled up 29 strikeouts.

Fernando Rodney’s Hall of Fame Case

Fernando Rodney’s career totals reflect his longevity and durability:

  • Games: 948 (11th all-time among pitchers)
  • Saves: 327 (17th all-time)
  • Strikeouts: 1,006 in 933 innings
  • ERA: 3.80
  • WHIP: 1.373

Rodney’s Baseball Reference Hall of Fame Monitor score of 86 falls short of the 100-point benchmark typically associated with Hall-worthy players, but higher than other first-year candidates like Troy Tulowitzki who are on this ballot.

Comparatively, relievers like Trevor Hoffman (601 saves, 2.87 ERA) and Mariano Rivera (652 saves, 2.21 ERA) boasted better career metrics. Even borderline candidates like Billy Wagner (422 saves, 2.31 ERA) had a stronger statistical profile.

Fernando Rodney’s legacy is not defined solely by numbers. His eccentric personality, memorable celebrations, and ability to pitch effectively into his 40s made him a fan favorite across the league. Rodney was a testament to the power of perseverance, adapting his approach to remain relevant long after many of his contemporaries had retired.

While he may not reach the Hall of Fame, Fernando Rodney’s career is a blueprint for how a player can build a lasting legacy through determination, flair, and consistency. For baseball fans, his cocked hat and invisible arrows will remain unforgettable symbols of a truly unique career.

 

Photo Credit: © Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

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