The Giants picked up a unique motto during the 2010 MLB season as so many of San Francisco’s games came down to the wire. Broadcaster Duane Kuiper first described the final innings of Giants games as “torture.”
The moniker stuck and San Francisco snuck by in so many games on the way to a shocking World Series win. Brian Wilson often was the man chosen to close during that famous season, but is he the best relief pitcher in franchise history?
MLB.com instead chose Forever Giant Robb Nen, who played for the team from 1998-2002. Nen is the all-time franchise leader in career saves with 206, despite spending just half a decade with the organization. Nen was one of the league’s best pitchers throughout his time in the Bay Area, even finishing fourth in Cy Young voting and 12th in MVP voting after recording 41 saves and posting a 1.50 ERA. Nen also led MLB in saves the following season with 44.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
[RELATED: Patrick Bailey impressed Giants GM Scott Harris before 2020 MLB Draft]
The Giants aren’t the only team with Nen as their representative on this list, as the three-time All-Star also is the Miami Marlins’ all-time leader in career saves.
Nen’s final MLB season came with the Giants in 2002, as the reliever battled through debilitating shoulder injuries and eventually announced his retirement in 2005. Nen fought through a torn labrum and rotator cuff to pitch in the 2002 World Series, picking up two saves against the then-Anaheim Angels.
He now works in the Giants’ front office as a special assistant to general manager Farhan Zaidi.
San Francisco Giants
Find the latest San Francisco Giants news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
[GIANTS INSIDER PODCAST: Listen to the latest episode]
