Jonathan Papelbon

Jonathan Papelbon grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and was selected in the 4th round of the 2003 MLB Draft after dominating SEC hitters at Mississippi State University. Over the next two years he established himself as one of the top relief pitchers in the minor leagues and proved to the Red Sox front office personnel that he could be successful at the major league level. During his first season with the Red Sox he won three games and posted a shining 2.65 ERA in 17 appearances. The following year he became the top closer in the game after saving 35 games and posting an unbelievable 0.92 ERA in 59 games. In 2007 he helped his team to a World Series title and threw the last pitch of the season to seal a championship for the Red Sox. That same season he was named the MLB Delivery Man of the Year after saving 37 games and posting a 1.85 ERA in 59 games. In 2012 Papelbon signed a four-year, $50 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he continued to be a top closer in the game. Overall, he had 368 career saves with a 2.44 ERA while also earning six All-Star selections.