Lethal left-handed closers

Posted February 17, 2011 11:00 pm

The White Sox open spring training with two primary options at closer: left-handers Chris Sale and Matt Thornton. Most closers in major-league history are right-handed, but here is a look at some lethal lefties:

Billy Wagner

Comment: Over 15 seasons, Wagner saved 422 games and led all left-handed relievers with 1,196 strikeouts

John Franco

Comment: Racked up 424 saves over 21 seasons

Tug McGraw

Comment: Best known for his postseason prowess and being Tim McGraw’s father, Tug saved 180 games over 19 seasons

Sparky Lyle

Comment: 238 saves over 16 seasons

Jesse Orosco

Comment: Pitched until he was 46 years old and saved 144 games in 24 seasons

Randy Myers

Comment: Saved 53 games for the Cubs in 1993 and 45 for the Orioles in ‘97

B.J. Ryan

Comment: Piled up 74 saves in 2005-06

John Hiller

Comment: Finished fourth in Cy Young voting in 1973 after saving 38 games for the Tigers

Al Hrabosky

Comment: “Mad Hungarian” had his best season in 1975, going 13-3 1.66 and 22 saves