Understanding Baseball: Defining Save Scenarios

In baseball, a save is a statistic that is credited to a relief pitcher who enters a game under certain conditions and maintains their team's lead until the end of the game. The save rule was first adopted in 1969, with a relief pitcher earning a save when they entered the game with their team in the lead and held that lead until the end of the game. There are several conditions under which a pitcher can earn a save, including entering a game where their team is leading by three or fewer runs and finishing the game without losing the lead, entering the game with the tying run on base or at the plate and finishing the game, or pitching at least three innings in relief and finishing the game. The save statistic was created to measure the effectiveness of relief pitchers, and it has evolved over time with changes in the game and the strategies employed by managers and pitchers.

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A save is a statistic awarded to a relief pitcher who maintains their team's lead until the end of the game

In baseball, a save is a statistic that is awarded to a relief pitcher who successfully maintains their team's lead until the end of the game. The save was created by journalist and baseball writer Jerome Holtzman in 1959 to measure the effectiveness of relief pitchers. It was first adopted as an official Major League Baseball (MLB) statistic in 1969, with amendments to the rule in 1974 and 1975.

To earn a save, a relief pitcher must enter a game under specific conditions and fulfil certain requirements. Firstly, they must enter the game with their team in the lead, typically by three or fewer runs. Secondly, they must finish the game by pitching at least one inning without losing the lead. Alternatively, they can enter the game with the tying run on deck, at the plate, or on the bases and finish the game without surrendering the lead. A third way to earn a save is by pitching at least three innings in relief and finishing the game, regardless of the lead margin when entering the game.

It is important to note that a relief pitcher will not be credited with a save if they do not finish the game, unless they are removed for a pinch hitter or a pinch runner. Additionally, a pitcher cannot create their own save situation. For example, if they enter the game with a lead too large for a save, they cannot make themselves eligible by surrendering runs to reduce the lead to within a save range.

The term "blown save" refers to when a reliever in a save situation surrenders the lead by allowing the tying run or more to score. While it is used as part of the points system for awards, it is not officially recognised by Major League Baseball. A reliever will be charged with a blown save even if the run is charged to another pitcher who allowed the runner to reach base.

The save statistic has been a subject of debate, with some arguing that it does not adequately reflect the skill and effectiveness of relief pitchers. However, it remains an important measure of performance and has evolved over time to adapt to the changing roles of relief pitchers.

A relief pitcher can't be credited with a save if they don't finish the game unless they're removed for a pinch hitter or runner

In baseball, a save is a statistic awarded to a relief pitcher, often referred to as a closer, who enters the game under specific conditions and maintains their team's lead until the end of the game. The save rule was first introduced for the 1969 season and has since undergone amendments.

A relief pitcher is eligible for a save if they enter the game with their team leading by three or fewer runs and finish the game without surrendering the lead, or if they enter the game with the tying run on deck, at the plate, or on base and finish the game. Additionally, pitching for at least three innings in relief and finishing the game, regardless of the score, can also qualify for a save.

Now, let's focus on the scenario where a relief pitcher doesn't finish the game. In such cases, they generally cannot be credited with a save. However, there is an exception to this rule. If a relief pitcher meets all the other criteria for a save but doesn't finish the game because they are replaced by a pinch hitter or a pinch runner, they may still be credited with a save. This exception recognizes the pitcher's contribution in maintaining the lead up to that point.

It's worth noting that if multiple relief pitchers qualify for a save under this rule, the official scorer will credit the save to the pitcher judged to have been the most effective. This discretion by the official scorer is outlined in Rule 10.20 of the Major League Rules. Additionally, if a relief pitcher doesn't qualify for a save but meets certain conditions, they may be credited with a hold, which is a statistic not officially recognized by Major League Baseball.

A blown save occurs when a reliever in a save situation surrenders the lead, allowing the tying run or more to score

In baseball, a "blown save" is a term used to describe a specific scenario in which a reliever or relief pitcher—often referred to as a "closer"—enters a game in a save situation but fails to maintain their team's lead. A save situation typically arises when a reliever enters the game with the potential tying run on base, at the plate, or on deck, or when they pitch for at least three innings. In a blown save, the reliever surrenders the lead by allowing the tying run or more to score.

It is important to note that the term "blown save" is not an official Major League Baseball (MLB) statistic. However, it is still a valuable metric for teams to assess the performance and effectiveness of their relief pitchers. A reliever who surrenders the tying run in a save situation is charged with a blown save, even if they are not charged with the tying run itself. This situation can occur before the ninth inning, and a reliever can still be eligible for a win or a loss after a blown save.

The concept of a blown save was introduced in baseball in 1988 and has been adopted as part of the points system used by the Rolaids Relief Man Award. While it is not an official statistic, it carries significance within the sport. Middle relievers, for instance, often accumulate more blown saves than saves due to their role in the game. Additionally, the term "goose egg" has been proposed as an alternative statistic to better evaluate relief pitcher performance, rewarding each scoreless inning pitched under specific conditions.

Understanding blown saves provides insight into the strategies and decisions made by teams and managers. When a reliever consistently accumulates blown saves, it may lead to adjustments in their utilisation, with teams opting to deploy other relievers in save situations. Ultimately, the concept of a blown save adds depth to the complex strategies and evaluations that characterise baseball as a sport.

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The save statistic was created by journalist Jerome Holtzman in 1959 to measure the effectiveness of relief pitchers

In baseball, a save is a statistic awarded to a relief pitcher, often called a closer, who enters the game under specific conditions and maintains their team's lead until the end. The save statistic was created by journalist Jerome Holtzman in 1959 to "measure the effectiveness of relief pitchers".

Holtzman was a baseball writer who felt that the existing statistics at the time, such as earned run average (ERA) and win-loss record (W-L), did not effectively measure a reliever's performance. ERA, for instance, does not account for inherited runners a reliever allows to score, while W-L does not account for relievers protecting leads.

Holtzman's formula for saves was introduced in 1960 and became an official Major League Baseball (MLB) statistic in 1968. It was the first new major statistic since the run batted in was added in 1920.

A save can be earned by entering a game where the pitcher's team is leading by three or fewer runs and finishing the game by pitching at least one inning without losing the lead. Alternatively, a pitcher can earn a save by entering the game with the tying run in the on-deck circle, at the plate, or on base and finishing the game, or by pitching at least three innings in relief and finishing the game regardless of the lead.

The save rule has been amended over the years, with the current rule in effect since the 1975 season.

A tough save occurs when a pitcher gets a save with the tying run on base

In baseball, a save is a statistic awarded to a relief pitcher who enters the game under specific conditions and maintains their team's lead until the end. The save rule was first introduced in 1969, with amendments made in 1974 and 1975.

One of the conditions for earning a save is that the pitcher enters the game with the potential tying run on base, at bat, or on deck. This is known as a "tough save" and it occurs when a pitcher manages to get a save in this high-pressure situation. Tough saves are considered more challenging and less common than "easy saves," where a pitcher starts the ninth inning with a lead of more than one run.

A pitcher can earn a save by entering the game when their team is leading by three or fewer runs and pitching at least one inning without losing the lead. They can also achieve a save by pitching at least three innings in relief and finishing the game, regardless of the number of runs their team is leading by. The save statistic was created by journalist Jerome Holtzman in the early 1960s to measure the effectiveness of relief pitchers.

Tough saves are an important aspect of the game, and they showcase the skill and resilience of relief pitchers. They are also used to determine points for awards, such as the Rolaids Relief Man Award. While the criteria for saves have evolved over time, tough saves continue to be recognized as a testament to a pitcher's ability to perform under pressure and secure their team's lead in crucial moments.

In summary, a tough save occurs when a pitcher achieves a save with the tying run on base, and it represents a significant accomplishment in the context of baseball. It highlights the pitcher's ability to maintain their team's lead and navigate through challenging situations during a game.

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