Fansided

5 reasons why Joe Nathan should ride off into the sunset

By Connor Muldowney

Mar 7, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Joe Nathan (36) during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Joe Nathan (36) during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 23, 2015; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Joe Nathan (36) wipes the sweat from his forehead during Monday mornings workout at Joker Merchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2015; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Joe Nathan (36) wipes the sweat from his forehead during Monday mornings workout at Joker Merchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

He’s Already Had A Full Career

Looking back at his pitching days, there’s no way Joe Nathan can say that he had any regrets during his career. He did the best with what he was given and he had to endure two elbow surgeries to get there.

During his successful career, Nathan was named a Relieve of the Year in 2009, a six-time MLB All-Star and he joined the 300-save club — right now he’s sitting at 377. His career ERA is 2.89 and he was one of the most reliable closers in baseball history — outside of his stint with the Tigers.

He spent his career playing for four different teams, recording four 40-save seasons as well as five 30-save campaigns. Not many pitchers in the history of the game have marks like that while posting such a low ERA.

Nathan had become a fan favorite in every city he’s been to, other than Detroit, and he will go down as one of the most celebrated closers out there.

There is absolutely no shame in throwing in the towel after a second major arm surgery at the age of 40 and he definitely should. It’s not quitting if you’re forced out of the game, it’s moving on to bigger and better things.

Nathan had a full career, and for that, we thank him.

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