Quietly today one of the elite players of the game decided to call it a career. After 27 seasons in the majors and just shy of his 50th birthday long-time closer and the FCM all-time leader in saves Brett Cloyd announced his retirement.
Cloyd's legendary career began when the Pittsburgh, PA native was selected in the second round by the New York Mets. He came right out of high school and had to pay his dues spending his first seven seasons developing within the New York system.
Brett Cloyd became a full-time member of the Mets bullpen in 2038 and took over the closer spot early in 2040. He found success instantly with the Mets, ending his first year in the closer spot with 35 saves, an ERA of just 1.64 and holding his opponents to a .188 batting average. From there Cloyd became the one constant in a revolving door of relievers throughout the next decade.
Long-time New York GM/Owner Corey Sacrey made a sudden jump in 2050 to the Toronto Blue Jays. It did not take long for new management to trade Brett to the division rival Florida Marlins. His stop in Florida was a short year and a half but he still found success in the sunshine state. He ended up making playoff appearances in both seasons with the Marlins. His best chance at winning the World Series arguably came in 2050 (where they lost to the Toronto Blue Jays).
Looked at as a 37 year old who might soon be entering the twilight of his career, Cloyd was dealt in the off-season from the Marlins to the Toronto Blue Jays for a couple of draft picks and cash. Just as he had nearly 20 years earlier, Brett found himself again with GM/Owner Corey Sacrey and in a position where he had to prove himself. That is just what Cloyd did. In his first year with the Jays Cloyd ended up saving 30 games. Cloyd had arguably his most consistent season in 2058 when he went a perfect 30 for 30 in save opportunities. The next season, in 2059 he hit the milestone of 700 saves.
The saves just kept coming as Cloyd continued his impressive streak of 23 straight seasons of 20 saves or more that ran all the way from 2040 with the Mets to 2062 with the Jays. This streak finally came to an end in his final season where his age was starting to show.
Brett Cloyd would record save number 790 (which became his last) on September 9th against the New York Yankees. He saw his last outing on September 15th against the Baltimore Orioles where he kept the O's hitless with two strikeouts in an inning of work. The rumours of his retirement led to him receiving a standing ovation after every one of his final outings in his final season.
Cloyd ends his career with 72 wins, 790 saves, an ERA of 2.92, and 1207 K's. Records are made to be broken but 790 saves is one of those records that currently seems out of reach of anyone currently playing in the majors.
Always a fan favourite and always reliable, Brett Cloyd goes down as what all closers strive to become.
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