José Mesa, a right-handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic, had a lengthy career in Major League Baseball (MLB) that spanned two decades. Known for his powerful fastball and his role as a closer, Mesa's journey in professional baseball began when he signed with the Toronto Blue Jays as an amateur free agent in 1981. However, it wasn't until he joined the Baltimore Orioles that he made his MLB debut in 1987.
Mesa's early years in the majors were marked by transitions between starting and relief roles. After his stint with the Orioles, he was traded to the Cleveland Indians in 1992, where his career took a significant turn. It was with the Indians that Mesa found his niche as a closer, a role that would define much of his career. In 1995, he had a standout season, recording 46 saves with a remarkable 1.13 ERA, earning him an All-Star selection and finishing second in the Cy Young Award voting. His performance was instrumental in helping the Indians reach the World Series that year, although they ultimately fell to the Atlanta Braves.
Mesa continued to serve as Cleveland's closer for several seasons, maintaining his reputation as a reliable finisher. However, his tenure with the Indians ended in 1998 when he was traded to the San Francisco Giants. His time with the Giants was short-lived, as he moved to the Seattle Mariners in 1999. Mesa's career saw him don several uniforms, including those of the Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies, and Detroit Tigers.
Throughout his career, Mesa was known for his ability to close out games, amassing a total of 321 saves, which ranks him among the top closers in MLB history. He was selected to the All-Star team twice, in 1995 and 1996, and played a crucial role in the bullpen for multiple teams. Despite some ups and downs, including struggles with control and occasional high ERA seasons, Mesa's longevity in the league is a testament to his skill and adaptability.
In 2007, Mesa retired from professional baseball, leaving behind a legacy as one of the game's enduring closers.
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