Robb Nen, a right-handed relief pitcher, became known for his powerful fastball and effective slider during his time in Major League Baseball. Born on November 28, 1969, in San Pedro, California, Nen grew up in a baseball family, as his father, Dick Nen, had also played in the major leagues. Robb Nen's journey to the majors began when he was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 32nd round of the 1987 MLB Draft. However, it was with the Florida Marlins and the San Francisco Giants that he truly established himself as a dominant closer.
Nen made his MLB debut with the Texas Rangers in 1993, but it was his trade to the Florida Marlins later that year that provided him the opportunity to shine. With the Marlins, Nen quickly became the team's closer, a role in which he excelled. His fastball, often clocked in the high 90s, and his devastating slider made him a challenging opponent for batters. In 1997, Nen played a crucial role in the Marlins' bullpen as they captured their first World Series title. During the postseason, he recorded saves in both the National League Championship Series and the World Series, helping the Marlins secure their championship.
Following the 1997 season, Nen was traded to the San Francisco Giants, where he continued to thrive as a closer. Over the next several years, he became one of the most reliable closers in the National League. Nen's tenure with the Giants was marked by consistent performance and numerous accolades. He was selected to the All-Star team three times (1998, 1999, and 2002) and regularly ranked among the league leaders in saves.
One of the highlights of Nen's career came during the 2002 season when he helped lead the Giants to the World Series. Despite pitching with a torn rotator cuff, Nen managed to record saves in critical games throughout the postseason. His determination and skill were evident as he continued to perform at a high level despite his injury. Unfortunately, the Giants fell to the Anaheim Angels in a hard-fought seven-game series.
The injury Nen sustained during the 2002 season ultimately led to the end of his career. Multiple surgeries followed, but he was unable to return to the mound. Nen officially retired from professional baseball in 2005, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most effective closers of his era. Over his career, he amassed 314 saves, placing him among the top closers in MLB history at the time of his retirement.
Robb Nen's career was characterized by his ability to dominate in high-pressure situations and his role in leading his teams to success.
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