Troy Percival: The Fearless Closer Who Sealed the Deal
Troy Percival is renowned for his intimidating presence on the mound, earning the respect of his peers and the fear of his opponents. As a closer, he was the master of shutting down games, notching 358 saves throughout his illustrious 14-year career in Major League Baseball.
Early Life and Career
Born on August 9, 1969, in Fontana, California, Percival's baseball journey began at the Moreno Valley Youth Federation (MVYF). He later attended Moreno Valley High School and the University of California, Riverside, where he played college baseball for the Highlanders from 1987 to 1990. The California Angels drafted him in the 6th round of the 1990 amateur draft as a catcher, but fate had other plans.
The Conversion to Pitching
After struggling at the plate, coaches noticed that Percival's return throws to the mound were faster than the pitches he caught. This revelation led to his conversion to a pitcher, a decision that would change the course of his career. Percival made his Major League debut as a reliever in 1995, primarily serving as a setup man for Lee Smith.
Rise to Prominence
In 1996, Percival became the regular closer for the Angels, racking up 36 saves with 100 strikeouts in 74 innings. This impressive performance marked the beginning of his reign as one of the most feared closers in the game. He went on to record a career-high 42 saves in 1998 and enjoyed his best season in 2002, with a 4-1 record, 40 saves, 68 strikeouts, and a 1.92 ERA.
World Series Champion
Percival's standout performance in 2002 played a crucial role in the Angels' World Series championship. He was perfect in the postseason, converting all 7 save opportunities, a feat that tied
John Wetteland for most saves in a single postseason.
Career Highlights and Accolades
- 358 saves in 703 games, ranking 8th all-time in Angels history
- Member of the 2002 World Series championship team
- 7-time American League All-Star (1996, 1998-2001, 2004, 2005)
- Holds the Angels' single-season record for saves (42) in 1998
Post-Playing Career
After retiring from baseball in 2009, Percival transitioned to coaching. He currently serves as the manager of the Idaho Falls Chukars of the Pioneer League.
Legacy
Troy Percival's remarkable career serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication and perseverance. As a closer, he exemplified the essence of clutch performance, inspiring generations of pitchers to follow in his footsteps. His World Series championship and numerous accolades cement his status as one of the greatest closers in baseball history.
FAQ
What is Troy Percivals career ERA?
Troy Percivals career ERA is 3.46, which is impressive for a relief pitcher who played for 13 seasons in the MLB.
How many games did Troy Percival save?
Troy Percival saved 358 games in his career, which ranks him 8th all-time on the MLBs saves list.
What teams did Troy Percival play for?
Troy Percival played for the California/Anaheim Angels, Florida Marlins, Detroit Tigers, and St. Louis Cardinals during his MLB career.
Is Troy Percival a Hall of Famer?
No, Troy Percival is not a Hall of Famer, although he has been eligible for induction since 2014.
What is Troy Percival doing now?
After retiring from baseball, Troy Percival went on to become the pitching coach for the University of Riverside and later the head coach of the University of Riversides baseball team.
