The Baseball Life of Tom Haley (OOTP11)

[Big Six]

Originally Posted by TheKenoshaKid

I don't know if you mentioned this already, but if you did then I must have missed it...

What's the all-time career save leaderboard look like at this point? Has anybody gotten close to Hoffman and Rivera?

Tom's only what, 30? 31? If he keeps going like this, he could have a legitimate shot at the all-time record, right?

I haven't posted the career leaderboard for saves yet. I'll do that right now, in fact.

Here it is:

RK  PITCHER               SV   CAREER
 1  Trevor Hoffman        598  1993-2010
 2  Mariano Rivera        595  1995-2012
 3  Lee Smith             478  1980-1997
 4  Billy Wagner          431  1995-2012
 5  John Franco           424  1984-2005
 6  Jose Escamilla        405  2011-2023
 7  Dennis Eckersley      390  1975-1998
 8  Joe Nathan            382  1999-2019
 9  Francisco Rodriguez   372  2000-2017
10  Jonathan Papelbon     370  2005-2021
11  Jeff Reardon          367  1979-1994
12  Brian Fuentes         360  2001-2017
13  Troy Percival         358  1995-2009
14  Chad Smith            349  2011-2023
15  Randy Myers           347  1985-1998
16  Joakim Soria          342  2007-2020
17  Rollie Fingers        341  1968-1985
18  John Wetteland        330  1989-2000
19  Jonathan Broxton      327  2005-2023
20  Roberto Hernandez     326  1991-2007
21  Jose Mesa             321  1987-2007
22  Todd Jones            319  1993-2008
23  Rick Aguilera         318  1985-2000
24  Tom Haley             315  2014-2023

Active players are highlighted in red.

Hoffman, Rivera, Smith, Wagner, Franco, Eckersley, and Fingers are members of the Hall of Fame. So are Bruce Sutter and Hoyt Wilhelm, neither of whom rank among the top 25 in career saves any longer.

Tom was born on December 7, 1991, so he'll turn 32 during the offseason. Since he became the Braves' closer, Tom has averaged just over 39 saves a year. If he keeps going at that rate, he'll pass Hoffman at some point during the 2031 season, when he's 39.

If he has a big year in 2024 and saves 40 games or so, Tom will pass a bunch of guys and end up in the top 15.

Jose Escamilla has a chance to capture the lead first, however. He's almost 100 saves ahead of Tom, and amazingly, they are exactly the same age! However, Escamilla signed a one-year contract with the Rangers before the 2023 season, and they didn't use him as their closer. Jose only saved 3 games all year. He's a free agent this year, so we'll see if he signs with a club that gives him a chance to close.

Neither Smith nor Broxton are their team's closer any more, either, and I wouldn't be surprised if Broxton retires at the end of the season.

The stories of Escamilla and Smith are good evidence of a trend I've been noticing. The AI seems to prefer young closers, and will replace a veteran with a young gun even while the vet still retains his skills. I hope this doesn't happen to Tom, and I've promised myself I won't play Great Baseball Deity, take over the Braves, and keep Tom in the closer role until his arm falls off.

[Big Six]

Baseball News Network, October 28, 2023

Julie Kershner: There's an interesting story in the background of Game Seven of the NLCS. Megan Haley is the sister of Tom Haley, the All-Star closer of the Atlanta Braves. She's also engaged to Ty Williams, the San Diego Padres ace who will pitch against the Braves tonight.

Megan, it's a pleasure to have you with us this afternoon.

Megan Haley: Thank you for having me, Julie.

Julie: Were you a baseball fan before your brother and your fiance became big leaguers?

Megan: I was. I watched Tom's games growing up, and I've followed his career since he started in the minor leagues.

Julie: It's also true that Tom and Ty are good friends, isn't it?

Megan: Yes, it is. They got to be good friends when Ty was with the Braves. After Ty was traded to Toronto, Tom invited Ty to spend some time with our family at Christmas, and that's when Ty and I met.

Julie: Here's the tough question, and I bet you knew it was coming. Who will you be rootiing for tonight?

Megan: (laughing) You know, we thought about this a long time ago, actually. I'll be rooting for Ty and the Padres tonight. Ty's going to be my husband next month, after all.

Tom promised me his feelings won't be hurt. And if the Braves win, then I'm going to be behind them all the way during the World Series. Ty will too, for that matter. He doesn't hold a grudge against the Braves, and he's got a lot of friends still on the team...

[Big Six]

Tom Haley's Closing Time blog, October 29, 2023


Wow.

To call a baseball game "unforgettable" sounds cliche, but this time I think it fits. Last night's Game Seven was full of twists and turns, and ended up leaving my emotions on raw edges all night long.

First of all, we faced my friend and future brother-in-law, Ty Williams, who started the game for the Padres. Everyone thought Ezra Wells, who had already shut out the Padres twice in the NLCS, would start for us. Instead, Bill Nesling picked Brian Nolan. It turns out Ezra was still tired, and Brian felt fresh, so Bill went with the guy who's been our #1 starter for several years now.

The Padres scored in the first inning, and our starting shortstop, Jose L. Garcia, got hurt in a collision on a force play. Dani Rivera entered the game, and although we didn't know it at the time, that proved to be a huge, huge turning point.

Dani came up for the first time in the top of the third, and he hit a line drive to right that barely cleared the wall for a home run; now the score was tied, 1-1. Ty responded like an ace, however. He settled back down and held us scoreless through the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings. Brian was pitching well for us, too, but the Padres manufactured a run in the fourth on a walk, a steal, and a single, and took a 2-1 lead.

Doug Tars led off the seventh for us with a single. Myron Webster flied out, and Bernardo Perez singled Tars to second. That brought Rivera back to the plate.

Dani watched two knuckleballs go by, and with the count at 2-0, he swung hard at a third knuckler and hit it deep into the right field seats. Just liie that, it's Braves 4, Padres 2.

Dani has batted about 500 times in the major leagues, and he's hit five career home runs. In Game Seven of the NLCS, he comes off the bench and goes yard twice against a guy who tied for the league lead in wins with 19. That's why they say baseball is an unpredictable game.

Ty finished out the inning and walked off the field, and I realized how mixed my emotions really were. Sure, I was happy--thrilled about the fact that we were that much closer to winning the NLCS and keeping our World Series hopes alive. At the same time, however, I felt bad for Ty. He wouldn't look up as he walked to the dugout, even though almost all the San Diego fans were on their feet cheering him. I also felt bad for my sister, Megan. I know she was rooting for the Padres, and I'm fine with that. She's been very supportive of Ty, who's had lots of ups and downs in his career.


We scored two more runs in the ninth, and again, Dani was in the middle of it; he walked and scored the first run. Edward Shaw, who has had a tough year for us, drove the runs in with a pinch single. It was good to see Ed come through.

I went down to the bullpen during the bottom of the seventh, like I usually do, but when we took that four-run lead, I decided I probably wouldn't get into the game. Denny Patterson went out to pitch the ninth, and I sat back to watch.

Jorge Rodriguez led off the inning with a sharp single, and the phone rang. "Tommy, get up," I heard.

Denny struck out Archie Faulkner, but Robert Clay drove one that Joe Hooper caught at the base of the center field wall.

"Get loose quick, Tom."

When Brett Lawrie singled, I had a feeling I was coming in. Bill stalled a little so I could finish warming up; good thing I can get loose in a hurry. Then he patted his right arm, and I was on my way in.

The first guy I faced was Giovanni Mier. I got in front of him, 0-1, and then I threw four straight balls. Now the bases were loaded, and the winning run was at the plate. Way to go, closer.

The crowd was as loud as I've ever heard as Gus Dennis stepped in. Gus is a 24-year-old rookie outfielder who was a first round pick in the 2017 draft. He drove in 13 runs in 19 games this year for the Padres, so he's got a clue about what to do with runners in scoring position, and I'd never faced him before.

I decided to start him off with a fastball high, but he laid off it and it was called a ball. Next, I threw another fastball, which I wanted to put low and away, but it drifted inside just a bit. I think it fooled Gus, because he took it for a strike.

I came back with a changeup and caught him out in front. He tapped it to second, Doug fielded it and threw over to John Lang at first, and that was it.

I remember looking up at the sky, and the video shows me pumping my fist once. Then I turned around, right before my catcher, Emilio Castro, jumped into my arms. Then Lang arrived, and the rest of the team followed soon afterwards.

As a young pitcher, you dream of being the guy on the mound when the last out of a championship game is recorded. I'd gotten the last out of a division-clinching game before, but there's nothing like being there for Game Seven, with a pennant on the line.

Nothing, that is, except being there when a World Series is won. I hope I get the chance to experience that very soon.


P.S. The first Padre to congratulate us last night was Ty Williams. He wished us "best of luck" against the Orioles in the World Series.

[muted79]

Excellent Game 7...your time will come Ty.... now onto the World Series and a ring for Tom!

[Big Six]

Baltimore Sun, October 30, 2023

Strasburg won't pitch in World Series

The Baltimore Orioles will need to find a way to win the World Series without any help from Stephen Strasburg.

The veteran righthanded ace won two games against the Yankees in the ALCS. He pitched seven innings in Game Four before his shoulder tightened up.

"We didn't want to take any chances, since we had a big lead," Strasburg recalled. "I've had problems with my shoulder before, and I wanted to play it safe and hopefully be ready for the World Series. I've never pitched in the Series, and it's been a dream of mine all my life. I'm frustrated that it won't happen this year, either."

Strasburg, 34, has had shoulder problems before, and had surgery in 2021, his first year with the Orioles...

[Petepont]

Well that's really unfortunate for the Orioles, but good for Tom and the Braves, I guess. Here's to hoping Tom can help his team win one

[upperdeck]

I just spent the better part of my night reading this. Great stuff

[Fircoal]

Originally Posted by upperdeck

I just spent the better part of my night reading this. Great stuff

I know what you mean x3

[Big Six]

Thank you very much for your comments! I enjoy telling stories on the forum, and it's even more fun when someone else finds enjoyment from them, too. Thanks for letting me know.

It's the world's best cure for dynasty writer's block.

[Big Six]

November 3, 2023

Unfortunately, Tom Haley watched Games One, Two, Three, and Four of the 2023 World Series from the dugout. Only during Game One did he head down to the bullpen, and he never warmed up.

The Series opened on October 30 in Baltimore. The Orioles managed to do something the San Diego Padres had been unable to do--score against Ezra Wells--but they couldn't beat him. The Braves strung together 13 hits and won the game, 6-2.

In Game Two, the Braves staked Arodys Vizcaino to a 7-0 lead after two innings, and rolled to an 11-3 victory. Dani Rivera, the surprising hero of Game Seven of the NLCS, went 3-4 with two RBI, and Emilio Castro belted a three-run homer.

Before a loud, hostile Turner Field crowd, Chris Tillman of the Orioles stepped up in Game Three, pitching seven strong innings and leading the O's to a 7-1 victory. Tillman allowed six hits and one walk, and struck out eight.

The Orioles really missed Stephen Strasburg in Game Four. Their starter, Austin Groulx, would have remained in the 'pen had Strasburg been healthy; instead, he absorbed a ferocious whipping from the National League champions. As the crowd roared in delight, the Braves pounded the Orioles, 19-3. Castro homered again, and went 3-5 with 5 RBI. Jason Heyward (3-4, 2B, 4 RBI) and Joe Hooper (4-5) also played key roles in the Braves' lopsided victory.

Now, the Braves find themselves one game away from their first World Series victory since 2012. They'll send Ezra Wells to the hill, hoping to end the Series right here, before their home crowd.

[Big Six]

To: Tom Haley (thaley120791@jetmail.ca)
From: Ty Williams (knuckler_ty49@speedmail.com)

November 4, 2023

Hey Tom,

I'm not sure if you heard from Megan or not, but we're in Atlanta now. We probably got the last flight from San Diego. We crashed pretty quickly, because we lost 3 hours in the trip, but I promise you we'll be there tomorrow night to watch you guys close out the Series. We'll be sitting with your mom and dad and the rest of the family.

Speaking of closing, I hope you get a chance to pitch tomorrow night. Yeah, it would be cool if you take another big lead, but you'll want to tell your boys about how you pitched in the World Series one day.

Good luck tomorrow night, buddy.

Ty

[muted79]

Wouldn't ti be nice if om was on the mound when the final out was made, OOTP was kind to Pat in crucial moments in his career, except for a couple of quiet world series early on, let's hope it does the same for Tom.

[Big Six]

Originally Posted by muted79

Wouldn't ti be nice if om was on the mound when the final out was made, OOTP was kind to Pat in crucial moments in his career, except for a couple of quiet world series early on, let's hope it does the same for Tom.

I hope so, too. You could say Tom's got three shots at it, since the Braves could win the Series in each of the final three games.

I'll write it up just as it happens, because I've always enjoyed the challenge of taking whatever OOTP gives me and turning it into a storyline.

[NYY #23]

I've been meaning to read this, but have been busy lately and haven't had the chance, but I'm all caught up now and this has been fabulous. The great thing about getting so far behind is you don't have to wait to see what happens next. Looks like I'm now on a cliffhanger, so hopefully Haley plays a part in the Braves finishing things off.

Great stuff as always! Can't wait to see what else you've got in store.

[Big Six]

2023 World Series
Game Five
Baltimore Orioles at Atlanta Braves

November 4, 2023

Atlanta Braves Radio Network


Scene One

Mike Christopher: Turner Field is absolutely electric tonight, as the Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles prepare to take the field for Game Five of the World Series.

Matt Diaz: I've never seen this much energy at the ballpark. Atlanta fans once had a reputation for being a little bit too blase during the postseason. This crowd appears determined to show everyone that those days are gone.

Mike: The Braves are sending their hottest pitcher to the mound tonight, hoping to close the Series out right here. Ezra Wells has been dominant throughout the postseason. We'll see if he can keep his fantastic run going one more night...

Mike: Here we go. Ezra Wells looks in, delivers, and we're underway!


Scene Two

Mike: We go to the top of the second. Braves' cleanup hitter Jason Heyward will lead it off against Noel Arguelles...

Here's the 1-0 pitch...Heyward swings and drives it deep...deep into right center! Chambers looks up, and it's GONE!

Matt: Jason was looking for a fastball and got one right down the middle. Arguelles wishes he had that one back.

Mike: The Braves are on the board first, and the crowd is even louder now, if that's possible...


Scene Three


Mike: What a game. Ezra Wells has been great once again, and three Orioles pitchers have been almost as good. The Braves have only three hits tonight, but two of them have gone over the wall, and that gives them a 2-1 lead as we go to the top of the eighth.

Matt: Denny Patterson is throwing in the Braves' bullpen, but it looks like Ezra's going to get a chance to work one more inning. He's thrown only 89 pitches, and on a cool night like tonight, he's probably still feeling very strong...

Mike: None on, two out, the count 0-2. Wells delivers, and Gray hits it on one bounce to short. Reid up with it...over to Lang...and the side is retired.

What a wonderful moment for Ezra Wells, as he comes off the field to a standing ovation. He lifts his cap to the crowd as he reaches the dugout, and the fans cheer even louder.

Matt: Unless the Braves score a few more runs in the bottom of the inning, we'll almost certainly see Tom Haley come in to protect the lead in the ninth...


Scene Four

Matt: I hear the Scorpions, and that means one thing: it's Tom Haley time.

Mike: This is Haley's fifth appearance of the postseason. He's pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowed four hits and two walks, and struck out six. Not only has he not been scored on during this year's playoffs, he last allowed a post-season run back in 2015.

Matt: I don't think anyone in the ballpark is sitting down...

Mike: Big Tom looks in, and here's the 1-0 pitch. Ground ball, right side; Tars has it, throws...one down...

Matt: Fred Young's up next. He hit the ball hard twice against Wells...

Mike: Haley rocks and fires, and Young swings. Hit hard to right!

Matt: Uh oh...

Mike: O'Toole backing up...he's on the track...he makes the catch with his back against the wall!! Another three feet and we'd have a tie ballgame.

Matt: There's almost no wind tonight. If it had been blowing out...

Mike: Two down now. The Braves are one out away from a World Championship. Felix Sanchez will be the batter; he has one of the Orioles' five hits, a single.

Haley comes set and delivers. Fastball high; ball one.

Matt: As you might expect, Tom's pumped tonight. That pitch came in at 101.

Mike: Castro gives the sign; here's the 1-0 pitch. Sanchez takes it for a strike to even the count.

Haley working quickly as the crowd continues to roar. He sets, and here's the pitch. Fastball cut on and fouled straight back.

Matt: This could be it. Come on, Tommy!

Mike: One ball, two strikes, two outs in the bottom of the ninth. The Braves lead, 2-1. Haley sets, and takes a deep breath.

Here's the pitch...

Swung on and missed! Your Atlanta Braves are World Series Champions!!

[Tyke]

Hallelujah!!! It was worth the wait. Well done Tom, Jason, Ezra and the rest of the guys. [And well done Big Six, too ]

[Big Six]

To: Tom Haley (thaley120791@jetmail.ca)
From: Jonah White (jwhite2028@stanford.edu)


November 6, 2023


Dear Mr. Haley,

Congratulations on your World Series victory! There aren't a lot of Braves fans out here on the west coast, but a few of my teammates and I were with you guys all the way.

Things are going really well for me at Stanford. I get along really well with the guys on the team, and I've made a lot of friends in my dorm and in my classes, too. Speaking of classes, they're challenging, but I'm doing well. I got nothing lower than a B- on my midterms. I've had a lot of fun going to the football games. I miss playing football from time to time, but I think I made the right decision to go to college and focus on baseball.

And, thank you for the advice you've given me. I hope my questions haven't bothered you, and I appreciate your answers very much.

I hope you and your family enjoy your off-season and the holidays to come.

Your long-time fan,
Jonah White

[Big Six]

Baseball Outside the Lines blog
November 20, 2023

The small town of Lindsay, Ontario might seem like a strange place for 15 or 20 baseball players to gather on a November Saturday, but that's exactly what happened on November 18.

The event was the wedding of Megan Haley and Ty Williams. The bride is the younger sister of All-Star closer Tom Haley of the world champion Atlanta Braves. The groom tied for the National League lead in wins with 19, while pitching for the San Diego Padres; he's now a free agent.

Tom Haley was among Williams' groomsmen, and so was Jorge Rodriguez, the Padres' slugging first baseman. Among the other big leaguers who attended the wedding were Braves stars Jason Heyward and Kris Medlen, Padres standouts Archie Faulkner, John Darby, and John Nelson, and Cardinals star Colby Rasmus, all present or former teammates of the groom...

[Petepont]

Congrats to the happy couple. Here's to hoping they have a happy marriage.

To be honest, my favorite part about this story is the interactions with other players, so it's not completely focused on one person. And my favorite person is Jonah White- just because he's a kid and all that happy stuff. I look forward to see if he makes it to the major leagues. Do you think that has a chance at happening?

Anyway, thanks for the great read. I love this story/dynasty/whatever you want to call it.

[Big Six]

Originally Posted by Petepont

Congrats to the happy couple. Here's to hoping they have a happy marriage.

To be honest, my favorite part about this story is the interactions with other players, so it's not completely focused on one person. And my favorite person is Jonah White- just because he's a kid and all that happy stuff. I look forward to see if he makes it to the major leagues. Do you think that has a chance at happening?

Anyway, thanks for the great read. I love this story/dynasty/whatever you want to call it.

Thanks very much, Petepont. I've always enjoyed working these kinds of interactions into my dynasty stories.

You'll find out more about Jonah in a post I'll write soon, before he begins his freshman season at Stanford. You might get a sense of how much chance he has for a professional career then.