Jose Valverde & Willie Hernandez - Best Tiger closers ever?

The era of the reliever has changed throughout the years. John Hiller led the Tigers to a World Championship in 1968..then 26 years later Detroit picked up a pitcher named Willie Hernandez from the Phillies and he was a starter & later became a reliever that turned out to be a MVP and CY Young Award winner in 1984 with 32 saves in 140 innings and nine wins.

In 2010 the Tigers picked up a closer from the National League and knew that he could be special - Jose Valverde. Valverde pitches with heart on the mound. He is pretty tough against hitters especially this season .205 batting average and lifetime .199. Hernandez was not too bad either with a .194 batting average in 1984, but Valverde has the record for most saves - 36 in Tigers franchise history for a season.



Tigers closer Jose Valverde gives his thoughts on Willie Hernandez - Part 1 & Part 2

...and 1984 World Series Champion Willie Hernandez does the same for Valverde - Part 1 & Part 2