Revealing how the pitching roles in baseball have been redefined over the years, this book uses statistics, trend analysis, and interviews with front office personnel, managers, coaches, and pitchers past and present, to discuss the changing nature of the bullpen and how the current, specialized role of the closer came into being. Goose Gossage, Dennis Eckersley, Fergie Jenkins and All-Star closer Lee Smith all share their insights and own experiences as pitchers and why they were instrumental in helping to change the role of relievers during their careers. provides a true understanding of how relief pitching got to where it is today and how the closers role has been able to reshape America’s pastime. Baseball fans from every generation will not want to be with out this book.