closer

I have only done about 20 teams, but I have always wondered can you use a reliever like Jim Konstanty who is an R4/N 1950 as a closer even though has has the /N, or does he have to have the closer rating. I cannot understand why a player with 22 saves does not have a #/0, 1, 2, 3, - 6, like other closers. Thx

The closer rule is not used in ATG.

Thx, sorry did not read that one! Just have a blast playing!

Interesting story about Konstanty in 1950. He appeared in 74 games had 15 wins 22 saves and pitched 153 innings all in relief. He was the NL MVP but to the surprise if the world he started the World Series opener against the Yankees losing 1-0 to Whitey Ford . He went 8 innings in the effort , he pitched two more time in the series but really was a non- factor ,The Phillies lost game 2 [2-1] in 10 innings and Konstanty was unavailable , they lost game 3 by one run but he only went 1/3 of an inning. He got into game 4 early as the Phils starter got knocked out early but was not vert effective and the Yanks swept the series. You have to wonder if the whole series may have played out differently had he not stated and gone eight innings in game 1 . Bill

Phillies manager Eddie Sawyer was facing a tough choice for a starting pitcher in Game 1 of the 1950 series. The Phillies best pitcher, Robin Robert, had gone 8 IP in game 155 and 10 IP in game 157, the last game of the season, breaking a tie with opposing Brooklyn and winning a very hard-fought pennant-race for the Phillies. This last game of the season was on Oct 1 and the series started on Oct 4. Roberts needed rest before he pitched in the World Series.

The Phillies second best pitcher, Curt Simmons, had been called up for military service in the Korean conflict in mid-September. The rest of the Phillies staff was tired by the long pennant run and was nothing to write home about.

Sawyer decided to take a chance on starting Konstanty, who gave up only 1 run. It was a gamble, and it almost worked. As it was, Konstanty did pitch 15 innings in 3 games of a 4 game series, posting a 2.40 ERA. I'd say he did his best to win it for the Phillies.