Nathan shares the award with Mariano Rivera.
Stony Brook, N.Y. - Former Stony Brook University baseball great and current closer for the Minnesota Twins, Joe Nathan `97, was recently named the recipient of the 2009 American League Rolaids Relief Man Award at the New York Baseball Writers Association banquet at the New York Hilton. Nathan shared the award with the New York Yankees' Mariano Rivera.
The honor capped a spectacular season for Nathan, who was named to the 2009 American League All-Star team and helped the Twins to the AL Central title. He finished the season with a 2.10 ERA and compiled 47 saves in 52 opportunities.
The Rolaids Relief Man Award is an annual Major League Baseball (MLB) award given since the 1976 MLB season to the top relief pitchers of the regular season. The award is based on statistical performance, rather than votes as each save is worth three points; each win is worth two points; and each loss is worth negative two points.
Nathan was a two-time Academic All-American in his time with the Seawolves and was also inducted into the Stony Brook Athletics Hall of Fame on Dec. 6, 2006, when he became the first former Stony Brook student-athlete to have his number retired.
Stony Brook, N.Y. - Former Stony Brook University baseball great and current closer for the Minnesota Twins, Joe Nathan `97, was recently named the recipient of the 2009 American League Rolaids Relief Man Award at the New York Baseball Writers Association banquet at the New York Hilton. Nathan shared the award with the New York Yankees' Mariano Rivera.
The honor capped a spectacular season for Nathan, who was named to the 2009 American League All-Star team and helped the Twins to the AL Central title. He finished the season with a 2.10 ERA and compiled 47 saves in 52 opportunities.
The Rolaids Relief Man Award is an annual Major League Baseball (MLB) award given since the 1976 MLB season to the top relief pitchers of the regular season. The award is based on statistical performance, rather than votes as each save is worth three points; each win is worth two points; and each loss is worth negative two points.
Nathan was a two-time Academic All-American in his time with the Seawolves and was also inducted into the Stony Brook Athletics Hall of Fame on Dec. 6, 2006, when he became the first former Stony Brook student-athlete to have his number retired.
