The Closer's Chronicle
An in-depth academic exploration of Joel Hanrahan's distinguished Major League Baseball career, from his early days as a prospect to his impactful role as a closer and subsequent coaching endeavors.
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Career Overview
Biographical Sketch
Joel Ryan Hanrahan, born on October 6, 1981, in Des Moines, Iowa, U.S., embarked on a notable career in Major League Baseball (MLB) primarily as a relief pitcher. Initially drafted as a starting pitcher, he transitioned effectively into the high-pressure role of a closer for multiple prominent teams.
MLB Trajectory
Hanrahan's MLB journey spanned from his debut on July 28, 2007, with the Washington Nationals, to his final appearance on May 6, 2013, with the Boston Red Sox. His career statistics reflect a solid performance, culminating in 22 wins against 18 losses, a respectable 3.85 earned run average (ERA), 441 strikeouts, and precisely 100 saves, underscoring his effectiveness in critical game situations.
Career Milestones
A testament to his skill and impact, Hanrahan was recognized as an MLB All-Star twice, in both 2011 and 2012. These selections highlight his consistent performance and recognition among his peers and the league during his peak years as a dominant closer.
Early Life & Draft
Formative Years in Iowa
Joel Hanrahan's early life was rooted in Des Moines, Iowa, where he attended Norwalk High School in Norwalk. His athletic prowess was evident early on, leading him to a significant decision point after graduation: pursue a baseball scholarship at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln or enter the professional draft.
A Prospect's Promise
In the lead-up to the 2000 Major League Baseball draft, Hanrahan was highly regarded, with *Baseball America* ranking him as the 70th-best prospect nationally. This early recognition validated his childhood ambition, as he once stated in second grade that he wanted to be a "Major League ballplayer," a goal he steadfastly pursued despite initial skepticism from his teacher.
The Dodgers' Selection
His potential was realized when the Los Angeles Dodgers selected him in the second round of the 2000 MLB draft, as the 57th overall pick. This marked the beginning of his professional journey, bypassing collegiate play to immediately enter the minor league system.
Washington Nationals
Ascent to the Majors
After signing with the Washington Nationals on November 6, 2006, Hanrahan began his tenure with the Triple-A Columbus Clippers, where he posted a 5–4 record with a 3.70 ERA over 17 starts. His performance earned him a call-up to the majors, making his debut on July 28, 2007, against the New York Mets. In this inaugural game, he pitched six innings, allowing three runs, striking out seven, and remarkably hitting a triple in his first at-bat, contributing to a 6–5 Nationals victory.
Early Success & Role Shift
Just a week later, on August 4, 2007, Hanrahan secured his first MLB victory against the St. Louis Cardinals, allowing only one run and six hits over 5 2/3 innings, further aiding his cause with a two-run double. By late 2008, following trades involving Jon Rauch and Luis Ayala, he was entrusted with the crucial role of closer, finishing the season with nine saves and an impressive 93 strikeouts across 84 1/3 innings pitched.
International Representation
His growing reputation led to his selection for Team USA in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, stepping in after an injury to BJ Ryan. This international experience further solidified his standing as a significant talent in professional baseball. His time with the Nationals concluded on June 30, 2009, when he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates alongside Lastings Milledge in exchange for Nyjer Morgan and Sean Burnett.
Pittsburgh Pirates
A Unique Win & New Role
A peculiar circumstance on July 9, 2009, saw Hanrahan earn a win for the Nationals while already on the Pirates roster, as it was the completion of a suspended game from May 5 against the Houston Astros where he was the pitcher of record. In 2010, he demonstrated his strikeout capability with 100 strikeouts in 69 2/3 innings, solidifying his position as the Pirates' closer by the season's end.
All-Star Caliber Performance
The 2011 season marked a career highlight for Hanrahan. Manager Clint Hurdle named him the opening day closer, and he went on to earn the Delivery Man of the Month Award for June. He was selected for the All-Star game, achieved a career-high 40 saves, and finished the year with an outstanding 1.83 ERA. His consistent excellence led to a one-year, $4.1 million deal in January 2012 to avoid arbitration.
Consecutive All-Star Nods
His stellar performance continued into 2012, earning him a second consecutive All-Star selection alongside teammate Andrew McCutchen. At the time of his selection, he ranked third in the National League with 20 saves, having successfully converted 22 save opportunities. Hanrahan expressed his pride, noting, "It definitely feels good to come back a second time. Sometimes, people can get in on a fluke. To get voted in by my peers, again, is a huge honor."
Boston Red Sox
Trade to Boston
On December 26, 2012, Joel Hanrahan was traded to the Boston Red Sox, a transaction that also involved Brock Holt moving to Boston, in exchange for Jerry Sands, Stolmy Pimentel, Iván DeJesús, Jr., and Mark Melancon. This move placed him in a new high-profile role with a storied franchise.
Milestone Save & Injury
Early in the 2013 season, on May 2, Hanrahan achieved his 100th career save in a 3–1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, marking his first save since returning from the disabled list. However, his season was cut short when he was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right forearm strain on May 7, subsequently moved to the 60-day disabled list on May 9. An MRI revealed a damaged flexor tendon in his right elbow, necessitating season-ending Tommy John surgery on May 16.
Red Sox Departure
He concluded the 2013 season with an 0–1 record, four saves, and a 9.82 ERA over nine appearances. Following his surgery and recovery period, Hanrahan was released by the Red Sox on October 31, 2013, marking the end of his tenure with the team.
Detroit Tigers
Attempted Comeback
On May 2, 2014, Hanrahan signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Detroit Tigers, signaling an attempt to return to MLB after his Tommy John surgery. However, his recovery prevented him from playing any games for the Tigers during the 2014 season.
Second Injury & Retirement
He became a free agent on October 31, 2014, but subsequently signed a minor league contract with the Tigers on November 14, 2014, hoping for a full return. Unfortunately, on March 4, 2015, Hanrahan was released after being diagnosed with a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, which required him to undergo a second Tommy John surgery. This significant setback ultimately led to his official retirement from playing baseball on November 15, 2016.
Coaching Career
Return to the Pirates Organization
Following his playing retirement, Joel Hanrahan transitioned into coaching, returning to the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. On February 22, 2017, he was appointed as the assistant pitching coach for the Class A West Virginia Black Bears of the New York-Penn League. His dedication led to a promotion on January 17, 2018, when he became the pitching coach for the Class A West Virginia Power in the South Atlantic League.
Transition to the Nationals Organization
After several years with the Pirates, Hanrahan announced his departure from the organization on December 14, 2021. Shortly thereafter, on January 18, 2022, he was hired by his former team, the Washington Nationals, to serve as the pitching coach for their Low-A affiliate, the Fredericksburg Nationals. His commitment to player development continued, as he was named the pitching coach for the rookie league FCL Nationals for the 2024 season on January 18, 2024.
Scouting Report
Pitching Arsenal
Joel Hanrahan was known for an exclusive two-pitch repertoire: a potent four-seam fastball and a sharp slider. His fastball was particularly notable for its velocity, consistently ranging between 96–99 mph, and on one occasion, it was clocked at an impressive 102 mph at Great American Ball Park. This fastball served as his primary pitch, utilized most frequently across various counts, except for specific 1–2 situations.
Evolution of Style
Hanrahan's pitching style underwent a significant transformation following his move to the bullpen. In 2007, his velocity was approximately five miles per hour lower across his pitches, and he frequently employed a changeup in the low 80s against left-handed hitters. However, by 2008, his fastball speed had considerably increased, and by 2010, he had entirely phased out the changeup, focusing on the dominant combination of his high-velocity fastball and slider.
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