Brad Lidge

Former Astros closer who became a perfect 41-for-41 in saves for the Phillies in 2008.

Bradley Thomas Lidge (born December 23, 1976), nicknamed "Lights Out", is an American former professional baseball pitcher. Lidge played 11 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), from 2002 to 2012. He played for the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, and Washington Nationals. Lidge became a professional archeologist after his sports career.

Quick Facts

Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right
Born: 23 December 1976
Birthplace: Sacramento, California, U.S.
Debut league: MLB
Debut date: April 26
Debut year: 2002
Debut team: Houston Astros

Lore & Background

Beginning his career as a relief pitcher for the Astros, Lidge became the team's closer in 2004 and rose to become one of the best in baseball, making an All-Star appearance in 2005. However, after struggles in that year's postseason and through the 2007 season, he was eventually moved out of the closer role. He was traded to the Phillies on November 7, 2007, where he returned as a closer and went a perfect 41-for-41 in save opportunities over the course of the regular season, winning the Delivery Man of the Year Award, National League (NL) Rolaids Relief Man Award, NL Comeback Player of the Year, and making another All-Star appearance.

In the 2008 postseason, Lidge tied the record for most saves in a single postseason, and made the final out of the World Series for the Phillies. Injuries limited Lidge in the final four seasons of his career, eventually retiring in 2012 after a brief stint with the Nationals. He recorded 225 saves in his career.

Reader's Guide

Lidge threw a four-seam fastball that consistently reached 95–97 miles per hour, as well as a hard, sharp breaking slider that ranged from 85 to 87 mph. He also had a cutter of the variation.

Did You Know?

Lidge was born in Sacramento, California on December 23, 1976.
He was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 42nd round of the 1995 draft but did not sign.
Lidge attended the University of Notre Dame and won the Big East Conference player of the year award during his junior season.
He set a new National League record for strikeouts by a reliever with 157 in 2004.
Lidge became the first pitcher to strike out the side in his first All-Star appearance since Bill Caudill and Dwight Gooden in 1984.