on this date

Today marks the 20th anniversary of Bobby Thigpen’s major league saves record. The former Mississippi State standout notched his 47th save of the year on Sept. 3, 1990, with the Chicago White Sox. He went on to post 57 saves that season, a record that stood until 2008 (Francisco Rodriguez broke it). Thigpen, whose major league career lasted from 1986-94, finished with 201 saves and a 3.43 ERA. Despite that relatively short tenure, his place in history is secure.
P.S. On the subject of former Bulldogs and saves, Jonathan Papelbon pitched into and out of trouble against Baltimore on Thursday night to record his 35th of the year. He is the first pitcher in major league history to have at least 35 saves in each of his first five seasons. Just when you think the Boston Red Sox closer is starting to sink, he rights his ship. He has made eight straight scoreless appearances and is 6-for-6 in save opportunities over that stretch. The Red Sox continue to count on him — as they should.