A baseball closer is the last line of defense. Closers are responsible for saving (or blowing) hundreds of games each year. A closer has to be tough, confident, and skilled and closers have to have thick skin. They can be anointed the hero, and criticized greatly all in the same week. They have to have a short memory, and continue to do their job with passion and confidence. One pitch can make or break a game, so a closer has to be clutch. A closer also has to have at least one great pitch. Many closers have an electrifying fastball with high velocity and movement. Others rely on finesse and location. Here MLBcentral.com & Pro Baseball Fans takes a look at perhaps 10 of the greatest closers of all time.

And now, we promise not to make you wait for our best closers list any longer...

10. Joe Nathan - Minnesota Twins

Arguably, Joe Nathan has been MLB's best closer the past 4 seasons. With 183 career saves, the Twins hard throwing righty ranks in the top 50 all-time. Ranked 15 th in saves amongst all active closers, Nathan has proven to be one of the most consistent relievers in the game. This two time all-star became the first closer in team history to record 36 or more saves in 4 straight seasons (1990-1993). He is a model of consistency, and should continue to rise in the record books.

9. Lee Smith - St. Louis Cardinals

Lee Smith was a dominating, and intimidating presence on the mound. Standing 6'6'' 265lbs, and throwing a 95 mph fastball, Smith dominated the game to the tune of 478 career saves when he hung up his cleats. His all time career saves record stood from 1993-2006 when broken by current San Diego Padre Trevor Hoffman. 1991 could be classified as Smith's best year when he had an NL best 47 saves with the Cardinals and was runner up in the Cy-Young award voting.

8. Billy Wagner - New York Mets

Currently 6th on the all time saves list with 376, this flame throwing lefty continues to dominate today with the New York Mets. As a kid, Wagner was a natural right handed thrower, but after multiple breaks to his throwing arm, taught himself to throw left handed against a barn door. This 5 time all star won the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year award in 1999, and is rapidly approaching 1,000 career strikeouts.

7. Rich "Goose'' Gossage

Another intimidating figure on the mound, Gossage sported wild facial hair, and a blazing fastball. The "Goose" spent time with 9 different major league teams, and finished with 310 career saves, good for 4th all time. Goose played in the league a remarkable 22 years, leading the AL in saves 3 different seasons. Gossage was given credit, along with Ron Davis of the 70's and 80's Yankees, for pioneering the setup man/closer pairing role. Gossage was voted into the MLB hall of fame in 2008, with a convincing 85.8 % vote.

6. Troy Percival - Tampa Bay Rays

This 4 time all-star continues to amass saves (343 career) with the upstart Tampa Bay Rays this year, currently with baseball's best record. He had a career-high 42 saves in 1998, and enjoyed his best season in 2002 with a 4-1 record, 40 saves, 68 strikeouts, and a 1.92 ERA that year. His fast ball once was consistently clocked between 96-100mph, aiding in his dominating 763 career strikeouts. 5. Bruce Sutter - St. Louis Cardinals

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