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Familia becomes 1st Dominican to reach 50 saves
- Updated: September 29, 2016
MIAMI — Whenever Jeurys Familia notches a new saves milestone, Mets manager Terry Collins likes to tell the story of his ascension to the closer’s role. Collins tells the tale as if it happened decades ago. In reality, it has been 17 months.
Jenrry Mejia, the Mets’ Opening Day closer last year, sustained an injury in the first game and was later suspended. Needing a ninth-inning man and lacking options, Collins turned to Familia — a then-25-year-old with a power sinker but only a brief track record of success.
Few have grabbed their opportunities with as much conviction as Familia, who on Wednesday became the first Dominican-born reliever to save 50 games in a season, passing Jose Valverde (2011) and Francisco Cordero (2004).
Closing out the Mets’ 5-2 win over the Marlins, Familia extended his franchise record for saves in a season, becoming the 13th Major Leaguer to collect 50 saves.
“I go back to last …
