The relief pitcher earns a hold through a strategic play. They enter the game in relief when their team is in the lead, skillfully maintain it for the closing pitcher, record at least one out, and leave before the end of the game with their team leading, all while the pitcher does not record a save.
A hold is an unofficial MLB statistic that credits the middle relief pitcher. It was introduced in 1986 by John Dewan and Mike O’Donnell for statistical measurement of the relief pithers effectiveness. Between the starting pitcher and the closing pitcher, who get wins and saves, the late pitcher (not the closer) “holds” the lead.
In 1994, the PA SportsTicker removed the rule that states that the pitcher must close one out, creating an alternative definition of a hold. However, it was voided in 2009, when STATS LLC purchased PA SportsTicker, so the original definition is still in use today.
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