José Ramón Nova Mesa (; born May 22, 1966) is a Dominican former professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball from 1987 through 2007. He played for the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies, and Detroit Tigers. He retired with 321 career saves.

Mesa was a two-time MLB All-Star and won the American League (AL) Rolaids Relief Man Award in 1995, when he led the AL in saves. His nickname was "Joe Table", the literal translation of his name in the English language.

Professional career

Toronto Blue Jays organization and Baltimore Orioles

Originally an outfielder, Mesa was signed as an amateur free agent by the Toronto Blue Jays on October 31, 1981. Mesa was traded from the Blue Jays to the Baltimore Orioles on September 4, , completing a transaction from four days prior on August 31 when Oswaldo Peraza was traded to Baltimore for Mike Flanagan.

Mesa began his major league career as a starting pitcher with the Orioles, who hoped that Mesa's superior fastball would earn him success in the starting role. He made his major league debut on September 10, 1987 against the Boston Red Sox, four days after being traded. Mesa allowed three earned runs on seven hits while striking out four in six innings, earning a no decision in Baltimore's 5–4 loss. On September 30, Mesa finished one out shy of a complete game against the Detroit Tigers. Nonetheless, he still earned his first major league win, allowing three earned runs in innings. He finished the season 1–3 with a 6.05 ERA in six games (five starts). On May 6, Mesa recorded his first career complete game shutout against the California Angels, allowing seven hits (all singles) while striking out two in the 7–0 win. The game lowered his ERA to a sparkling 2.23. In 15 starts with Cleveland, Mesa was 4–4 with a 4.16 ERA. That year, Mesa finished second in AL Cy Young voting and fourth in AL MVP voting. In the 1995 postseason, Mesa went 1–0 with two saves and a 2.70 ERA in eight appearances. Mesa earned his win in Game 3 of the 1995 World Series, tossing three scoreless innings in Cleveland's eventual 7–6 victory in 11 innings. The Indians ultimately lost the series in six games to the Atlanta Braves.

Mesa had another solid season as closer in , finishing 2–7 with 39 saves and a 3.73 ERA in 69 relief appearances.

In , Mesa was 4–4 with 16 saves and a 2.40 ERA in 66 games, helping the Indians to their second World Series appearance in three seasons. Mesa began the season pitching in a setup role to new closer Mike Jackson, going 3–4 with one save and a 5.17 ERA in 44 games with Cleveland.

San Francisco Giants

On July 24, 1998, Mesa was traded to the San Francisco Giants along with Shawon Dunston and Alvin Morman in exchange for Steve Reed and Jacob Cruz. He was immediately named the team's closer for the season by manager Lou Piniella after his signing. He ultimately finished the season with a 4–6 record, one save and a 5.36 ERA in 66 relief appearances.

Philadelphia Phillies

On November 17, 2000, Mesa signed a two-year, $6.8 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. Returning to the closer role, Mesa immediately found success in , finishing 3–3 with 42 saves and a 2.34 ERA in 71 relief appearances. Mesa enjoyed another successful season in , posting a record of 4–6, 45 saves and a 2.97 ERA in 74 appearances. Mesa enjoyed a great season as the Pirates' closer, going 5–2 with 43 saves and a 3.25 ERA in 70 relief appearances. During the season, he was 2–8 with 27 saves and a 4.76 ERA in 55 games.

Colorado Rockies

On December 8, 2005, Mesa agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Colorado Rockies. The deal included a $3 million option for 2007.

Detroit Tigers and return to Philadelphia

On December 11, 2006, Mesa signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Detroit Tigers. He was released by the team on June 3, . In 16 appearances with the Tigers, he was 1–1 with a 12.34 ERA. He appeared in 40 games for the Phillies, compiling a 1–2 record with a 5.54 ERA,

By the end of the 2007 season, Mesa had hit Vizquel on three separate occasions. Vizquel expressed regret in 2014 about what happened due to his comments about Mesa (which he also stated were misinterpreted) but Mesa and Vizquel have never reconciled, to the point where Mesa said he hadn't spoken to Vizquel in over a decade and had no plans to ever talk to him again.

Mesa was charged with one count of rape for allegedly penetrating one woman with his finger and two counts of gross sexual imposition for allegedly groping two women in a Lakewood, Ohio motel room on December 22, 1996. Mesa was acquitted of all charges on April 9, 1997.

Personal life

Mesa's son José Mesa Jr. is also a professional baseball pitcher.

See also

  • List of Major League Baseball annual saves leaders

References

  • Indians All-Time Team
  • court TV becomes truTV

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