Dominican closer Jose Valverde on long saves streak, Lanzador Dominicano Jose Valverde jugando bueno

Jose Valverde is known for his crazy antics on the mound.  A converted save opportunity is usually followed by wild legs kicks, squats, and yelling at the sky.  His nickname is "Papa Grande" and Valverde has converted 51 strait save chances over the last two years.  The record is 84 strait saves, set by Eric Gagne.

The Dominican Baseball Guy has been following Valverde since he first broke into the big leagues with the Diamondbacks.  He has saved over 40 games with the Diamondbacks, the Astros, and now the Tigers.

Valverde's crazy personality on the mound is genuine.  His friends say he likes things loud and fast, whether on the field or off the field.  He drives fast cars and listens to the music loud.

Jose says it is a long way to get to the save streak record, but he is going to try.  Jose is from the great baseball city of San Pedro de Macoris, Republica Dominicana.

Dominican baseball player Jose Valverde at Spring Training 2011,
by Tom Hagerty for LakelandLocal.com