Brad Lidge is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, and Washington Nationals during his career. He was known for his dominant fastball and devastating slider, which helped him become one of the most successful closers of his era.
Lidge was drafted by the Astros in the first round of the 1998 MLB draft and made his debut in 2002. He quickly established himself as a reliable reliever, posting a 3.60 ERA in his rookie season. In 2004, he became the Astros' closer and recorded 29 saves while posting a 1.90 ERA.
Lidge's best season came in 2005, when he recorded 42 saves and a 2.29 ERA while helping the Astros reach the World Series for the first time in franchise history. He was named an All-Star for the first time that year and finished fourth in the National League Cy Young Award voting.
After spending eight seasons with the Astros, Lidge was traded to the Phillies in 2008. He immediately became the team's closer and helped lead them to their second World Series championship in franchise history. Lidge was perfect in save opportunities during the postseason, including a memorable strikeout of Tampa Bay Rays' Eric Hinske to clinch the championship.
Lidge continued to pitch for the Phillies until 2011, but struggled with injuries and inconsistency during his final seasons with the team. He signed with the Nationals in 2012 but was released after just nine appearances.
Overall, Lidge recorded 225 saves and a 3.54 ERA during his career. He was named an All-Star twice and won the National League Comeback Player of the Year Award in 2008. Lidge is remembered as one of the most dominant closers of his era and played a key role in two World Series championships.
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