Jonathan Papelbon is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for several teams during his career. He was born on November 23, 1980, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and attended Mississippi State University. Papelbon was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the fourth round of the 2003 MLB draft and made his debut with the team in 2005.
Papelbon quickly established himself as one of the best closers in the league, earning three All-Star selections and helping the Red Sox win the World Series in 2007. He was known for his intense demeanor on the mound and his signature celebration, a jumping fist pump after recording the final out of a game.
In 2011, Papelbon signed a four-year, $50 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he continued to excel as a closer. He set a franchise record with 38 consecutive saves in 2012 and was named to his fourth All-Star team in 2015.
After the 2015 season, Papelbon was traded to the Washington Nationals, where he struggled and was eventually released in August 2016. He finished his career with a record of 41-36, 368 saves, and a 2.44 ERA.
Papelbon's career was not without controversy, however. He was suspended for seven games in 2014 for grabbing his crotch and making an obscene gesture towards fans during a game. In 2015, he was involved in a dugout altercation with teammate Bryce Harper, which led to his eventual release from the Nationals.
Despite these incidents, Papelbon remains one of the most successful closers of his era and is remembered for his dominant performances on the mound.
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