Robb Nen came to Florida in 1993 as an unrefined power pitcher from the Texas Rangers, acquired during the Marlins' first season for Cris Carpenter. With a toe-tap delivery and a high-speed fastball, he shifted from a struggling starter to the franchise’s most dominant early closer.
Following a challenging debut in 1993, the organization repositioned Nen to the bullpen to maximize his electric arm and mitigate the risk of injury. He reached a new level of efficiency in 1994, recording 15 saves during the strike-shortened season, and subsequently experienced a breakout campaign in 1996. During that season, he delivered an exemplary performance in relief, posting a 1.95 ERA and securing 35 saves while striking out 92 batters in just 74 innings. He swiftly established himself as a key figure in late-inning relief, demonstrating that his "Terminator" slider was an indispensable asset for a rising contender.
Nen will be most remembered by Marlins fans for their historic 1997 season. Despite his regular-season ERA exceeding three, he matched his career high in saves with 35. He was instrumental in providing the crucial bridge to victory during the postseason, recording four saves throughout the playoffs. His journey in Florida culminated in a legendary moment in Game 7 of the 1997 World Series, where he pitched 1.2 innings of scoreless relief across the 9th and 10th innings, reaching 102 mph on the radar gun—to preserve the Marlins’ hope for their eventual walk-off victory in the 11th.
Following the World Series win, Nen was one of the many players traded, with San Francisco being his destination. He departed as the franchise’s all-time leader in appearances and remains the all-time saves leader with 108.
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