31 Facts About Kimbrel

Kimbrel previously played for the San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago White Sox.

Kimbrel is an eight-time All-Star, two-time Reliever of the Year, and a 2018 World Series champion.

Kimbrel is known for his triple-digit fastball, as well as his unique pre-pitch stare.

Kimbrel was awarded the National League's 2011 Rookie of the Year Award.

Kimbrel recorded his 200th save in June 2015 with the Padres, and his 300th save in May 2018 with the Red Sox, making him the youngest pitcher in MLB history to reach the milestone.

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Kimbrel attended Lee High School in Huntsville, Alabama, where he played baseball and was a quarterback for the football team.

Kimbrel was then taken by the Braves in the third round, with the 96th overall selection, of the 2008 MLB draft.

Kimbrel made the roster to start the 2011 season as the team's primary closer.

Kimbrel was selected to the 2011 All Star Game during his first full season in the majors.

Kimbrel was named the NL Rookie of the Month and Delivery Man of the Month for August 2011.

Braves' season ended when Kimbrel blew a save against the Philadelphia Phillies in the last game of the season.

Kimbrel ended the season tied for the National League lead with 46 saves—surpassing the previous rookie record of 40, set by Feliz in 2010—and led major league relievers with 127 strikeouts in 77 innings.

On November 14, the Baseball Writers' Association of America announced the results of their 2011 National League Rookie of the Year vote; Craig Kimbrel received all 32 first-place ballots—the first unanimous selection since 2001 winner Albert Pujols—for 160 points.

Kimbrel was named the Players Choice Awards NL Outstanding Rookie by the Major League Baseball Players Association.

Kimbrel won the Delivery Man of the Month Award for September 2012.

Kimbrel led the National League with 42 saves and Win Probability Added among pitchers.

Kimbrel finished fifth in the 2012 National League Cy Young Award voting, and eighth in the 2012 National League MVP voting.

Kimbrel began the 2013 season with three blown saves during his first nine save opportunities, tying his personal record for blown saves during the entire 2012 season.

Kimbrel won the Delivery Man of the Year Award and was voted the "GIBBY Awards" Closer of the Year – by the fans, media, team front-office personnel, former players, and SABR.

Kimbrel became the third pitcher to reach that single-season milestone in four straight seasons.

Kimbrel led the National League with 47 saves, becoming the first pitcher to lead the NL in saves for four consecutive seasons since Bruce Sutter .

Kimbrel became the fastest pitcher ever to reach that milestone, taking only 318 games to do so.

Two weeks later, Kimbrel recorded a second four-strikeout inning while facing the Texas Rangers.

Kimbrel achieved this milestone in fewer games, fewer save opportunities, and at a younger age than any other pitcher.

On July 8, Kimbrel recorded his 27th save of the season, and was named to the 2018 MLB All-Star Game.

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Kimbrel did not sign with any teams during the off-season, remaining a free agent into the 2019 season.

Kimbrel was named the closer for Team USA in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

Kimbrel uses a combination of a four-seam fastball and a power curveball to get outs.

Matt Kimbrel played baseball in the Braves minor league system for three seasons before being released.

Kimbrel married former Wallace State cheerleader Ashley Holt in 2012.

Kimbrel's was born with heart defects and has undergone two surgeries.