Nov. 12, 2004

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Former Stony Brook baseball player and current Minnesota Twins closer Joe Nathan finished in a tie for fourth place in the 2004 American League Cy Young voting, as announced by Major League Baseball on Thursday. The SB graduate finished the 2004 campaign with 44 saves and a 1.62 ERA while appearing in his first All-Star Game this season.

Nathan was outstanding on the mound for Minnesota in his first season as a Major League closer. Nathan converted 44 of 47 save opportunities while finishing with a 1-2 record in 73 appearances. Nathan also appeared in the three games during the 2004 American League Division Series versus the New York Yankees, converting one save and striking out six in five innings of work.

Nathan received one third place vote to finish in a fourth place tie with Boston's Pedro Martinez and Anaheim's Francisco Rodriguez. Nathan's teammate, Johan Santana, captured all 28 first place votes to win the award. Boston's Curt Schilling placed second and New York's Mariano Rivera finished third in the voting.