View source for Joe Nathan

{{short description|American baseball player (born 1974)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
| name        = Joe Nathan
| image       = 0923 493c Joe Nathan.jpg 
| caption     = Nathan with the Minnesota Twins in 2006
| image_size  = 280
| position    = [[Pitcher]]
| bats        = Right
| throws      = Right
| birth_date  = {{birth date and age|1974|11|22}}
| birth_place = [[Houston, Texas]], U.S.
| debutleague = MLB
| debutdate   = April 21
| debutyear   = 1999
| debutteam   = San Francisco Giants
|finalleague = MLB
|finaldate = September 27
|finalyear = 2016
|finalteam = San Francisco Giants
| statleague  = MLB
| stat1label  = [[Win–loss record (pitching)|Win–loss record]]
| stat1value  = 64–34
| stat2label  = [[Earned run average]]
| stat2value  = 2.87
| stat3label  = [[Strikeout]]s
| stat3value  = 976
| stat4label  = [[Save (baseball)|Saves]]
| stat4value  = 377
| teams       =
* [[San Francisco Giants]] ({{mlby|1999}}–{{mlby|2000}}, {{mlby|2002}}–{{mlby|2003}})
* [[Minnesota Twins]] ({{mlby|2004}}–{{mlby|2009}}, {{mlby|2011}})
* [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] ({{mlby|2012}}–{{mlby|2013}})
* [[Detroit Tigers]] ({{mlby|2014}}–{{mlby|2015}})
* [[Chicago Cubs]] ({{mlby|2016}})
* [[San Francisco Giants]] ({{mlby|2016}})
| awards      =
* 6× [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[2004 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2004]], [[2005 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2005]], [[2008 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2008]], [[2009 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2009]], [[2012 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2012]], [[2013 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2013]])
* [[AL Rolaids Relief Man Award]] (2009)
* [[Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame]]
}}

'''Joseph Michael Nathan''' (born November 22, 1974) is an American former professional [[baseball]] [[pitcher]]. He played 16 seasons in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) for the [[San Francisco Giants]], [[Minnesota Twins]], [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]], [[Detroit Tigers]], and [[Chicago Cubs]]. Nathan started out his baseball career as a [[shortstop]] in high school and in college for [[Stony Brook Seawolves baseball|Stony Brook]], but converted to a pitcher after being drafted by the Giants. He worked his way through the minor leagues, alternating between spots in the [[Starting rotation|rotation]] and the [[bullpen]].

When he debuted in 1999, he became the first player from Stony Brook to reach MLB. After a few years of splitting time between the major leagues and minor leagues, Nathan had a breakout season as a [[Setup pitcher|setup man]] for the Giants in 2003. That offseason, Nathan was traded to the Twins and became their [[closer (baseball)|closer]]. From 2004 to 2009, Nathan was considered one of the top closers in the major leagues, with four [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] selections and a league-leading 246 [[save (baseball)|saves]].<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Corcoran |first=Cliff |date=May 5, 2009 |title=Closer rankings, from No. 1 to 30 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |publisher=[[CNN]] |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/cliff_corcoran/04/29/closer.rankings/index.html |url-status=dead |access-date=August 24, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025073340/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/cliff_corcoran/04/29/closer.rankings/index.html |archive-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref> Nathan finished fourth in [[American League]] (AL) [[Cy Young Award|Cy Young]] voting in 2004 and fifth in 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 12, 2004 |title=Joe Nathan Finishes Fourth in Cy Young Voting |url=https://stonybrookathletics.com/news/2004/11/12/Joe_Nathan_Finishes_Fourth_in_Cy_Young_Voting.aspx?path=baseball |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617072247/http://www.stonybrookathletics.com/news/2004/11/12/Joe_Nathan_Finishes_Fourth_in_Cy_Young_Voting.aspx?path=baseball |archive-date=June 17, 2017 |access-date=September 8, 2020 |website=[[Stony Brook Seawolves]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 16, 2006 |title=Johan Santana wins 2nd unanimous Cy Young |url=https://bbwaa.com/06-al-cy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028202656/https://bbwaa.com/06-al-cy/ |archive-date=October 28, 2020 |access-date=September 8, 2020 |website=[[Baseball Writers' Association of America|BBWAA]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2010, Nathan underwent [[Tommy John surgery]] to repair a torn [[ulnar collateral ligament (elbow)|ulnar collateral ligament]] in his throwing elbow and missed the entire season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Thesier |first=Kelly |date=March 26, 2010 |title=Nathan undergoes Tommy John surgery |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100326&content_id=8960988&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103131138/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100326&content_id=8960988&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=November 3, 2013 |access-date=May 19, 2014 |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref> Nathan regained the role as closer in July 2011. On August 10, 2011, he became the Twins all-time leader in saves with his 255th in a game against the [[Boston Red Sox]]. After the 2011 season, Nathan left the Twins via free agency to sign with the Rangers, becoming an All-Star again in 2012 and 2013. On April 8, 2013, he earned his [[300 save club|300th save]]. After the 2013 season, Nathan signed with the Tigers. Nathan retired during the 2017 season with the eighth-most saves in MLB history.

Nathan currently has the highest save percentage in MLB history (89.13%) amongst pitchers with at least 200 saves. From a ten year span of 2003 to 2013, he was among the top three best relievers in terms of ERA+, ERA, WAR, and WHIP.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bodig |first=Chris |date=January 15, 2022 |title=Joe Nathan and the Cooperstown Closer Conundrum |url=https://www.cooperstowncred.com/joe-nathan-and-the-cooperstown-closer-conundrum/ |access-date=January 16, 2022 |website=Cooperstown Cred}}</ref>

==Early career==
Although born in [[Houston]], Nathan moved with his family to [[Middletown, Orange County, New York|Middletown, New York]], when he was just two weeks old.<ref name="knots">{{cite news |last1=Gest |first1=Justin |date=July 13, 2004 |title=Twins pitcher knots family ties |work=[[Houston Chronicle]] |url=https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Twins-pitcher-knots-family-ties-1648446.php |access-date=November 10, 2022}}</ref>

Nathan graduated from [[Pine Bush High School]] in [[Pine Bush, New York]], in 1992, where he played [[basketball]] and [[baseball]] and ran track.<ref name="twins">{{cite web |title=Joe Nathan Player Information : Biography and Career Highlights |url=http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/team/player_career.jsp?player_id=150274 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071207114055/http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/team/player_career.jsp?player_id=150274 |archive-date=December 7, 2007 |access-date=August 21, 2007 |website=[[Minnesota Twins]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Only [[NCAA Division III|Division III]] colleges showed minimal interest in him, and he ended up at [[Stony Brook University]] largely because his high school assistant coach Jeff Masionet and Stony Brook baseball coach [[Matt Senk]] knew each other as former teammates in the [[State University of New York at Cortland]] baseball program.<ref name="recordonline">{{cite web |date=August 11, 2006 |title=Joe Nathan: Face of the Twins |url=http://archive.recordonline.com/sports/50best/8a.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026132545/http://archive.recordonline.com/sports/50best/8a.html |archive-date=October 26, 2006 |access-date=August 21, 2007 |website=[[Times Herald-Record]]}}</ref>

==College career==
[[File:Nathan Retired Jersey SBU.jpeg|thumb|right|Nathan's retired No. 22 hanging on the bleachers at [[Joe Nathan Field]] in Stony Brook, New York]]
Nathan first played shortstop for the then Division III [[Stony Brook Patriots]] (now Division I and called the Seawolves) at [[Stony Brook University]] on Long Island, New York.<ref name="suny">{{cite web |last=Simon |first=Mark |date=May 12, 2005 |title=Beyond Tonight – Joe Nathan |url=http://goseawolves.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/051205aaa.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311201641/http://goseawolves.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/051205aaa.html |archive-date=March 11, 2007 |access-date=May 19, 2014 |work=[[Stony Brook Seawolves]] |publisher=[[ESPN]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref> He also played for the Fairfield Stallions in the [[New England Collegiate Baseball League]] in 1994. Nathan became a two-time Academic All-American and graduated as a member of the [[Golden Key International Honour Society]].<ref name="medal">{{cite web |date=December 5, 2006 |title=Stony Brook University Council |url=http://www.stonybrook.edu/sb/sbcouncil/res120506.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230164756/http://www.stonybrook.edu/sb/sbcouncil/res120506.shtml |archive-date=December 30, 2013 |access-date=May 19, 2014 |website=[[Stony Brook University]]}}</ref> During his tenure at Stony Brook, professional baseball scouts began to notice his good arm and pitcher's body. Senk arranged for a game in front of scouts, but on a day that "literally someone from every organization" came to watch him pitch, the game was rained out. The scouts had to settle for watching Nathan in a throwing session.<ref name="suny" /> Nathan was drafted in the sixth round (159th overall) of the [[1995 Major League Baseball draft]] by the [[San Francisco Giants]] and signed the next day, June 2.<ref name="suny" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=6th Round of the 1995 MLB June Amateur Draft |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/?year_ID=1995&draft_round=6&draft_type=junreg&query_type=year_round |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref>

In 2006, Nathan's number 22 was retired by Stony Brook, the first athlete to receive that honor from the school, and he was awarded the [[University Medal]], the highest recognition given by Stony Brook.<ref name="medal" /><ref name="newsday">{{cite news |last=Baumbach |first=Jim |date=June 21, 2007 |title=Nathan, Stony Brook benefited from each other |newspaper=[[Newsday]] |url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/ny-spjim0621,0,3120453.column?coll=ny-sports-headlines |url-status=dead |access-date=August 21, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070701142848/http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/ny-spjim0621%2C0%2C3120453.column?coll=ny-sports-headlines |archive-date=July 1, 2007}}</ref> He was also inducted into the Stony Brook Hall of Fame in the class of 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Joe Nathan (2006) - Hall of Fame |url=https://stonybrookathletics.com/honors/hall-of-fame/joe-nathan/43 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320155850/https://stonybrookathletics.com/honors/hall-of-fame/joe-nathan/43 |archive-date=March 20, 2022 |access-date=September 8, 2020 |website=[[Stony Brook Seawolves]] |language=en}}</ref>

In August 2008, he gave the Stony Brook athletics department $500,000 for a new baseball facility. In recognition of this "lead gift" from the Joe Nathan Charitable Foundation, the college named their new baseball stadium [[Joe Nathan Field]].<ref>{{cite web |date=August 11, 2008 |title=Stony Brook University Announces Lead Gift from Major League Baseball All-Star And SBU Alumnus, Joe Nathan |url=http://goseawolves.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/081108aaa.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080818215146/http://goseawolves.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/081108aaa.html |archive-date=August 18, 2008 |access-date=May 19, 2014 |website=[[Stony Brook Seawolves]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

==Professional career==

===Minor Leagues===
Nathan began his minor league career for the Single-A [[Bellingham Giants]].<ref name="tbc">{{cite web |title=Joe Nathan Baseball Statistics |url=http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/N/Joe-Nathan.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101209173000/http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/N/Joe-Nathan.shtml |archive-date=December 9, 2010 |access-date=May 19, 2014 |website=The Baseball Cube}}</ref> After an unsuccessful year at the plate, the Giants tried to convert Nathan into a pitcher, but he refused and left<ref name=suny/> to return to Stony Brook for a year, graduating with a degree in business management.<ref name=twins/> He gave more thought to his future in baseball, however, and after graduation decided to return to the Giants organization<ref>{{cite web |title=Conversation with Joe Nathan |url=http://subwaychatter.com/blog/category/conversation-with-joe-nathan/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090606020320/http://subwaychatter.com/blog/category/conversation-with-joe-nathan/ |archive-date=June 6, 2009 |access-date=August 25, 2009 |work=Subway Chatter}}</ref> and developed into a standout pitching prospect. After a season with the [[Salem-Keizer Volcanoes]], he pitched for both the [[Class A (baseball)|A]] and [[Double-A (baseball)|AA]] levels for (the [[San Jose Giants]] and [[Shreveport Captains]]) in 1998 as a starter.<ref name=tbc/> During his tenure with San Jose he started 22&nbsp;games with an [[earned run average|ERA]] of 3.32 and 118 strikeouts, leading the Class A Giants to the California League championship.<ref name="sjgiants">{{cite web |last=Lampe |first=Chris |date=February 9, 2006 |title=Did You Know? Pitcher Joe Nathan |url=http://www.sjgiants.com/ArDisplay.aspx?ID=112&SecID=27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061102062224/http://www.sjgiants.com/ArDisplay.aspx?ID=112&SecID=27 |archive-date=November 2, 2006 |access-date=August 21, 2007 |website=[[San Jose Giants]]}}</ref> Promoted to Double-A Shreveport in 1999, he pitched in only two games before being promoted to the parent club in 1999.<ref name=tbc/>

===San Francisco Giants (1999–2003)===
Nathan was promoted to the [[San Francisco Giants]] on April 20, 1999, taking the roster spot of superstar slugger [[Barry Bonds]], who went on the disabled list after left elbow surgery.<ref name="twins99">{{Cite web |date=April 21, 1999 |title=Giants lose Bonds for at least 10 weeks |url=https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/sports/1999/04/21/giants-lose-bonds-for-at/50529008007/ |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=[[The Standard-Times (New Bedford)|The Standard-Times]] |language=en-US}}</ref> He made his major league debut the next day, pitching seven shutout innings and winning his first major league decision against the [[Florida Marlins]], 4–0.<ref name="br99">{{Cite web |date=April 21, 1999 |title=Florida Marlins vs San Francisco Giants Box Score: April 21, 1999 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SFN/SFN199904210.shtml |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> He then divided the rest of the season between the Triple-A [[Fresno Grizzlies]] and the Giants. With the Grizzlies, he was 6–4 with a 4.43 ERA in 13 starts.<ref name="tbc" /> In the majors, Nathan was 7–4 with one save and a 4.18 ERA in 19 games (14 starts) with the Giants.<ref name="br">{{cite web |title=Joe Nathan Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/n/nathajo01.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070820193559/http://www.baseball-reference.com/n/nathajo01.shtml |archive-date=August 20, 2007 |access-date=August 21, 2007 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |publisher=[[Sports Reference]]}}</ref> He earned his first career save on May 16 against the [[Houston Astros]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 16, 1999 |title=San Francisco Giants vs Houston Astros Box Score: May 16, 1999 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/HOU/HOU199905160.shtml |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref>

After a short stint in the minors in 2000, Nathan spent most of the season in the majors, finishing 5–2 with a 5.21 ERA in 20 games (15 starts), and even hitting two [[home run]]s.<ref name=br/> However, he struggled with his control, walking 63 batters in 93{{fraction|1|3}} innings.<ref name=br/> He was on the disabled list twice: from May 17 to June 6 for right shoulder tendinitis and from July 14 to August 18 for an inflamed right shoulder,<ref name="twins00">{{Cite web |last=Rodriguez |first=Justin |date=September 23, 2000 |title=Mixed emotions for Nathan |url=https://www.recordonline.com/story/news/2000/09/23/mixed-emotions-for-nathan/51191803007/ |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=[[Times Herald-Record]] |language=en-US}}</ref> necessitating [[arthroscopic surgery]] on the afflicted shoulder at the end of the season. Nathan divided 2001 between Triple-A Fresno and Double-A Shreveport both starting and relieving,<ref name=tbc/> finishing with a disappointing combined 3–11 record and an ERA of 7.29 in 31 games (17 starts).<ref name="br" /> Nathan improved slightly in 2002 to 6–12 with a 5.60 ERA in 31 games (25 starts) with Fresno,<ref name=tbc/> but finally overcame his postsurgical struggles to return to the Giants in September with 3{{frac|2|3}} scoreless innings in relief.<ref name="br" />

Nathan spent all of 2003 with the Giants in the bullpen after marrying Lisa Lemoncelli, his girlfriend of five years, in November 2002.<ref>{{cite news |last=Schulman |first=Henry |date=April 4, 2003 |title=No ordinary effort from this Joe |newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |url=http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2003/04/04/SP298099.DTL |url-status=live |access-date=May 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805011439/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=%2Fchronicle%2Farchive%2F2003%2F04%2F04%2FSP298099.DTL |archive-date=August 5, 2011}}</ref> This was a breakout year for Nathan, as he began the season with 23 scoreless innings.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Joe Nathan 2003 Pitching Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=nathajo01&t=p&year=2003 |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> He finished the season with a 12–4 record and a 2.96 ERA in 78 relief appearances.<ref name=br/> His 78 appearances put him high on the list of most-used pitchers for the season as one of the best setup men in the NL, allowing no runs in 15 appearances from July 18 to August 20.<ref name=":1" /> His 12 wins in relief led the majors.<ref name=sjgiants/> The Giants won the [[National League West]] by 15{{fraction|1|2}} games and drew the [[Florida Marlins]], the National League's wild card winner, in the [[2003 NLDS|NLDS]]. Nathan was hit hard in that series, blowing his only save opportunity in Game 2.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2003 National League Division Series (NLDS) Game 2, Florida Marlins vs San Francisco Giants: October 1, 2003 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SFN/SFN200310010.shtml |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> His team fared no better, as they won Game 1 behind [[Jason Schmidt]]'s complete game shutout before dropping the next three.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2003 NL Division Series - Florida Marlins over San Francisco Giants (3-1) |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/2003_NLDS1.shtml |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref>

===Minnesota Twins (2004–2011)===

====2004====
Nathan was traded to the Minnesota Twins on November 16, 2003, along with pitchers [[Boof Bonser]] and [[Francisco Liriano]] for catcher [[A. J. Pierzynski]] and cash.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 15, 2003 |title=Giants give up Nathan in deal for catcher |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=1661751 |access-date=December 29, 2022 |work=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> The Twins decided to make Nathan their closer starting in 2004, a risky move considering that Nathan had notched only one save in six opportunities as a Giant,<ref>{{cite web |last=Gammons |first=Peter |date=December 17, 2006 |title=No panic over closer situations |url=https://insider.espn.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=2700725&searchName=gammons_peter |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519165424/http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=2700725&searchName=gammons_peter |archive-date=May 19, 2014 |access-date=May 19, 2014 |website=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> but he won the job over [[J. C. Romero]] and [[Jesse Crain]] in spring training. He was signed to a three-year deal on March 4, 2004, and agreed to an incentive-laden contract with a base salary of $440,000.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sheldon |first=Mark |date=March 4, 2004 |title=Twins sign Nathan to two-year deal |url=http://www.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040304&content_id=645455&vkey=spt2004news&fext=.jsp&c_id=spt2004news |access-date=May 19, 2014 |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}{{dead link|date=April 2017|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> He started off the season strong, allowing no runs in 20 appearances and earning 14 saves from April 15 to June 4.<ref name="twins04">{{Cite web |title=Joe Nathan 2004 Pitching Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=nathajo01&t=p&year=2004 |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> He was named AL Co-Player of the Week starting on May 10 with four saves in four innings and four appearances, facing the minimum number of batters each time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harrison |first=Ian |date=May 17, 2004 |title=Notes: Nathan shares weekly award |url=http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/min/news/min_news.jsp?ymd=20040517&content_id=745780&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040625223201/http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/min/news/min_news.jsp?ymd=20040517&content_id=745780&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp |archive-date=June 25, 2004 |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=[[Minnesota Twins]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> His credentials for the first half of the season, 23 saves in 24 opportunities with a 1.19 ERA in 26 appearances, earned him his first [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star appearance]] in the [[2004 MLB All-Star Game]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Sheldon |first=Mark |date=July 4, 2004 |title=Nathan earns All-Star invitation |url=http://www.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040704&content_id=788791&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |access-date=May 19, 2014 |work=[[Minnesota Twins]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}{{dead link|date=April 2017|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> He was the only Twin on the squad and pitched a perfect seventh inning, getting [[Bobby Abreu]] to strike out, [[Mike Lowell]] to fly out and [[Miguel Cabrera]] to strike out.<ref>{{cite web |last=Browne |first=Ian |date=July 14, 2004 |title=Nathan dazzles NL hitters |url=http://www.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040714&content_id=799716&vkey=allstar2004&fext=.jsp&c_id=null |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080321083607/http://www.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040714&content_id=799716&vkey=allstar2004&fext=.jsp&c_id=null |archive-date=March 21, 2008 |access-date=May 19, 2014 |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref> His numbers were impressive through the rest of the season, allowing no runs between June 9 and August 18, and between August 25 and September 16.<ref name=twins04/> Nathan finished the season 1–2 with 44 saves in 47 opportunities and an ERA of 1.62 in 73 relief appearances.<ref name=br/> The Twins won the AL Central and faced the [[New York Yankees]] in the [[2004 ALDS|ALDS]]. Nathan picked up his first postseason save in Game 1, but blew his second opportunity in Game 2 as the Twins went on to lose the ensuing three games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 AL Division Series - New York Yankees over Minnesota Twins (3-1) |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/2004_ALDS2.shtml |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> His outstanding season earned him MVP and [[Cy Young Award|Cy Young]] votes, finishing fourth for Cy Young and 12th for MVP.<ref name=br/> His first child, a son named Cole, was born on November 9, 2004.<ref name=twins/>

====2005====
During spring training in 2005, Nathan signed a two-year deal that includes a club option for 2008.<ref name="6m option"/> He picked up from where he left off in 2004, allowing no earned runs in 15 appearances from April 5 to May 10.<ref name="twins05">{{Cite web |title=Joe Nathan 2005 Pitching Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=nathajo01&t=p&year=2005 |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> He also had streaks of 13 and 12 consecutive save opportunities converted between April and July.<ref name=twins05/> As a result, Nathan was named the American League Player of the Week for the week of June 27. Nathan earned another All-Star appearance in 2005 for his pitching in the first half of the season. Although his record was 1–3 with a 3.57 ERA in 37 appearances, he had struck out 43 batters in 35{{fraction|1|3}} [[innings pitched]], and lead the AL with 23 saves in 25 opportunities.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sheldon |first=Mark |date=July 3, 2005 |title=Twins send two arms to All-Star Game |url=http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050703&content_id=1113940&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071107045902/http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050703&content_id=1113940&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |archive-date=November 7, 2007 |access-date=May 19, 2014 |work=[[Minnesota Twins]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Nathan pitched in the [[2005 MLB All-Star Game]] alongside fellow pitcher [[Johan Santana]]. Pitching the eighth inning of the game, he got [[Morgan Ensberg]] to pop out for the first out, then gave out a double to [[Moisés Alou]]. [[Felipe López (baseball)|Felipe López]] singled, and Nathan was able to get Miguel Cabrera and [[Luis Castillo (second baseman)|Luis Castillo]] out, but not before Alou scored.<ref>{{cite web |last=Molony |first=Jim |date=July 12, 2005 |title=Santana, Nathan help out AL All-Stars |url=http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050712&content_id=1129207&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050723062248/http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050712&content_id=1129207&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |archive-date=July 23, 2005 |access-date=May 19, 2014 |work=[[Minnesota Twins]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Nathan had a brilliant second half as he went 6–1 with 18 saves in 20 chances, and posted an ERA of 1.76. He finished the season with a 7–4 record, a 2.70 ERA, 43 saves in 48 opportunities, and 94 [[strikeout]]s in 69 relief appearances.<ref name=br/> Nathan also became the third pitcher in club history to post consecutive 40 save seasons. The Twins, however, missed the playoffs.

====2006====
Before the 2006 season began, Nathan participated in the [[2006 World Baseball Classic]] as one of the 30 players selected for the Team USA roster.<ref>{{cite web |last=Thesier |first=Kelly |date=February 14, 2006 |title=Nathan gets chance to compete for U.S. |url=http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060214&content_id=1311315&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101195402/http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060214&content_id=1311315&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |archive-date=November 1, 2006 |access-date=May 19, 2014 |work=[[Minnesota Twins]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> He played the first game, a 2–0 win against Mexico, striking out the side while allowing one hit.<ref>{{cite web |title=World Baseball Classic: Statistics, Mexico-U.S. |url=http://ww2.worldbaseballclassic.com/2006/stats/stats.jsp?t=g_box&gid=2006_03_07_mexint_usaint_1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120723161036/http://ww2.worldbaseballclassic.com/2006/stats/stats.jsp?t=g_box&gid=2006_03_07_mexint_usaint_1 |archive-date=July 23, 2012 |access-date=August 23, 2007 |website=[[World Baseball Classic]]}}</ref> He also pitched the 4–3 victory against Japan, again throwing a shutout inning.<ref>{{cite web |title=World Baseball Classic: Statistics, Japan-U.S. |url=http://ww2.worldbaseballclassic.com/2006/stats/stats.jsp?t=g_box&gid=2006_03_12_jpnint_usaint_1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719194752/http://ww2.worldbaseballclassic.com/2006/stats/stats.jsp?t=g_box&gid=2006_03_12_jpnint_usaint_1 |archive-date=July 19, 2012 |access-date=August 23, 2007 |website=[[World Baseball Classic]]}}</ref> Nathan went on to pitch the last game for the United States in the ninth inning against Mexico, again not allowing a run and striking out two.<ref>{{cite web |title=World Baseball Classic: Statistics, U.S.-Mexico |url=http://ww2.worldbaseballclassic.com/2006/stats/stats.jsp?t=g_box&gid=2006_03_16_usaint_mexint_1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060509030304/http://ww2.worldbaseballclassic.com/2006/stats/stats.jsp?t=g_box&gid=2006_03_16_usaint_mexint_1 |archive-date=May 9, 2006 |access-date=August 23, 2007 |website=[[World Baseball Classic]]}}</ref>

[[File:Joe Nathan cropped.jpg|right|upright|thumb|Nathan with the Twins in 2007]]

As the regular 2006 season began for the Twins, Nathan started off strong, allowing no runs from the start of the season to April 25.<ref name="twins06">{{cite web |title=Official site of the Minnesota Twins : 2006 Career Highlights |url=http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/player_career.jsp?player_id=150274 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101195337/http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/player_career.jsp?player_id=150274 |archive-date=November 1, 2006 |access-date=August 23, 2007 |website=[[Minnesota Twins]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref> He also converted 10 straight save opportunities from April 11 to June 17.<ref name=twins06/> On June 24, Nathan recorded his 100th career save against the [[Chicago Cubs]], and 99th save with Minnesota.<ref name=twins06/> Four days later he got save number 101, his hundredth save with Minnesota against the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]], becoming the fifth pitcher in Twins history to achieve that mark.<ref name=twins06/> Despite putting up great numbers during the 2006 season, Nathan was not selected to the [[2006 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star Game]]. He continued to pitch well throughout the season, passing [[Eddie Guardado]] for second on the Twins' all-time save list when he earned his 117th save against the [[Detroit Tigers]] on September 9.<ref name=twins06/> Nathan was also given the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Month award for July, going nine for nine in save opportunities and posting a 0.75 ERA for the month.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 7, 2006 |title=Press Release: Joe Nathan named winner of the "DHL Presents the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Month Award" for July |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20060807&content_id=1597231&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140815045138/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20060807&content_id=1597231&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=August 15, 2014 |access-date=May 19, 2014 |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref> He finished the season with some of his best numbers to date: a 7–0 record, a 1.58 ERA, 95 strikeouts, 36 saves, an 18th-place finish in MVP voting, and a fifth-place finish in Cy Young voting.<ref name=br/> His 61&nbsp;games finished were also good for the AL lead and opponents batted just .158 against him, a career high.<ref name=br/> With 36 saves in 38 opportunities, Nathan also became the first pitcher for the organization to earn 35 saves in three straight seasons.<ref name=twins06/> The Twins won the division on the last day of the regular season, but were swept by the [[Oakland Athletics]] in the [[2006 ALDS|ALDS]] as Nathan made one scoreless appearance.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Krawczynski |first=Jon |date=March 31, 2007 |title=Twins swept out of playoffs a year ago, leaving bitter taste |language=en |work=[[Post-Bulletin]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://www.postbulletin.com/twins-swept-out-of-playoffs-a-year-ago-leaving-bitter/article_8534fcab-7cfd-5a3e-a6f5-10dd7068ce25.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320155852/https://www.postbulletin.com/news/twins-swept-out-of-playoffs-a-year-ago-leaving-bitter-taste |archive-date=March 20, 2022}}</ref>

====2007====
Nathan continued as the Twins' closer for the 2007 season. He had a stretch between July and August where he gave up just two earned runs and converted all 12 save chances. Once again despite Nathan's numbers, he was not picked for the All-Star team. Nathan finished the year by converting 37 of 41 save opportunities with a record of 4–2 and an ERA of 1.88 in 68 relief appearances.<ref name="br" /> The Twins, however, had a disappointing season and missed the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 American League Team Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2007.shtml |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref>

On September 25, 2007, Nathan was named as one of 10 finalists for the "[[DHL Delivery Man of the Year Award]]", the third year in a row that he has been a finalist.<ref>{{cite web |title=Delivery Man of the Month/Year Award by DHL on Baseball Almanac |url=http://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/delivery_man_of_the_month_award.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051125175008/http://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/delivery_man_of_the_month_award.shtml |archive-date=November 25, 2005 |access-date=May 19, 2014 |website=[[Baseball Almanac]]}}</ref> On October 29, the Twins exercised Nathan's club option for 2008.<ref>{{cite web |last=Thesier |first=Kelly |date=October 29, 2007 |title=Closed deal keeps Nathan with Twins |url=http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071029&content_id=2287379&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207081300/http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071029&content_id=2287379&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |archive-date=December 7, 2013 |access-date=May 19, 2014 |work=[[Minnesota Twins]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

====2008====
[[File:Joe Nathan - Rubenstein - 2008 All Star Game Red Carpet Parade.jpg|right|upright|thumb|Nathan at the [[2008 MLB All-Star Game]] [[Red Carpet]] Parade]]

Though Nathan was slated to make $6&nbsp;million in 2008,<ref name="6m option">{{cite news |date=October 29, 2007 |title=Twins exercise Nathan's option at bargain price of $6M |work=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3085219 |url-status=live |access-date=February 26, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071031063655/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3085219 |archive-date=October 31, 2007}}</ref> on March 24, 2008, the [[Minnesota Twins]] re-signed Nathan to a four-year, $47&nbsp;million contract through 2011. The deal also includes a $12.5&nbsp;million club option for 2012 with a $2&nbsp;million buyout.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 24, 2008 |title=After 37 saves in 2007, Nathan agrees to new four-year contract with Twins |work=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3309556 |url-status=live |access-date=February 26, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081028211639/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3309556 |archive-date=October 28, 2008}}</ref>

Nathan started the season with 13 consecutive saves but blew his first save of the season on May 27 by giving up a three-run [[inside-the-park home run]] on a misplayed fly ball by teammate [[Delmon Young]]; however, Nathan got two outs to end the ninth inning and the Twins went on to win the game.<ref>{{cite web |last=Thesier |first=Kelly |date=May 28, 2008 |title=Cuddyer leads Twins to 12-inning win |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080527&content_id=2780579&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080531122637/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080527&content_id=2780579&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |archive-date=May 31, 2008 |access-date=December 29, 2022 |work=[[Minnesota Twins]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> By converting 27 of 29 save opportunities prior to the All-Star break, Nathan was selected as a reserve player for the [[American League]] in the [[2008 Major League Baseball All-Star Game]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Thesier |first=Kelly |date=July 6, 2008 |title=Mauer earns first All-Star Game start |url=http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080706&content_id=3076222&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111191928/http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080706&content_id=3076222&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |archive-date=November 11, 2013 |access-date=May 19, 2014 |work=[[Minnesota Twins]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref> He finished the season 1–2 with 39 saves and a career best 1.33 ERA in 68 relief appearances.<ref name="br" /> He also had a career high six [[blown save]]s and surrendered his first career [[walk-off home run]] to [[Victor Martinez (baseball)|Victor Martinez]] on September 16.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 17, 2008 |title=Indians top Twins 12–9 in 11 innings |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=280916105 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207212638/http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=280916105 |archive-date=December 7, 2013 |access-date=May 19, 2014 |work=[[Yahoo! Sports]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Nathan ranked seventh in the majors in saves and had the lowest ERA of the top 30 save leaders in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2008 Major League Baseball Pitching Leaders |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/2008-pitching-leaders.shtml |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref>

====2009====
Nathan had a strong season, as he was selected as an All-Star for the [[2009 MLB All Star Game]], and he finished the year 2–2 with a 2.10 ERA and 47 saves in 52 opportunities, which was a franchise record. He shared honors for the AL [[Rolaids Relief Man]] award with [[Mariano Rivera]]. However, Nathan did not fare as well in the postseason; in Game 2 of the [[2009 ALDS|American League Division Series]] against the New York Yankees, with the Twins leading 3–1 in the bottom of the ninth inning, Nathan blew the save when he surrendered a game-tying two-run home run to [[Alex Rodriguez]]. It was the first home run Nathan had allowed with men on base all year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 10, 2009 |title=Yankees steal 2-0 lead over Twins after A-Rod ties game in 9th inning |url=http://espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=291009110&teams=minnesota-twins-vs-new-york-yankees |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091012234943/http://espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=291009110&teams=minnesota-twins-vs-new-york-yankees |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 12, 2009 |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=[[ESPN]] |language=en |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> The Yankees later won the game in the 11th inning and swept the series. On October 11, 2009, after the Twins lost the final game at the [[Metrodome]] (a 4–1 playoff loss to the Yankees that eliminated them), Nathan took a pile of dirt from the mound as a keepsake from the Metrodome.<ref>{{cite web |last=Caple |first=Jim |date=October 11, 2009 |title=A baseball era ends in Minnesota |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2009/columns/story?columnist=caple_jim&id=4552660 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110233633/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs/2009/columns/story?columnist=caple_jim&id=4552660 |archive-date=November 10, 2013 |access-date=May 19, 2014 |work=[[ESPN]]}}</ref>

====2010====
On March 9, 2010, it was reported that Nathan had a tear in his [[ulnar collateral ligament (elbow)|ulnar collateral ligament]]. On March 21, after attempting to pitch without having surgery, Nathan decided to undergo [[Tommy John surgery]], missing the entire 2010 season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Thesier |first=Kelly |date=March 21, 2010 |title=Nathan to have Tommy John surgery |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100321&content_id=8858966&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100324045904/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100321&content_id=8858966&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=March 24, 2010 |access-date=March 21, 2010 |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref>

====2011====
Nathan earned his first save at Target Field on April 8, 2011. He emptied the container of dirt he took from the Metrodome on the mound at Target Field before pitching.<ref>{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Kelsie |date=April 8, 2011 |title=Joe Nathan empties his dirtbag to get his first save at Target Field |url=http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_17805965 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808165604/http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_17805965 |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |access-date=April 23, 2015 |work=[[St. Paul Pioneer Press]]}}</ref> On April 18, Nathan was replaced at closer by [[Matt Capps]] after going 3 for 5 in save opportunities.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 17, 2011 |title=Joe Nathan replaced by Capps as Twins' closer |newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/04/17/SPK21J1NRU.DTL |url-status=live |access-date=May 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111212184300/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2011%2F04%2F17%2FSPK21J1NRU.DTL |archive-date=December 12, 2011}}</ref> On May 28, 2011, Nathan was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right flexor muscle strain. [[Chuck James]] was called up to take his place.<ref>{{cite news |last=Neal III |first=La Velle E. |date=May 29, 2011 |title=Nathan is latest Twins reliever to disabled list |newspaper=[[Star Tribune]] |url=http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/122783099.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531075121/http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/122783099.html |archive-date=May 31, 2011}}</ref>

On August 10, 2011, against the [[Boston Red Sox]], Nathan became the Twins all-time saves leader with 255, passing [[Rick Aguilera]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 11, 2011 |title=TWINS: Nathan new saves king of Minnesota closers |language=en |work=[[Grand Forks Herald]] |url=http://www.grandforksherald.com/news/2160104-twins-nathan-new-saves-king-minnesota-closers |url-status=live |access-date=September 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917143251/http://www.grandforksherald.com/news/2160104-twins-nathan-new-saves-king-minnesota-closers |archive-date=September 17, 2018}}</ref>

After the Twins declined his $12.5&nbsp;million club option and exercised a $2&nbsp;million buyout, Nathan became a free agent at the end of the [[2011 MLB season|2011 season]].<ref name=end/>

Nathan is currently the Minnesota Twins leader in career saves, with 260.<ref name="twinlead" />

===Texas Rangers (2012–2013)===
[[File:Joe Nathan on March 15, 2012.jpg|upright|thumb|Nathan with the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] in [[spring training]], 2012]]

On November 21, 2011, Nathan agreed to terms on a two-year deal with the Texas Rangers worth $14.5&nbsp;million guaranteed with an option for a third year at $9 million or a $500,000 buyout.<ref name="end">{{cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=November 21, 2011 |title=Nathan's tenure with Twins officially ends |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111121&content_id=26022962&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111123111820/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111121&content_id=26022962&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |archive-date=November 23, 2011 |access-date=November 22, 2011 |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sullivan |first=T. R. |date=November 21, 2011 |title=Nathan agrees to two-year deal with Texas |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111121&content_id=26022352&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111123103831/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111121&content_id=26022352&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |archive-date=November 23, 2011 |access-date=November 22, 2011 |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Short |first=D. J. |date=November 21, 2011 |title=Rangers ink Joe Nathan to two-year contract, moving Neftali Feliz to rotation |work=[[NBC Sports]] |url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/11/21/report-rangers-sign-joe-nathan/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140530181022/http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/11/21/report-rangers-sign-joe-nathan/ |archive-date=May 30, 2014}}</ref>

Nathan had a strong first season with the Rangers, as he was selected to the represent the Rangers at the [[2012 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2012 MLB All-Star Game]], the fifth All-Star selection of his career. He finished his 2012 campaign with a 3–5 record, 37 saves and an ERA of 2.80 in 66 relief appearances.<ref name="br" /> During a game against the [[Tampa Bay Rays]] on April 8, 2013, Nathan earned his 300th career save after striking out [[Ben Zobrist]] looking on a controversial strike call made by home plate umpire [[Marty Foster]]. TV cameras captured Nathan saying "Wow!" after the call.<ref name="usatoday">{{cite news |last1=Lacques |first1=Gabe |date=April 9, 2013 |title=Ump's blown call enables Joe Nathan to notch 300th save |work=[[USA Today]] |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/rangers/2013/04/09/joe-nathan-texas-rangers-blown-call-strike-three-ben-zobrist-marty-foster-gif/2065979/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413202304/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/rangers/2013/04/09/joe-nathan-texas-rangers-blown-call-strike-three-ben-zobrist-marty-foster-gif/2065979/ |archive-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref>

Nathan was selected to his sixth All-Star Game in 2013, and earned the save for the [[American League]]. Nathan improved on his 2012 campaign, finishing with a 6–2 record, 43 saves and an ERA of 1.39 in 67 games.<ref name="br" /> Nathan finished his Rangers career with an overall record of 9–7, 80 saves, a 2.09 ERA and 0.98 [[Walks plus hits per inning pitched|WHIP]].<ref name="br" />

===Detroit Tigers (2014–2015)===
[[File:Bryan Holaday, Joe Nathan (14000895919).jpg|thumb|Nathan with the Detroit Tigers]]
On December 4, 2013, the Tigers signed Nathan to a two-year, $20&nbsp;million contract, with a club option for 2016.  This reunited him with former teammate and fellow ex-Twins great, [[Torii Hunter]] along with Rangers teammate [[Ian Kinsler]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Beck |first=Jason |date=December 4, 2013 |title=Tigers, Nathan announce two-year pact |url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/det/detroit-tigers-announce-two-year-deal-with-joe-nathan?ymd=20131203&content_id=64352970&vkey=news_det |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211222729/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/det/joe-nathan-seeks-elusive-world-series-with-tigers?ymd=20131203&content_id=64352970&vkey=news_det |archive-date=December 11, 2013 |access-date=December 4, 2013 |work=[[Detroit Tigers]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref> On May 5, 2014, Nathan recorded his 347th career save, tying him with [[Randy Myers]] for ninth on the [[300 saves club|all-time saves list]]. Two days later, Nathan recorded career save number 348, putting him alone at ninth on the all-time saves list. On July 9, Nathan recorded career save 358, tying him with [[Troy Percival]] for eighth on the all-time saves list. On August 23, 2014, Nathan recorded his 368th career save, passing up [[Jeff Reardon]] for seventh place on the all-time saves list. In a September 16 game against the Minnesota Twins, Nathan blew his seventh save of the season, surpassing his previous career high of six blown saves when he pitched for the Twins in 2008.<ref>{{cite web |last=Czech |first=Adam |date=September 16, 2014 |title=Twins stun Tigers in 9th for 4–3 win |url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20140916_DET@MIN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140917182253/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20140916_DET@MIN |archive-date=September 17, 2014 |access-date=September 17, 2014 |work=[[CBS Sports]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Nathan finished his first season with the Tigers making 62 appearances and going 5–4 with 35 saves in 42 chances, while posting an ERA of 4.81.<ref name="br" /> He made one postseason appearance in 2014, retiring all three batters he faced in a non-save situation in Game 2 of the ALDS against the [[Baltimore Orioles]]. The Tigers were swept in the series, 3–0.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 AL Division Series - Baltimore Orioles over Detroit Tigers (3-0) |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/2014_ALDS2.shtml |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref>

On April 8, 2015, Nathan was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a strained right elbow. During a rehab start with the [[Toledo Mud Hens]] on April 22, Nathan re-injured his elbow after throwing only 10 pitches.<ref>{{cite web |last=Schmehl |first=James |date=April 22, 2015 |title=Detroit Tigers closer Joe Nathan scared, frustrated after latest setback: 'It feels like I broke my arm' |url=http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2015/04/detroit_tigers_joe_nathan_scar.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424144158/http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2015/04/detroit_tigers_joe_nathan_scar.html |archive-date=April 24, 2015 |access-date=April 23, 2015 |work=[[MLive Media Group|Michigan Live]]}}</ref> The same night, Nathan underwent MRIs, which tested positive revealing tears in his [[ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow]] and his [[pronator teres muscle]], and would undergo [[Tommy John surgery]], ending Nathan's 2015 season.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jahnke |first1=James |last2=Fenech |first2=Anthony |date=April 23, 2015 |title=Detroit Tigers' Joe Nathan out for season with arm injury |url=http://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/04/23/detroit-tigers-joe-nathan/26233657/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425000847/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/04/23/detroit-tigers-joe-nathan/26233657/ |archive-date=April 25, 2015 |access-date=April 23, 2015 |work=[[Detroit Free Press]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Beck |first=Jason |date=April 23, 2015 |title=Nathan to have season-ending Tommy John surgery |url=http://m.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/120038934/detroit-tigers-pitcher-joe-nathan-to-have-tommy-john-surgery |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425215926/http://m.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/120038934/detroit-tigers-pitcher-joe-nathan-to-have-tommy-john-surgery |archive-date=April 25, 2015 |access-date=April 23, 2015 |work=[[Detroit Tigers]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Sources projected that this surgery could end Nathan's career, but he was not planning to retire yet.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fenech |first1=Anthony |date=April 23, 2015 |title=Nathan out for 2015, but not planning to retire yet. |url=http://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/04/23/detroit-tigers-joe-nathan/26233657/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425000847/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/04/23/detroit-tigers-joe-nathan/26233657/ |archive-date=April 25, 2015 |access-date=April 23, 2015 |website=[[Detroit Free Press]]}}</ref>

During the 2015 offseason, the Tigers declined the $10 million club option for Nathan for the 2016 season, and exercised a $1 million buyout.<ref>{{cite web |last=Beck |first=Jason |date=November 3, 2015 |title=Tigers decline Nathan's option |url=http://m.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/156395102/tigers-decline-closer-joe-nathans-option |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106013300/http://m.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/156395102/tigers-decline-closer-joe-nathans-option |archive-date=November 6, 2015 |access-date=November 3, 2015 |work=[[Detroit Tigers]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref>

===Chicago Cubs (2016)===
On May 17, 2016, Nathan signed with the [[Chicago Cubs]]. He was immediately placed on the 60-day disabled list upon signing to continue recovery from his previous Tommy John surgery.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gonzales |first1=Mark |date=May 17, 2016 |title=Cubs sign Joe Nathan |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cubs/ct-cubs-sign-joe-nathan-20160517-story.html |access-date=May 17, 2016 |website=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref> He made his Cubs debut on July 24, 2016, against the [[Milwaukee Brewers]], pitching one inning and striking out three while allowing one hit and one walk to earn the win.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 24, 2016 |title=Anthony Rizzo's 3-run double helps Cubs beat Brewers 6-5 |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/360724108 |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=[[ESPN]] |language=en |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> After three appearances, the Cubs designated Nathan for assignment on August 6, 2016. The Cubs went on to win the World Series that year, earning Nathan his first World Series ring.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rogers |first=Jesse |date=August 6, 2016 |title=Cubs' Jorge Soler returns to lineup; reliever Joe Nathan DFA'd |url=http://abc7chicago.com/sports/cubs-jorge-soler-returns-to-lineup;-reliever-joe-nathan-dfad/1459181/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815141441/http://abc7chicago.com/sports/cubs-jorge-soler-returns-to-lineup;-reliever-joe-nathan-dfad/1459181/ |archive-date=August 15, 2016 |access-date=August 16, 2016 |website=[[WLS-TV]] |publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref>

===Second stint with Giants (2016)===
On August 16, 2016, Nathan signed a minor league deal with the [[San Francisco Giants]].<ref>{{cite web |date=August 16, 2016 |title=Giants' Joe Nathan: Signing minor-leaugue deal with Giants |url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/giants-joe-nathan-signing-minor-leaugue-deal-with-giants/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919055602/http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/giants-joe-nathan-signing-minor-leaugue-deal-with-giants/ |archive-date=September 19, 2016 |access-date=August 16, 2016 |work=[[CBS Sports]]}}</ref> On September 3, Nathan was called up from the Triple-A [[Richmond Flying Squirrels]] to the Giants expanded September roster.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 4, 2016 |title=San Francisco Giants: Joe Nathan Comes Full Circle |language=en-US |work=[[Fox Sports]] |url=https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/san-francisco-giants-joe-nathan-comes-full-circle-090416 |url-status=live |access-date=September 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917143141/https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/san-francisco-giants-joe-nathan-comes-full-circle-090416 |archive-date=September 17, 2018}}</ref>

===Washington Nationals===
Nathan signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the [[Washington Nationals]] for the 2017 season.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Janes |first=Chelsea |date=January 31, 2017 |title=Nationals sign righties Joe Nathan and Matt Albers to minor league deals |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2017/01/31/nationals-sign-righties-joe-nathan-and-matt-albers-to-minor-league-deals/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131214715/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2017/01/31/nationals-sign-righties-joe-nathan-and-matt-albers-to-minor-league-deals/ |archive-date=January 31, 2017}}</ref> He opted out of his contract and was released on March 27, 2017, as spring training came to a close.<ref>{{cite news |last=Reddington |first=Patrick |date=March 27, 2017 |title=Washington Nationals announce Joe Nathan and Matt Albers have been unconditionally released |work=Federal Baseball |publisher=[[SB Nation]] |url=http://www.federalbaseball.com/2017/3/27/15071800/washington-nationals-joe-nathan-matt-albers-unconditionally-released |url-status=live |access-date=March 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328105106/http://www.federalbaseball.com/2017/3/27/15071800/washington-nationals-joe-nathan-matt-albers-unconditionally-released |archive-date=March 28, 2017}}</ref> He was re-signed to a minor league contract on April 9,<ref>{{cite news |last=Janes |first=Chelsea |date=April 9, 2017 |title=Nationals bring back veteran reliever Joe Nathan on minor league deal |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2017/04/09/nationals-bring-back-veteran-reliever-joe-nathan-on-minor-league-deal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170411003203/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2017/04/09/nationals-bring-back-veteran-reliever-joe-nathan-on-minor-league-deal/ |archive-date=April 11, 2017 |access-date=April 11, 2017 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref> and released for a second time on May 31.<ref>{{cite web |last=Todd |first=Jeff |date=May 31, 2017 |title=Nationals Release Joe Nathan |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/05/nationals-release-joe-nathan.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170531202843/https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/05/nationals-release-joe-nathan.html |archive-date=May 31, 2017 |access-date=May 31, 2017 |work=MLB Trade Rumors}}</ref>

=== Retirement ===
On September 3, 2017, Nathan held a press conference with the [[Minnesota Twins]], where he announced his retirement after signing a one-day contract to end his career in Minnesota.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=September 3, 2017 |title=Joe Nathan officially retires with Twins |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/joe-nathan-officially-retires-with-twins/c-251866974 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917105347/https://www.mlb.com/news/joe-nathan-officially-retires-with-twins/c-251866974 |archive-date=September 17, 2018 |access-date=September 17, 2018 |website=[[MLB.com]] |language=en}}</ref> Nathan threw out the first pitch during that night's game against the Kansas City Royals.<ref name=":0" /> Nathan retired with 377 saves, at the time eighth-most in MLB history, a 2.87 ERA, and an 89.3% save percentage, the highest amongst all relievers with at least 250 saves.<ref name=":0" />

Nathan was inducted into the Twins Hall of Fame on August 3, 2019.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Park |first1=Do-Hyoung |date=August 3, 2019 |title=Nathan inducted into Twins Hall of Fame |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/joe-nathan-inducted-into-twins-hall-of-fame |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811195438/https://www.mlb.com/news/joe-nathan-inducted-into-twins-hall-of-fame |archive-date=August 11, 2019 |access-date=August 11, 2019 |website=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref>

==Records and notable statistics==
Nathan was included on the ballot for the [[National Baseball Hall of Fame]] class of {{bhofy|2022}} when it was announced on November 22, 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last=Randhawa |first=Manny |date=November 22, 2021 |title=Every player making HOF ballot debut in '22 |website=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]] |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2022-hall-of-fame-ballot-mlb |url-status=live |accessdate=November 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122182012/https://www.mlb.com/news/2022-hall-of-fame-ballot-mlb |archive-date=November 22, 2021}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
|+'''MLB'''
|-
! Accomplishment
! Record
! Refs
|-
! style="background:#dde;" colspan="3"|Regular season
|-
| Highest save percent (SV/SVO) in MLB history <small>(minimum 200 completed saves)</small><ref group=lower-alpha name=Riv>As of July 7, 2014, followed by [[Mariano Rivera]] 89.07%, [[Trevor Hoffman]] 88.77%, [[Jonathan Papelbon]] 88.00%, [[José Valverde]] 87.80%</ref>
| 89.33% 
| <ref>{{cite web |title=Sortable Player Stats (MLB) |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/sortable.jsp#elem=%5Bobject+Object%5D&tab_level=child&click_text=Sortable+Player+pitching&sectionType=sp&statType=pitching&page=1&ts=1405300962379&split=&season=2014&game_type='R'&playerType=ALL&timeframe=&season_type=ALL&active_sw=&sortColumn=sv&sortOrder='desc'&extended=0&league_code='MLB' |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114190234/http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/sortable.jsp#elem=%5Bobject+Object%5D&tab_level=child&click_text=Sortable+Player+pitching&sectionType=sp&statType=pitching&page=1&ts=1405300962379&split=&season=2014&game_type='R'&playerType=ALL&timeframe=&season_type=ALL&active_sw=&sortColumn=sv&sortOrder='desc'&extended=0&league_code='MLB' |archive-date=November 14, 2019 |access-date=July 14, 2014 |website=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref>
|-
| Second-most saves in AL history<ref group=lower-alpha name=River>2nd to [[Mariano Rivera]]</ref>
| 374 <small></small>
| <ref>{{cite web |title=Sortable Player Stats (AL) |url=https://www.mlb.com/stats/pitching/american-league/saves/all-time-totals?sortState=asc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114190234/http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/sortable.jsp#elem=%5Bobject+Object%5D&tab_level=child&click_text=Sortable+Player+pitching&sectionType=sp&statType=pitching&page=1&ts=1405300428741&split=&season=2014&game_type='R'&playerType=ALL&timeframe=&season_type=ALL&active_sw=&sortColumn=sv&sortOrder='desc'&extended=0&league_code='AL' |archive-date=November 14, 2019 |access-date=July 14, 2014 |website=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref>
|-
| Third-most seasons with at least 35 saves<ref group=lower-alpha name=Hoffman>Only behind [[Mariano Rivera]] and [[Trevor Hoffman]]</ref>
| 9 <small>(2004–2009, 2012–2014)</small>
| <ref name="bbref.com">{{cite web |date=May 6, 2014 |title=For single seasons, From 1914 to 2014, Total (within Season Totals), (requiring earned_run_avg≤1.88, IP_from_outs≥60, whip≤.999 and SV≥35), sorted by greatest Earned Run Average for this split |url=http://bbref.com/pi/shareit/GFRFH |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320155852/https://www.baseball-reference.com/tools/share.fcgi?id=GFRFH |archive-date=March 20, 2022 |access-date=May 19, 2014 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |publisher=[[Sports Reference]]}}</ref>
|-
| Tied for third-most seasons with at least 40 saves<ref group=lower-alpha name=Eckersley>Tied with [[Dennis Eckersley]], [[Francisco Rodríguez (Venezuelan pitcher)|Francisco Rodríguez]], [[John Wetteland]], [[José Mesa]], and [[Robb Nen]]</ref>
| 4 <small>(2004, 2005, 2009, 2013)</small>
| <ref name="bbref.com"/>
|-
| Second-most seasons with sub-1.89&nbsp;ERA <small>(minimum 60 innings pitched each)</small><ref group=lower-alpha name=Mariano>Only behind [[Mariano Rivera]]</ref>
| 5 <small>(2004, 2005, 2009, 2013)</small>
| <ref name="bbref.com"/>
|-
| Tied for most seasons with at least 35&nbsp;saves, sub-1.89 ERA, and sub-1.00 WHIP <small>(minimum 60 innings pitched each)</small><ref group=lower-alpha name=Wagner>Tied with [[Mariano Rivera]] and [[Billy Wagner]]</ref>
| 4 <small>(2004, 2005, 2009, 2013)</small>
| <ref name="bbref.com"/>
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|-
|+'''Twins records'''
|-
! Accomplishment
! Record
! Refs
|-
! style="background:#dde;" colspan="3"|Regular season
|-
| Most career games saved
| 260
| <ref name="twinlead">{{cite web |title=Minnesota Twins Top 10 Pitching Leaders |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MIN/leaders_pitch.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109074942/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MIN/leaders_pitch.shtml |archive-date=January 9, 2022 |access-date=May 19, 2014 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |publisher=[[Sports Reference]]}}</ref>
|-
| Most saves in single season
| 47 <small>(2009)</small>
| <ref name=twinlead/>
|-
| Highest career strikeout-to-walk ratio <small>(minimum 450&nbsp;innings pitched)</small>
| 4.19
| <ref name=twinlead/>
|-
| Lowest career WHIP <small>(minimum 450&nbsp;innings pitched)</small>
| 0.96
| <ref name=twinlead/>
|-
| Most consecutive save opportunities converted
| 27
| <ref>{{cite web |title=Longest Streak with A.S=1 From 1914 to 2014, Playing in the AL, In Save Opportunities |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/play-index/streak_finder.cgi?type=p#gotresults&as=result_pitcher&offset=0&suffix=&min_year_game=1914&max_year_game=2014&series=any&series_game=any&team_id=ANY&team_lg=AL&opp_id=&opp_lg=&throws=any&HV=any&game_site=&Role=anyGS&DEC=SvOpp&c4criteria=A.S&c4gtlt=eq&c4val=1&c5criteria=&c5gtlt=eq&c5val=&c6criteria=&c6gtlt=eq&c6val=&c1criteria=&c1gtlt=eq&c1val=&c2criteria=&c2gtlt=eq&c2val=&c3criteria=&c3gtlt=eq&c3val=&location=pob&locationMatch=is&pob=&pod=&pcanada=&pusa=&ajax=1&submitter=1&z=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925004102/http://www.baseball-reference.com/play-index/streak_finder.cgi?type=p#gotresults&as=result_pitcher&offset=0&suffix=&min_year_game=1914&max_year_game=2014&series=any&series_game=any&team_id=ANY&team_lg=AL&opp_id=&opp_lg=&throws=any&HV=any&game_site=&Role=anyGS&DEC=SvOpp&c4criteria=A.S&c4gtlt=eq&c4val=1&c5criteria=&c5gtlt=eq&c5val=&c6criteria=&c6gtlt=eq&c6val=&c1criteria=&c1gtlt=eq&c1val=&c2criteria=&c2gtlt=eq&c2val=&c3criteria=&c3gtlt=eq&c3val=&location=pob&locationMatch=is&pob=&pod=&pcanada=&pusa=&ajax=1&submitter=1&z=1 |archive-date=September 25, 2015 |access-date=May 19, 2014 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |publisher=[[Sports Reference]]}}</ref>
|}
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

==Personal life==
Nathan met his wife, Lisa, in Arizona in 1997.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rodriguez |first1=Justin |date=August 17, 2003 |title=On the road with big league pitcher Joe Nathan |work=[[Times Herald-Record]] |url=https://www.recordonline.com/story/sports/2003/08/17/on-road-with-big-league/51152388007/ |access-date=November 10, 2022}}</ref> Together, they had a son named Cole in or around 2005 and a daughter named Riley Grace in April 2007.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 7, 2007 |title=Twins pitcher Joe Nathan and wife welcome a baby girl |language=en |work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |url=https://people.com/parents/twins_pitcher_j/ |access-date=November 10, 2022}}</ref>

Nathan's grandfather, Bob Brock, was a star baseball player for the [[Texas Longhorns baseball|Texas Longhorns]] and played briefly in the Boston Red Sox [[farm system]].<ref name="knots" /><ref>{{cite news |date=August 21, 2020 |title=In Memoriam: Bob Brock |language=en |work=[[Texas Longhorns|University of Texas Athletics]] |url=https://texassports.com/news/2020/8/21/baseball-in-memoriam-bob-brock.aspx |access-date=November 10, 2022}}</ref>

==Pitching style==
Nathan threw a mix of four pitches. His main pitch, a [[four-seam fastball]] was once thrown in the mid-to-upper 90s, but settled between 91 and 94&nbsp;mph. His main breaking ball was a hard [[Slider (baseball)|slider]] in the upper 80s, occasionally even touching 90. He used the slider less frequently against left-handed hitters, preferring to use a [[curveball]] in the low 80s. He also used a [[two-seam fastball]] against lefties. His slider was his best swing-and-miss pitch, with a [[baseball statistics#whiff rate|whiff rate]] of 42% since 2007.<ref>{{cite web |title=PITCHf/x Player Card: Joe Nathan |url=http://brooksbaseball.net/player_cards/player_card.php?player=150274 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824032140/http://brooksbaseball.net/player_cards/player_card.php?player=150274 |archive-date=August 24, 2012 |access-date=July 10, 2012 |website=Brooks Baseball}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{Portal|Biography|Baseball}}
{{baseballstats|mlb=150274|espn=4044|br=n/nathajo01|fangraphs=1122|brm=nathan001jos}}
*{{Official website|http://JoeNathan.com}}

{{300 saves club}}
{{United States roster 2006 World Baseball Classic}}
{{AL Relief Man Award Winners}}
{{Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame}}
{{Good article}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nathan, Joe}}
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