A "hold" is a baseball statistic reflecting a relief pitcher's effectiveness. Established in 1986 by John Benson and Mike Gimbel, it rewards pitchers like Josh Hader for preserving a lead. This metric is crucial for assessing middle relief pitchers, best for appreciating their contributions outside of saves.
TL;DR
A hold occurs when a pitcher enters with a lead of three runs or fewer, or with the tying run on base, and exits while still leading. The reliever must record at least one out and cannot be the winning pitcher or the one who finishes the game. This metric rewards consistent setup men who preserve leads during the middle innings of professional play.
Why Does the Hold Statistic Exist?
The hold was created to provide recognition for elite relief pitchers who handle high-pressure situations before the ninth inning. Before its invention in the 1980s, middle relievers often lacked meaningful stats because saves were reserved strictly for the final pitcher.
Statisticians John Dewan and Mike Sullivan developed the metric to highlight pitchers who protect advantages in the seventh or eighth innings. It helps front offices and fans identify which specialists are most effective at keeping a team ahead. Without this stat, a pitcher who faces the heart of the order in a tight game would receive no formal credit for their success.
Sources:MLB Hold Definition
What Are the Specific Rules for Earning a Hold?
To earn a hold, a pitcher must meet three specific criteria:they must enter in a save situation, record at least one out, and leave the game without surrendering the lead. They cannot receive a win or a save in the same game where they earn a hold.
Even if the relief pitcher allows a run, they can still get a hold as long as the lead remains. However, if they allow enough runs to tie the game, they are charged with a blown save instead. Multiple pitchers can earn a hold in a single game, which differs from saves or wins.
Sources:Baseball Reference Stat Explanations
How to Determine if a Pitcher Deserves a Hold
Deciding if a performance qualifies for a hold depends on the game context at the moment the pitcher enters and exits the mound. It requires checking the score and the number of outs recorded.
- Enter the game in a defined save situation
- Successfully record at least one out against a batter
- Maintain the lead until at least the next pitching change
- Exit the game before the final out is made
Final Thoughts
The hold remains the premier way to judge middle relief value in modern baseball. It ensures that the hard work of setup specialists doesn't go unnoticed.