Guide Note:

Major League baseball player Troy Percival is a veteran relief 1pitcher who currently serves as the closer for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Fast Facts:

1. Born: August 9, 1969
2. Birthplace: Fontana, California
3. 2002: World Series Champion with Anaheim Angels
4. Also pitched for Detroit Tigers and St. Louis Cardinals
5. Sat out entire 2006 season
6. Has over 300 career saves

Percival began his Major League career with the California Angels in 1995 as a relief pitching set-up man for the team's then-closer Lee Smith. His debut year was impressive, as he compiled a 1.95 ERA over 74 innings, while striking out 94. The following year, Percival was made the Angels closer, appeared in his first All-Star game, and earned 36 saves on the year. Over the next eight seasons with the Angels, Percival became one of the most dominant relievers in baseball, consistently saving over 30 games a year and being named to three All-Star teams. He was an integral part of the 2002 Angels team that won the World Series, saving three of the team's four wins in the contest.

In 2005, Percival signed with the Detroit Tigers, but an arm injury in July ended his season, and the once-dominant closer sat out the entire 2006 season before signing on with the St. Louis Cardinals. His comeback with the Cardinals was successful, as he maintained an under-2.00 ERA, but Percival wanted to become a closer so after the end of the 2007 season he signed on with the young Tampa Bay Rays.