Brad Lidge

Brad Lidge is an All-Star closer for the Philadelphia Phillies. Lidge is recognized for being a major contributer to the 2005 playoff run of the Houston Astros. But in the post season he would famously give up a home run to Albert Pujols to force a game six, and he would also give up a walk-off home run to light hitting Scott Podsednik in game two of the World Series.

In 2008, Lidge finished the season with 48 saves in 48 opportunities, including the all his appearances in the post season and also earning the save in the final game of the 2008 World Series. Lidge finished the season with a record of 2-0 with a 1.95 earned run average.ESPN.com: Lidge closes out Rays to finish season 48-48 on saves

Bradley Thomas Lidge was born in Sacramento, California on April 26, 1976. He would attend the University of Notre Dame where he would win the Big East Player of the Year Award as a starting pitcher for the Fighting Irish. He would be selected with the 17th pick in the 1998 Major League Baseball Draft by the Houston Astros. In the minors he would be converted into a relief pitcher.

Lidge would make his Major League debut on April 26, 2002. He would start as a middle reliever and in the years following work his way up to Set-up man to finally closer when the Astros traded Billy Wagner and Octavio Dotel. In 2005, he would be elected to his first All-Star appearance. He would strike out the side in the bottom of the seventh inning against Melvin Mora, Mike Sweeney and Garret Anderson. He would famously struggle in the post season, giving up a home run to Albert Pujols in game 5 of the National League Championship series, then a game winning home run to Scott Podsednik in game two of the World Series. His fortitude and his mental toughness would be challenged and questioned the following year, and he would lose his closer role in 2007. In the offseason Lidge was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies with Eric Bruntlett for Michael Bourn and Geoff Geary,

• 1976: Born on December 23
• 2002: Debuts with Houston Astros
• 2005: National League All-Star
• 2006: Recorded his 100th save for Houston Astros
• 2007: Traded to the Philadelphia Phillies
• 2008: Undergoes knee surgery to correct a torn meniscus

• Mahalo's Guide to the Houston Astros
• ESPN.com: Career Stats
  • Height: 6-5
  • Weight: 210
  • Rookie Year: 2002

• 1976 : Born on December 23

• 2002: Debuts with Houston Astros

• 2005: National League All-Star

• 2006: Recorded his 100th save for Houston Astros

• 2008: Undergoes knee surgery to correct a torn meniscus