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From 1971-2000, only six relievers with less than five saves at mid-season were selected to the All Star game. Despite their value to their clubs, middle-relievers and setup men were rarely considered All Star material. Perhaps that’s why Jeff Nelson identified making the 2001 All Star game as his greatest baseball thrill in the questionnaire above. The quintessential setup man, Nelson enjoyed a 15-year career in which he recorded 33 saves.

Nelson believed he had earned his way onto the All Star team in 2000, only to be snubbed by the man selecting the team – his own manager Joe Torre. By August, Nelson and Torre were at each other’s throats, engaging in a shouting match after the skipper lifted his reliever in a 3-3 game.

A free-agent at season’s end, Nelson bolted from the Yankees in favor of the Seattle Mariners. By the time the All Star team was selected – again by Torre – Nelson was performing at his best. He had 53 strikeouts in 35 1/3 innings to go along with his 2.29 ERA. Nelson was infuriated when his former manager went with Mariano Rivera to join six Yankee teammates on the All Star squad. However, this story would have a happy ending.

Rivera, who would end up leading the AL with 50 saves, opted out of the All Star game after developing inflammation in his right ankle. Torre then made amends and selected Nelson to his first and only All Star team.

The decision certainly meant a great deal to Nelson.

“…as a setup man in the Major Leagues, it is tough to make the All Star team,” Nelson writes. “Even though I blessed to win four World Series rings with the Yankees, the All Star game was my biggest moment.”

Nelson’s selection started a trend. From 2001-2009, the number of non-closer All Star relievers jumped to ten. Today many middle inning relievers boast multiple All Star appearances. Just maybe they owe Joe Torre and Jeff Nelson a tip of the cap.