Bobby Parnell
Baseball Player
Hard-throwing reliever who made his MLB debut for the New York Mets in 2008 and took over closing duties in 2013.
He was a starter in the minor leagues before being converted to the bullpen.
Former veteran teammate Jason Isringhausen taught him to throw a knuckle-curve, giving him the secondary pitch he needed to be more effective.
He grew up in Salisbury, North Carolina.
He joined speedy shortstop Jose Reyes on the Mets in 2008.