Vital Statistics:
Born: Nov. 23, 1980
Hometown: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Height: 6-4
Weight: 230
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Family: Wife, Ashley
Primary position: Relief pitcher
Before The Bigs:
- Went 9-6 with 13 saves in three seasons at Mississippi State.
- Drafted in the 40th round (1,208th overall) in the 2002 draft by the Oakland A's, but did not sign; he was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the fourth round (114th overall) in 2003.
- Went 12-7 with a 2.64 ERA at Single-A Sarasota in 2004.
- Started the 2005 season at Double-A Portland and went 5-2 in 14 games before moving up to Triple-A Pawtucket, then Boston.
- Went 3-1 for the Red Sox in 2005, making three starts and joining the bullpen for the playoffs.
- The Red Sox had him pegged for the starting rotation in 2006, but when closer Keith Foulke was ineffective in spring training, Papelbon became the closer and had 26 saves by the All-Star break. From April 5 to June 8, he saved 20 consecutive games and allowed one earned run in 29 innings. He finished with 35 saves and held batters to a .167 batting average.
- Named to AL All-Star teams in 2006 and 2007.
