# Why Being a Closer is the Hardest Job in Baseball | 6ix Inning Stretch

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/6ix-inning-stretch-7390316/why-being-a-closer-is-the-hardest-job-in-baseball-6ix-inning-stretch
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/6ix-inning-stretch-7390316/why-being-a-closer-is-the-hardest-job-in-baseball-6ix-inning-stretch.md
Podcast: [6ix Inning Stretch](https://stenobird.com/podcast/6ix-inning-stretch-7390316)
Published: 2026-04-29T13:55:00+00:00
Episode link: https://shows.acast.com/6ix-inning-stretch/episodes/why-being-a-closer-is-the-hardest-job-in-baseball-6ix-inning
Audio file: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/685cda690904b52e46aba9aa/e/69f143135531bfee78744662/media.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/6ix-inning-stretch-7390316/episodes/why-being-a-closer-is-the-hardest-job-in-baseball-6ix-inning-stretch
Duration seconds: 2117

## Resource

In this episode of 6ix Inning Stretch, Whit Merrifield and Lindsay Dunn break down the high-pressure world of MLB bullpens. Following the Toronto Blue Jays' decision to move to a "closer by committee" approach, Whit provides a player's perspective on why finishing games is the most mentally taxing job in sports. He shares stories from the legendary Kansas City super bullpen era and discusses the difficult reality of watching teammates struggle to find their rhythm under the bright lights of the ninth inning. They also discuss Nathan Lukes, who discussed his struggles with vertigo as he tried to battle through and stay in the lineup. 0:00 - Intro 1:39 - Jordan Romano DFA'd by LA 2:53 - Jeff Hoffman removed from the closer role 7:29 - Kansas City's super bullpen 10:33 - Mental coaches in baseball 12:36 - Sports Interaction 14:00 - Nathan Lukes dealing with vertigo 17:26 - Bad fan behaviour online 22:33 - Red Sox clean house 27:33 - Hit by pitch apologies 31:22 - Custom gear 34:15 - Can Whit name the Spice Girls? 35:12 - Outro Thank you to our partners! Reach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us! 🔵 Sports Interaction (19+): http://www.sportsinteraction.com/BJN #6InningStretch #WhitMerrifield #LindsayDunn #BlueJays #MLB #Postseason #Playoffs #RogersCentre #BaseballLife #TorontoBlueJays #MLBTalk #BaseballPodcast #Interview #Royals #KansasCityRoyals #KansasCity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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## Transcript

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