Closer
Ellis Kinder won 23 games as a starter (1949) and twice led the AL in saves. The right-handed Kinder got a late start at the MLB level becoming a rookie with the St. Louis Browns (1946). With Boston, Kinder was plugged into the rotation until 1951 when Boston needed some significant bullpen help. Kinder did the job and also twice led the AL in games. Kinder had 93 saves for the Red Sox to go along with 83 wins.
Lefty Leo Kiely was originally a starter for Boston but eventually became the left-handed bullpen option for the Red Sox garnering 28 saves in six Boston seasons. Kiely pitched well at Fenway Park (15-6, 3.19), but if it was speed you wanted you’ll need to look elsewhere. Kiley’s career 3.3 BB/9 almost matched his career 3.6 K/9.
Honorable Mention: Mike Fornieles had been with several teams before the right-hander came to Boston where he worked primarily out of the bullpen getting 48 saves in seven seasons when saves were far harder to get credit for. Fornieles was the first-ever AL winner of the Sporting News Fireman of the Year (1960).