Best closer of all time

I went with the Goose.  I know his save totals aren't gawdy like Hoffman, Lee Smith and the like, but Goose posted many 2 and 3 inning saves which you just don't see now days.  Also, the starters back then pitched more complete games and with Goose almost always pitching at least 2 innings per save, couldn't go out there 3-4 days in a row.  He had an intimidating mound presence like no other.  I also think its a complete disgrace that he had to wait for so long to get voted into the HOF

I totally agree! When the Goose took the mound, nobody wanted to face that guy. He may not have had the numbers those other guys had, but he was a major force for those Yankee teams of the 70's.

Who is the best closer of all time?

Interesting response to your poll. As it reads "the best closer of all time." 

There are however other closers today who are looking stronger & Trevor Hoffman looks like he has lost some of his magic, but there are very few pure closers with the exception of Mariano Rivera, Lee Smith who have had any staying power in that position.

Goose & Sutter had 310 & 300 saves respectively.

Trevor Hoffman has 528

Lee Smith had 478

Mariano Rivera has 451

As far as the young crop of closers today go to the following link & see where they stand on the All Time List: http://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/SV_career.shtml

With that in mind the vote should be hands down with the triage of Trevor Hoffman, Lee Smith & Mariano RIvera

Where is Eric Gagne on this list?!??

But really......I'm a self-professed Yankee hater, but Mariano Rivera is the clear answer.  Regular season or post season.....It's game over!