Did you know that Craig Kimbrel set the Major League record for saves in a season (forty-six saves / fifty-four save opportunities) by a rookie in 2011? [ Saves Records ]

On August 9, 2011 , Kimbrel recorded his thirty-sixth save of the year, tying Todd Worrell for the National League record for saves in a season by a rookie . Eight days later, on August 17, Craig had his thirty-seventh save setting a new senior circuit record.

On August 23, 2011 , Kimbrel recorded his fortieth save of the year, tying Neftali Feliz for the Major League record for saves in a season by a rookie ( Feliz still holds the American League record ). Eight days later, on August 31, Craig had his forty-first save setting a new Major League record .

The record setting saves: Save 1 , Save 2 , Save 3 , Save 4 , Save 5 , Save 6 , Save 7 , Save 8 , Save 9 , Save 10 , Save 11 , Save 12 , Save 13 , Save 14 , Save 15 , Save 16 , Save 17 , Save 18 , Save 19 , Save 20 , Save 21 , Save 22 , Save 23 , Save 24 , Save 25 , Save 26 , Save 27 , Save 28 , Save 29 , Save 30 , Save 31 , Save 32 , Save 33 , Save 34 , Save 35 , Save 36 , Save 37 , Save 38 , Save 39 , Save 40 , Save 41 , Save 42 , Save 43 , Save 44 , Save 45 , Save 46 .

On June 8, 2015 , Kimbrel recorded the 200th save of his career in his 318th game, the fastest pitcher to reach the plateau in baseball history, besting Jonathan Papelbon - the previous record holder, by 41 games (200th save in his 359th game).

Craig Kimbrel was the seventh Braves player in franchise history to win Rookie of the Year ( Rafael Furcal , David Justice , Bob Horner , Earl Williams , Sam Jethroe , Alvin Dark ), and the first pitcher EVER, from either league, to win it unanimously.

Craig Kimbrel won the inaugural Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year in 2014. His counterpart, Greg Holland , won the inaugural Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year .

When Craig Kimbrel recorded his fortieth save of the 2014 season (August 29), he became only the third closer in baseball history with four consecutive 40-save seasons, joining Trevor Hoffman (1998-2001 & 2004-2007) and Francisco Rodriguez (2005-2008).