Joe Nathan Back In Old Stomping Grounds (Video)

Joe Nathan is in his twelfth MLB season and first with the two-time defending American League champion Rangers. Nathan started his career with the Giants, before being traded to the Twins, along with Francisco Liriano and Boof Bonser, in a deal that sent A.J. Pierzynski to San Francisco in 2004.

That season, the Twins turned Nathan into a closer, where he found immediate success, earning 44 saves and posting a 1.62 ERA.

Nathan was one of baseball's most successful closers through the 2009 season, making four All-Star appearances and helping the Twins to three postseasons.

Prior to the start of the 2010 season, Nathan experienced a major setback, suffering an arm injury which required Tommy John surgery. As a result, he missed the entire 2010 schedule.

Nathan returned to baseball in 2011, becoming the Twins all-time saves leader with an impressive 260.

This past offseason, the Twins and Nathan parted ways, with Nathan signing a two-year contract with the Rangers for $14.5 million.

Nathan was very popular amongst Twins fans for his great pitching and down to earth personality.

Here is iFolloSports.com original video of Nathan signing autographs for his former fan base outside of the W Hotel Minneapolis, last Friday afternoon, during his new team's only visit to Minnesota this season.  

Sunday, Nathan picked up a save against his former club, in a 4-3 Rangers victory.