Mariano Rivera
Encyclopedia
Mariano Rivera is a Panama
nian right-handed baseball
pitcher
who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball
(MLB) for the New York Yankees
. Nicknamed "Mo", Rivera has served as a relief pitcher
for most of his career, and since 1997, he has been the Yankees' closer
. A 12-time All-Star and five-time World Series
champion, he is MLB's all-time leader in saves (603) and games finished
(883). His accolades include five American League
(AL) Rolaids Relief Man Award
s, the 1999
World Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, and the 2003
AL Championship Series MVP Award.
Rivera was signed by the Yankees organization in 1990 as an amateur free agent in Panama, and he debuted in the major leagues in 1995. Initially a starting pitcher
, he struggled in the role and was consequently converted to a relief pitcher. After a breakthrough season in 1996 as a setup man, he became the Yankees' closer in 1997. In the following years, he established himself as one of baseball's top relievers, leading the major leagues in saves in 1999, 2001, and 2004. Rivera's presence in the late innings of games to record the final outs
has been instrumental to the Yankees' success in the late-1990s and 2000s, particularly in the postseason
where he has set numerous records, including lowest earned run average
(ERA) (0.70) and most saves (42). His pitching repertoire consists primarily of one pitch
—a sharp-breaking, mid-90s mile per hour (mph) cut fastball that has been called an all-time great pitch.
Rivera is regarded by baseball experts as one of the most dominant relievers in major league history. Pitching with a longevity and consistency uncommon to the closer role, he has saved at least 25 games in 15 consecutive seasons and has posted an ERA under 2.00 in 11 seasons, both of which are records. His career 2.21 ERA and 1.00 WHIP
are the lowest marks in baseball's live-ball era
. On the field, he is well-known for his reserved demeanor and composure that contrast with the effusiveness of many of his peers. Off the field, he has been involved in charitable causes and the Christian community. Sportswriters anticipate Rivera will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame upon retirement.
, Panama
, on November 29, 1969, to Mariano, Sr. and Delia Rivera. His father worked as a ship captain in the fishing
industry. Rivera has one older sister, Delia, and two younger brothers, Alvaro and Giraldo. He grew up in the Panamanian fishing village of Puerto Caimito
—a town he described as "poor"—frequently playing soccer with his friends. For their baseball
games in the streets, they substituted milk cartons for gloves
and tree branches for bats
, and they fashioned balls by taping wads of shredded fishing nets and beat-up baseballs with electrical tape
. Rivera used this makeshift equipment until his father bought him his first leather glove when he was 12 years old. He thought of baseball as a hobby and did not seriously consider playing professionally. Instead, his aspirations were to become a professional soccer player, but a series of ankle injuries while playing at Pedro Pablo Sanchez High School dashed his hopes. After graduating from high school at age 16, he worked six-day weeks on a commercial boat captained by his father, catching shrimp
and sardine
s. The job was "way too tough" for Rivera, who was more interested in becoming a mechanic
. As a 19-year-old, he had to abandon a capsizing 120 short tons (108.9 t) commercial boat, all but convincing him to give up fishing as a career.
In 1988, Rivera began to play shortstop
for Panamá Oeste, a local amateur baseball team. Herb Raybourn, the New York Yankees
' director of Latin America
n operations, saw athleticism in Rivera but did not project him to be a major league
shortstop. A year later, Panamá Oeste's pitcher
performed so poorly that Rivera volunteered to pitch. He excelled at the position, prompting his teammates to contact Yankees scout Chico Heron. Two weeks later, Rivera was invited to a Yankees tryout camp in Panama City where Raybourn was visiting. Raybourn was surprised to find Rivera pitching at the camp, since scouts passed on him as a shortstop a year prior. Although Rivera had no formal pitching training and threw only 85–87 mph (38–38.9 ), Raybourn was impressed by Rivera's athleticism and smooth, effortless pitching motion. Viewing Rivera as a raw talent, Raybourn signed the amateur
free agent
to a contract with a US$
3,000 signing bonus
($ today) on February 17, 1990.
at the time—left home for the first time. He flew to the United States to begin pitching for the Rookie level Yankees of the Gulf Coast League
, a minor league
affiliate of the New York Yankees. At that point in his career, he was considered by scouts to be a "fringe prospect" at best, but he made progress with a strong 1990 season for the GCL Yankees. Pitching mostly in relief
, he allowed one earned run
in 52 innings pitched
—a 0.17 earned run average
(ERA)—and he allowed only 24 baserunners. His seven-inning no-hitter
on the season's final day "put him on the map with the organization", according to manager
Glenn Sherlock
. The following year, he ascended to the Class A level Greensboro Hornets
of the South Atlantic League
, where he started
15 of the 29 games he pitched in. Despite a 4–9 win–loss record, he recorded a 2.75 ERA in innings pitched and struck out
123 batters
while walking
only 36 batters. New York Yankees manager Buck Showalter
took notice of Rivera's strong strikeout-to-walk ratio, calling it "impressive in any league" and stating, "This guy is going to make it."
In 1992, Rivera was promoted to the Class A-Advanced Fort Lauderdale Yankees
of the Florida State League
(FSL). He started 10 games in Fort Lauderdale, compiling a 5–3 win–loss record and a 2.28 ERA. He attempted to improve the movement on his slider
by snapping his wrist in his pitching motion, but he inadvertently caused damage to the ulnar collateral ligament
in his throwing elbow. Elbow surgery took place in August 1992 to repair the damage, ending his season and interrupting his minor league career. It was expected that he would require Tommy John surgery
, but during the procedure, Rivera's doctors determined that he did not need ligament replacement. His rehabilitation coincided with the 1992 expansion draft to fill the rosters for the Florida Marlins
and Colorado Rockies
expansion team
s. Rivera was left unprotected by the Yankees but was not drafted. He successfully rehabilitated his arm in early 1993 and resumed pitching that year. He first joined the Rookie level Yankees to make two abbreviated starts, before returning to the Class A level Hornets to start ten more games. Witnessing him rehabilitate, the Hornets' official scorer
Ogi Overman was not optimistic about Rivera's future, saying, "I thought [he] was on a one-way trip to nowhere."
In 1994, he ascended from the Class A-Advanced level Tampa Yankees
of the FSL to the Double-A level Albany-Colonie Yankees of the Eastern League, and then to the Triple-A level Columbus Clippers
of the International League
. For the year, Rivera finished with a 10–2 record in 22 starts, although he struggled for Columbus, recording a 5.81 ERA in six starts. He began the 1995 season with Columbus with the ranking of ninth-best prospect in the Yankees organization by Baseball America
. At the time, his pitching repertoire primarily consisted of fastball
s, although he threw a slider and changeup
as secondary pitches.
, Rivera allowed five earned runs in innings pitched in a 10–0 loss. He experienced mixed success as a major league starter and as a result, he split time between the Yankees and their Columbus minor league affiliate. As a 25-year-old rookie just three years removed from major arm surgery, Rivera's role on the team was not guaranteed. Management considered trading
him to the Detroit Tigers
for starter David Wells
, but Yankees general manager
Gene Michael quickly called off negotiations when he learned that Rivera began to throw at 95 – in one of his starts, 6 mph (9.7 km/h) faster than his previous average velocity. Rivera attributes his inexplicable improvement to God
. He also participated in a two-hit
shutout of the Chicago White Sox
on July 4, when he recorded a career-high 11 strikeouts. Overall, he finished his first season in the major leagues with a 5–3 record and a 5.51 ERA in 10 starts and nine relief outings. His improvement during the year and his success in the 1995 American League Division Series
, in which he pitched scoreless innings of relief, convinced Yankees management to keep him and move him into the bullpen
the following season to be a full-time relief pitcher.
In 1996, Rivera served primarily as a setup pitcher
for closer
John Wetteland
, typically pitching in the seventh and eighth innings of games before Wetteland pitched in the ninth. Their effectiveness gave the Yankees a 70–3 win–loss record that season when leading after six innings. Over twelve games between April 19 and May 21, Rivera pitched 26 consecutive scoreless innings, including 15 consecutive hitless innings. In the regular season, Rivera finished with a 2.09 ERA in innings pitched and set a Yankees single-season record for strikeouts by a reliever (130). In the postseason, he allowed just one earned run in innings pitched, helping the Yankees advance to and win the 1996 World Series
against the Atlanta Braves
. It was the franchise's first World Series
championship since 1978. He finished third in the voting for the American League
(AL) Cy Young Award
, which is given annually to the league's best pitcher based on voting by baseball writers.
Rivera impressed Yankees management enough that they chose not to re-sign Wetteland, who became a free agent in the offseason. They subsequently installed Rivera in the role of the Yankees' closer for the 1997 season to typically pitch the ninth innings of games. In April, MLB retired the uniform number 42 league-wide to honor Jackie Robinson
, although Rivera was one of a dozen players allowed to continue wearing the number per a grandfather clause
. Rivera's transition from setup man to closer was not seamless; he blew three of his first six save opportunities and indicated that he was initially uncomfortable in the role. Eventually, he settled into his new duties, as he earned his first All-Star
selection and recorded 43 saves in 52 opportunities with a 1.88 ERA in the regular season. Rivera also added a cut fastball to his pitching repertoire after accidentally discovering how to throw the pitch. His first season as closer ended with a blown save in Game 4 of the 1997 American League Division Series
against the Cleveland Indians
. With the Yankees four outs
from advancing to the next round of the postseason, Rivera allowed a game-tying home run
to Sandy Alomar, Jr.
The Yankees eventually lost that game and the next, eliminating them from the playoffs.
Jeff Nelson, Mike Stanton, and Ramiro Mendoza
, contributed to the team's late-1990s dynasty
. In 1998, Rivera saved 36 games in 41 opportunities and finished with a 1.91 ERA. His success was aided by the increased usage of his cutter, which quickly became his signature pitch and earned a reputation for breaking hitters' bats with its sharp lateral movement. In the 1998 postseason, he saved six games and pitched scoreless innings, and he clinched the Yankees' sweep of the San Diego Padres
in the 1998 World Series
, capping off a season in which the Yankees won an MLB-record 125 games between the regular season and the postseason. By season's end, he had allowed only two earned runs in 35 career postseason innings pitched—a 0.51 ERA—qualifying him for the major league record for lowest career postseason ERA; it is a record he still holds through 141 innings pitched.
In 1999, Rivera was voted onto the All-Star team with 23 saves and a 2.29 ERA in the first half. That summer, the Yankee Stadium scoreboard production staff began playing the song "Enter Sandman
" by heavy metal
band Metallica
as Rivera's entrance music
. Staff members selected the song after witnessing in the previous year's World Series how enthusiastically San Diego fans reacted to closer Trevor Hoffman
entering games accompanied by AC/DC
's "Hells Bells
". Although Rivera was indifferent about his entrance music, "Enter Sandman" soon became as much a part of his identity as a closer as his cutter did. After recording three blown saves and a 7.84 ERA in July, he allowed just one earned run over his last 30 appearances
. He finished the season with a 1.83 ERA and 45 saves in 49 opportunities, his first time leading the majors in saves. He earned his first AL Rolaids Relief Man Award
, an annual award for the league's best closer based on their statistics. In the 1999 World Series
against the Braves, Rivera recorded two games and a win, and he closed out the Yankees' championship title, his third overall. MLB honored him with the World Series MVP Award
for his performance. Rivera finished 1999 by pitching 43 consecutive scoreless innings across the regular season and postseason, and he placed third in voting for the AL Cy Young Award. After the season, he revealed tentative plans to retire and become a minister after playing four more seasons, though he backed off these plans the following year.
In the offseason, Rivera lost his arbitration
case, in which he requested an annual salary of $9.25 million, but the $7.25 million salary that the arbitrators awarded him instead set a baseball record for the highest arbitration award
. In the 2000 season, Rivera was selected as an All-Star for the third time, and he ended the season with 36 saves in 41 opportunities and a 2.85 ERA. In the postseason, he saved six games and allowed three earned runs in innings pitched. He also set a new record for consecutive scoreless innings pitched in the postseason, a streak that ended shortly after at innings. In the 2000 World Series
against the New York Mets
, he clinched a championship for his team for the third consecutive year. It was his fourth World Series title overall. By this point, Rivera had established a reputation as an exceptional postseason performer—journalist Jack Curry
called him the "infallible weapon" and "the greatest reason the Yankees [were] three-time champions".
With Rivera's contract set to expire after 2001, the Yankees signed him to a four-year, $39.99 million deal prior to the season, marking the first long-term contract of Rivera's career. In 2001, he was voted onto the All-Star team for a third consecutive year. His final numbers included a 2.34 ERA, a closer career-high innings pitched, and an MLB-leading 50 saves in 57 opportunities—the second time he led the majors in saves. This earned him his second AL Rolaids Relief Man Award. Despite his stellar track record and what sportswriters deemed an "aura of invincibility" in the postseason, Rivera failed to close out the decisive Game 7 of the 2001 World Series
against the Arizona Diamondbacks
. In one of his most infamous moments, he blew a save in the bottom of the ninth inning, in part due to his own throwing error
, and he lost the Series later in the inning by allowing Luis Gonzalez
's bloop single with the bases loaded
to score the winning run. It is the only loss in Rivera's postseason career, and it snapped his record streak of 23 consecutive postseason saves converted.
with a groin strain
in June, though his first-half numbers, which included a 1.47 ERA and 21 saves, earned him an All-Star selection. In July, he allowed six earned runs in a single relief outing and was sidelined by a shoulder strain, an injury that required two additional stints on the disabled list. Overall, he finished with a 2.74 ERA and 28 saves in 32 opportunities in just 46 innings pitched.
Rivera missed the first month of the 2003 season with another groin injury. Despite concerns by sportswriters about his reliability, Rivera quickly returned to form after re-assuming his closer role on May 1. He recorded 40 saves in 46 opportunities with a 1.66 ERA in 64 games in the 2003 regular season. In the 2003 American League Championship Series
against the arch-rival Boston Red Sox
, Rivera delivered one of the most memorable postseason performances of his career. In Game 7, he entered in the ninth inning with the score tied 5–5 and pitched three scoreless innings, en route to becoming the game's winning pitcher. Though Aaron Boone
's eleventh-inning walk-off home run
clinched the Yankees' World Series berth, Rivera was named the Championship Series MVP
for recording two saves and a win. He celebrated by running to the mound and collapsing in joy and exhaustion to thank God, as Boone rounded the bases and was met by his teammates at home plate. The Yankees lost in the 2003 World Series
to the Florida Marlins
; Rivera saved five games and allowed only one earned run in 16 innings pitched that postseason.
Prior to the 2004 season, with a year remaining on his contract, he signed a two-year extension worth $21 million, with an option for a third year in 2007. During 2004, Rivera became the 17th pitcher in MLB history to record 300 saves, and he made the All-Star team with 32 saves at the break, then an American League record. He finished the season with a 1.94 ERA, and he led the majors in saves for a third time with a career-best 53 saves in 57 opportunities. He won his third AL Rolaids Relief Man Award and placed third in voting for the AL Cy Young Award. Following the Yankees' victory in the 2004 American League Division Series
against the Twins, Rivera returned home to Panama to mourn two relatives that had been killed in a swimming accident at his home. Despite his status being in doubt for the American League Championship Series against the Red Sox, he returned to New York for Game 1 on the same day that the funeral was held in Panama. He recorded a save later that night, as well as in Game 2. Although the Yankees led three-games-to-none in the series, Rivera blew saves in Games 4 and 5, and the Red Sox won both games in extra innings
to avoid elimination. In Game 4, pinch runner
Dave Roberts stole
second base off Rivera and scored on a single to tie the game. In Game 5, Rivera entered with a one-run lead with runners on base and allowed a sacrifice fly
to tie the score. Although he allowed just one earned run in the 2004 postseason, he blew three of five save opportunities in the two series. Boston's comeback victories helped them become the first team in MLB history to win a best-of-seven series in which they trailed three-games-to-none.
Following a career high in appearances in 2004, Rivera did not throw during the offseason, unlike previous years. His 2005 season began on a low note. After missing time in spring training
with elbow bursitis
, he blew his first two save opportunities of the season against the Red Sox, marking four consecutive blown opportunities against Boston dating back to the previous postseason. Fans at Yankee Stadium booed
Rivera, and baseball journalists speculated if his days as a dominant pitcher were over. He was subsequently cheered by Red Sox fans during pre-game introductions at Fenway Park
the following week, in recognition of his struggles against the Red Sox. He responded to the ovation with a sense of humor by tipping his cap to the crowd.
Rivera rebounded in dominating fashion and finished 2005 with his greatest season to that point. He made the All-Star team, converted 31 consecutive save opportunities, and finished the season with 43 saves in 47 opportunities. He set new career bests in many statistical categories, including ERA (1.38) and walks plus hits per inning pitched
, or WHIP (0.87). Rivera limited opposing hitters to a batting average against of only .177, then a closer-career best. Along with winning his fourth AL Rolaids Relief Man Award, Rivera placed second in the voting for the AL Cy Young Award to starter Bartolo Colón
and ninth for the AL Most Valuable Player Award—his highest finishes in voting for both awards. After the season, he was announced as the relief pitcher on MLB's Latino Legends Team
, a fan-voted all-time roster of the greatest Latino
players.
Before the 2007 season, Rivera attempted to extend his contract, which was to expire at the end of the year. Yankees management refused to negotiate near the start of the season, prompting him to respond that he would consider free agency after the season. In April, Rivera blew his first two save opportunities, compiled two losses, and surrendered nine earned runs in innings pitched. Concerned sportswriters attributed his struggles to infrequent use, as the Yankees presented him with few situations to enter a game. Rivera saved 30 of his next 32 opportunities and posted a 2.26 ERA over the final five months of the season. In addition, he passed John Franco for third place on the all-time saves list with his 425th career save. Still, 2007 was statistically his weakest season as a closer, as he recorded closer career worsts in earned runs (25), hits (68), and ERA (3.15). His 30 saves in 34 opportunities were his second-lowest total since 1997. After the Yankees were eliminated from the playoffs in the opening round, he stated his intentions to test the free agent market; he was unhappy that long-time Yankees manager Joe Torre
was not re-signed and that the team's ownership was transitioning from George Steinbrenner
to his sons. Speculation that Rivera would sign elsewhere ended when he agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract with the Yankees, making him the highest-paid reliever in baseball history.
Rivera rebounded in 2008 by starting the year with 16 consecutive scoreless innings pitched and 28 consecutive save opportunities converted, both personal bests to begin a season. His first-half performance, highlighted by a 1.06 ERA and 23 saves in as many opportunities, earned him his ninth All-Star selection. Leading up to 2008 MLB All-Star Game, which was held at Yankee Stadium in the venue's final year of existence, a few sportswriters proposed making Rivera the AL's starting pitcher as a tribute to him and his home ballpark; he instead was used as a reliever in the AL's extra-inning win. In the final month of the season, he recorded two milestones: on September 15, he recorded his 479th save to pass Lee Smith
for second all-time in regular season saves; on September 21, in the final game at Yankee Stadium, Rivera threw the final pitch in the venue's history, retiring the Baltimore Orioles
' Brian Roberts
on a ground-out. After the Yankees missed the postseason for the first time in his career, Rivera disclosed that he had suffered from shoulder pain throughout the year. Tests revealed calcification
of the acromioclavicular joint
in his throwing shoulder, for which he underwent minor arthroscopic surgery in the offseason.
Rivera finished 2008 with one of his best individual seasons. Along with a 1.40 ERA and 39 saves in 40 opportunities, he set career bests in multiple statistical categories, including WHIP (0.67), on-base plus slugging
(OPS)-against (.422), batting average against (.165), save conversion rate (97.5%), walks (6), earned runs (11), and blown saves (1). He averaged 9.81 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched, his best mark as a closer. He pitched with such control
that his 12.83 strikeout-to-walk ratio made him the second pitcher since 1900 to record a figure that high in a season. He placed fifth in the AL Cy Young Award voting.
by drawing a walk with the bases loaded against fellow closer Francisco Rodríguez. Rivera earned a tenth All-Star selection with 23 saves in 24 opportunities and a 2.43 ERA in the first half. At the 2009 MLB All-Star Game, he set a record by saving his fourth career All-Star Game. In the season's second half, Rivera allowed earned runs in only two of his final 40 appearances, while he set a new personal best for consecutive save opportunities converted with 36. He finished the regular season with a 1.76 ERA, 44 saves in 46 opportunities, and a 0.90 WHIP. In the postseason, he pitched 16 innings, allowing one earned run and saving five games, and he clinched the Yankees' victory in the 2009 World Series
against the Philadelphia Phillies
—his fifth championship. He was the only closer among postseason teams that did not record a loss or blown save. He collected several awards at season's end, including his third Delivery Man Award, his fifth AL Rolaids Relief Man Award, and the 2009 Sporting News Pro Athlete of the Year Award. Reflecting on the decade's end, ESPN.com
's Jerry Crasnick
called Rivera the most valuable major league pitcher of the previous 10 years.
In 2010, Rivera and two of his "Core Four
" teammates, Derek Jeter
and Jorge Posada
, became the first trio in any of the four North American major sports leagues to play together on the same team in 16 consecutive seasons. Rivera began with one of his best first halves, compiling a 1.05 ERA, 20 saves in 22 opportunities, and 0.64 WHIP before the All-Star break, and in June, he set a personal best streak with 24 consecutive batters retired. He earned an 11th All-Star selection but withdrew from the game to rest lingering oblique and knee injuries. In the second half, he was less effective—he struck out batters half as often, and in September, he compiled three blown saves and a 4.76 ERA. His final numbers included a 1.80 ERA and 0.83 WHIP, but his 33 saves in 38 opportunities and 6.75 strikeouts per 9 innings ratio were among the lowest of his career. In the postseason, he pitched scoreless innings while saving three games. After becoming a free agent in the offseason, Rivera agreed to a two-year, $30 million contract to remain with the Yankees.
In the offseason, Trevor Hoffman retired as the all-time regular season saves leader with a final tally of 601, leaving Rivera as the active leader in saves and 42 behind Hoffman's record to start 2011. Rivera's season was marked by several milestones. In the first half, in addition to breaking the all-time record for games finished
, he became the 15th pitcher to make 1,000 appearances, and the first to do so with a single team. He was named an All-Star for the 12th time with a 1.85 ERA and 22 saves in 26 opportunities at the break, but for the second consecutive year, he skipped the game to rest injuries. His pursuit of Hoffman's saves record reached a climax in the final month of the season; on September 13, he collected his 600th save, making him just the second pitcher to accomplish the feat. Four days later, he saved his 601st game, tying him for the most in MLB history. Rivera broke the record on September 19 at Yankee Stadium
by closing out a 6–4 win against the Twins, the final out by strikeout. After the game, President of Panama Ricardo Martinelli
called him to offer his congratulations. Rivera finished the season with a 1.91 ERA, a 0.90 WHIP, and 44 saves in 49 opportunities, making him the first pitcher over the age of 40 to save at least 40 games in a season.
, but with the velocity of a fastball
. The pitch's sharp movement is created by Rivera's long fingers and loose wrist, which allow him to impart more spin on the ball. He varies the cutter's movement by adjusting the pressure he puts on the ball with his fingertips. He almost exclusively throws cutters—according to baseball statistics website Fangraphs
, 83.3% of Rivera's pitches in 2010 were cutters. He occasionally mixes in a four-seam
and two-seam fastball
, and he throws all three pitches in the low-to-mid 90s mph. Rivera accidentally discovered the cutter while playing catch with Ramiro Mendoza
in June 1997, finding that the fastballs he threw in the bullpen were moving sharply and unpredictably. After failing to straighten out the pitch and prevent the movement altogether, he accepted it and began to use the pitch in games, prominently featuring it beginning in 1998. When asked where his ability to throw the pitch came from, he explained, "It was just from God. I didn't do anything. It was natural."
Rivera's cut fastball is a respected pitch among major league hitters. It frequently breaks the bats of hitters—Chipper Jones
compared it to a "buzzsaw" after witnessing teammate Ryan Klesko
break three bats in one plate appearance
against Rivera in the 1999 World Series. Jim Thome
called it "the single best pitch ever in the game". In 2004, ESPN.com ranked his cutter as the best "out pitch" in baseball. Buster Olney
described his cut fastball as "the most dominant pitch of a generation". Although switch-hitters usually bat left-handed against right-handed pitchers to better see the ball's release point, switch-hitters occasionally bat right-handed when facing the right-handed Rivera to avoid being jammed on their hands by his cutter. Similarly, some managers, such as Bruce Bochy
in the 1998 World Series, have sent right-handed batters to pinch hit
for left-handed batters against Rivera, thinking that the cutter would be more difficult for lefties to hit.
Since Rivera relies on variations of a fastball, all of similar speed, much of his success can be attributed to his ability to consistently throw strikes. His 4.04 career strikeout-to-walk ratio in the regular season ranks fifth-best in major league history. Rivera's impeccable control is a byproduct of his smooth pitching delivery, as an easily repeatable throwing motion allows a pitcher to yield consistent results.
Rivera is considered an exceptional athlete, distinguished by his slender physique and durability. His propensity to shag
balls during batting practice convinced scouts he could be a top AL center fielder
. Buster Olney compared his regimen of physical preparation and guidelines for staying healthy to Satchel Paige
's "Rules for Staying Young".
said that Rivera's composure under stress gave him the appearance of having "ice water in his veins". Commenting on his ability to remain focused in pressure situations, Rivera said, "When you start thinking, a lot of things will happen... If you don't control your emotions, your emotions will control your acts, and that's not good." His ability to compartmentalize
his successes and failures impressed fellow reliever Joba Chamberlain
, who said, "He's won and lost some of the biggest games in the history of baseball, and he's no worse for the wear when he gives up a home run." Rivera explained his ability to quickly forget bad performances: "win or lose, you have to forget about it. Right on the spot... the game that you're going to play tomorrow is not going to be the same game that you just played." Derek Jeter called him the "most mentally tough" teammate with whom he has ever played.
Within the Yankees organization, Rivera is regarded as a team leader. As a veteran player, he mentors younger pitchers and counsels teammates. He has a team-first mindset and defers most discussions about individual accolades to team goals and his teammates, praising them for making his presence in games a necessity. When once asked to describe his job, Rivera put it simply, "I get the ball, I throw the ball, and then I take a shower."
. In his 15-year stint as the Yankees' closer, Rivera has compiled considerable career numbers. A 12-time All-Star, he is the majors' all-time regular season leader in saves (603) and games finished
(882). His save conversion rate of 89.33% is the best percentage among pitchers with at least 200 saves. He has finished 15 consecutive seasons with at least 25 saves and 14 seasons with at least 30 saves, both of which are records. Statistically, Rivera ranks as one of the top pitchers of his generation, amongst both starters and relievers; his ERA (2.21) and WHIP (1.00) are the lowest of any pitcher in the live-ball era
, making him one of the top pitchers since 1920 at preventing hitters from reaching base and scoring. He has recorded an ERA under 2.00 in 11 seasons, tying him with Walter Johnson
for the most such seasons (minimum 60 innings pitched each). Rivera also has the best adjusted ERA+
(206) in MLB history, meaning the league average ERA is 106% more than Rivera's career mark, adjusted for ballpark.
In the postseason, Rivera has recorded even stronger numbers than he has in the regular season. He has a postseason win–loss record of 8–1 and WHIP of 0.76, and he holds numerous postseason records, including lowest ERA (0.70), most saves (42), most consecutive scoreless innings pitched , most consecutive save opportunities converted (23), and most appearances (96). No pitcher has half as many postseason saves as he does. Joe Torre
, who managed Rivera for most of his career, said, "Let's face it. The regular season for Mo is great, but that's the cupcakes and the ice cream. What separates him from everybody else is what he's done in the postseason." Rivera's dominance in postseason games has often led to him being utilized for two-inning appearances, as he has a record 14 saves of this variety. Between 1998 and 2008, he recorded 26 postseason saves of four or more outs; the second-highest total by any other pitcher was four such saves, and the rest of baseball combined had 33. At the start of the 2011 playoffs, Rivera ranked first all-time in win probability added
in the postseason with 11.62, more than three times the total of the next-closest player. In a 2009 ESPN.com poll, Rivera was voted one of the top five postseason players in MLB history. Based on his postseason contributions, many baseball journalists consider him to be the most valuable Yankees player from the team's late-1990s championship seasons.
Rivera has achieved a reputation as an all-time great reliever among baseball experts and fellow players. Hall of Fame starter-turned-closer Dennis Eckersley
called him "the best ever, no doubt", while Trevor Hoffman said he "will go down as the best reliever in the game in history". Torre said, "He's the best I've ever been around. Not only the ability to pitch and perform under pressure, but the calm he puts over the clubhouse." Writer Tom Verducci
said, "That Rivera is the greatest closer that ever lived is obvious", and he compared Rivera's reputation as the best at his position to that of Michael Jordan
and Wayne Gretzky
. Speaking about Rivera's looming presence at the end of games, Alex Rodriguez
said, "He's the only guy in baseball who can change the game from a seat in the clubhouse or the bullpen. He would start affecting teams as early as the fifth inning, because they knew he was out there. I've never seen anyone who could affect a game like that." Goose Gossage, a multiple-inning closer from earlier decades, disagreed about Rivera's place in history, believing that the modern role of closer that Rivera occupies has become too specialized and easy compared to past closers: "Mariano Rivera is a great relief pitcher. In the modern sense. What he did and what we used to do is apples and oranges. It's not fair to compare what closers today do with what we did." Although voters have historically been reluctant to allow relievers into the Baseball Hall of Fame, sportswriters anticipate Rivera will be elected in his first year of eligibility.
Rivera is well respected among his peers for his professionalism. Fellow closer Joe Nathan
said, "I look up to how he's handled himself on and off the field... You never see him show up anyone and he respects the game. I've always looked up to him and it's always a compliment to be just mentioned in the same sentence as him." Michael Young said of Rivera, "I respect Mo more than anybody in the game. The guy goes out there, gets three outs and shakes [Jorge] Posada
's hand. You appreciate someone who respects the game like he does, respects the people he plays with and against, and obviously his results speak for themselves."
Many of Rivera's colleagues credit him with popularizing the cutter among major league pitchers. Fellow closer Jason Isringhausen
, who adopted the pitch later in his career, said, "I think he's been an influence on everybody that throws it. Everybody saw what [Rivera] could do, basically with one pitch. Nobody could throw it like he did, but now, you talk about the evolution of the cutter—just ask hitters about it and they tell you everybody's throwing one. And they hate it." Al Leiter
, whose signature pitch was a cutter, echoed Isringhausen's sentiments: "Now, everybody throws it and Mo has had a huge influence on that. Pitchers watched him and marveled at what he did with one pitch."
Rivera will be the last MLB player to wear the uniform number 42 on a regular basis, as he is the only active player still wearing the number after its league-wide retirement in 1997 in honor of Jackie Robinson
.
, and they were married on November 9, 1991. They have three sons: Mariano Jr., Jafet, and Jaziel. Rivera is a cousin of former Yankee Rubén Rivera
. Over the course of his professional career, Rivera learned English, beginning in 1991 with the Greensboro Hornets, when he realized none of his teammates spoke Spanish
. He is now a proponent of Latino players learning English and of American press members learning Spanish, in order to bridge the cultural gap.
Rivera is a devout Christian. During his childhood, neither he nor his family attended church, but after a born-again experience in his early 20s, Rivera—and subsequently his parents—became religious. He maintains that God has a reason for everything that happens. For example, he found his failure in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series easier to deal with when he learned of the consequences it had on a teammate. Had the Yankees won Game 7 and the World Series, teammate Enrique Wilson
would have remained in New York a few extra days for the ticker tape parade and would have flown home to the Dominican Republic
on American Airlines Flight 587
, which crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all 260 people aboard. Rivera told Wilson, "I am glad we lost the World Series, because it means that I still have a friend." Rivera's pitching glove is inscribed "Phil. 4:13", in reference to the Bible
verse Philippians
4:13 ("I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me").
Rivera is involved with philanthropic
contributions in his native Panama, which include building an elementary school and a church, providing Christmas gifts to children, and developing a program that provides computer access and adult mentors to youths. The Mariano Rivera Foundation annually distributes more than $500,000 to underprivileged children in the US and Panama through church-based institutions. Rivera intends to dedicate himself to philanthropy after retiring from baseball.
Rivera is a partner in a restaurant in New Rochelle, New York
that opened as "Mo's New York Grill". He is signed to endorsement deals
with Nike
sports apparel and Canali
, a premium men's clothing company. He is the first athlete Canali has used in a marketing campaign. A 2011 list by the marketing firm Nielsen ranked Rivera as the second-most marketable player in baseball. The list accounted for personal attributes such as sincerity, approachability, experience, and influence.
Panama
Panama , officially the Republic of Panama , is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, it is bordered by Costa Rica to the northwest, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The...
nian right-handed baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
(MLB) for the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
. Nicknamed "Mo", Rivera has served as a relief pitcher
Relief pitcher
A relief pitcher or reliever is a baseball or softball pitcher who enters the game after the starting pitcher is removed due to injury, ineffectiveness, fatigue, ejection, or for other strategic reasons, such as being substituted by a pinch hitter...
for most of his career, and since 1997, he has been the Yankees' closer
Closer (baseball)
In baseball, a closing pitcher, more frequently referred to as a closer , is a relief pitcher who specializes in closing out games, i.e., getting the final outs in a close game. Closers often appear when the score is close, and the role is often assigned to a team's best reliever. A small number of...
. A 12-time All-Star and five-time World Series
World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
champion, he is MLB's all-time leader in saves (603) and games finished
Games finished
In baseball statistics, a relief pitcher is credited with a game finished if he is the last pitcher to pitch for his team in a game. A starting pitcher is not credited with a GF for pitching a complete game...
(883). His accolades include five American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
(AL) Rolaids Relief Man Award
Rolaids Relief Man Award
The Rolaids Relief Man Award is an annual Major League Baseball award given since the 1976 MLB season to the top relief pitchers of the regular season, one in the American League and one in the National League . Relief pitchers are the pitchers who enter the game after the starting pitcher is...
s, the 1999
1999 World Series
The 1999 World Series, the 95th edition of Major League Baseball's championship series, featured a rematch between the defending champions New York Yankees against the Atlanta Braves during the month of October, with the Yankees sweeping the Series in four games for their second title in a row,...
World Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, and the 2003
2003 American League Championship Series
-Game 1:Wednesday, October 8, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New YorkBacked by three home runs, Tim Wakefield shut the Bombers down in Game 1.-Game 2:Thursday, October 9, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York...
AL Championship Series MVP Award.
Rivera was signed by the Yankees organization in 1990 as an amateur free agent in Panama, and he debuted in the major leagues in 1995. Initially a starting pitcher
Starting pitcher
In baseball or softball, a starting pitcher is the pitcher who delivers the first pitch to the first batter of a game. A pitcher who enters the game after the first pitch of the game is a relief pitcher....
, he struggled in the role and was consequently converted to a relief pitcher. After a breakthrough season in 1996 as a setup man, he became the Yankees' closer in 1997. In the following years, he established himself as one of baseball's top relievers, leading the major leagues in saves in 1999, 2001, and 2004. Rivera's presence in the late innings of games to record the final outs
Out (baseball)
In baseball, an out occurs when the defensive, or fielding, team effects any of a number of different events, and the umpire rules a batter or baserunner out. When a player is called out, he is said to be retired...
has been instrumental to the Yankees' success in the late-1990s and 2000s, particularly in the postseason
Major League Baseball postseason
The Major League Baseball postseason is an elimination tournament held after the conclusion of Major League Baseball's regular season. It consists of one best-of-five series and two best-of-seven series...
where he has set numerous records, including lowest earned run average
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
(ERA) (0.70) and most saves (42). His pitching repertoire consists primarily of one pitch
Pitch (baseball)
In baseball, a pitch is the act of throwing a baseball toward home plate to start a play. The term comes from the Knickerbocker Rules. Originally, the ball had to be literally "pitched" underhand, as with pitching horseshoes. Overhand throwing was not allowed until 1884.The biomechanics of...
—a sharp-breaking, mid-90s mile per hour (mph) cut fastball that has been called an all-time great pitch.
Rivera is regarded by baseball experts as one of the most dominant relievers in major league history. Pitching with a longevity and consistency uncommon to the closer role, he has saved at least 25 games in 15 consecutive seasons and has posted an ERA under 2.00 in 11 seasons, both of which are records. His career 2.21 ERA and 1.00 WHIP
Walks plus hits per inning pitched
In baseball statistics, walks plus hits per inning pitched is a sabermetric measurement of the number of baserunners a pitcher has allowed per inning pitched. It is a measure of a pitcher's ability to prevent batters from reaching base...
are the lowest marks in baseball's live-ball era
Live-ball era
The live-ball era, also referred to as the lively ball era, is the period in Major League Baseball beginning in , following the dead-ball era. During that year offensive statistics rose dramatically in what would be mistakenly attributed to the introduction of a new "lively" ball...
. On the field, he is well-known for his reserved demeanor and composure that contrast with the effusiveness of many of his peers. Off the field, he has been involved in charitable causes and the Christian community. Sportswriters anticipate Rivera will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame upon retirement.
Early life
Mariano Rivera was born in Panama CityPanama City
Panama is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Panama. It has a population of 880,691, with a total metro population of 1,272,672, and it is located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, in the province of the same name. The city is the political and administrative center of the...
, Panama
Panama
Panama , officially the Republic of Panama , is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, it is bordered by Costa Rica to the northwest, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The...
, on November 29, 1969, to Mariano, Sr. and Delia Rivera. His father worked as a ship captain in the fishing
Fishing
Fishing is the activity of trying to catch wild fish. Fish are normally caught in the wild. Techniques for catching fish include hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping....
industry. Rivera has one older sister, Delia, and two younger brothers, Alvaro and Giraldo. He grew up in the Panamanian fishing village of Puerto Caimito
Puerto Caimito
Puerto Caimito is a town in the Panamá province of Panama. It is the boyhood home of New York Yankees closing pitcher Mariano Rivera.- Sources :* – World-Gazetteer.com...
—a town he described as "poor"—frequently playing soccer with his friends. For their baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
games in the streets, they substituted milk cartons for gloves
Baseball glove
A baseball glove or mitt is a large leather glove that baseball players on the defending team are allowed to wear to assist them in catching and fielding balls hit by a batter, or thrown by a teammate.-History:...
and tree branches for bats
Baseball bat
A baseball bat is a smooth wooden or metal club used in the game of baseball to hit the ball after the ball is thrown by the pitcher. It is no more than 2.75 inches in diameter at the thickest part and no more than 42 inches in length. It typically weighs no more than 33 ounces , but it...
, and they fashioned balls by taping wads of shredded fishing nets and beat-up baseballs with electrical tape
Electrical tape
Electrical tape is a type of pressure-sensitive tape used to insulate electrical wires and other material that conduct electricity. It can be made of many plastics, but vinyl is most popular, as it stretches well and gives an effective and long lasting insulation...
. Rivera used this makeshift equipment until his father bought him his first leather glove when he was 12 years old. He thought of baseball as a hobby and did not seriously consider playing professionally. Instead, his aspirations were to become a professional soccer player, but a series of ankle injuries while playing at Pedro Pablo Sanchez High School dashed his hopes. After graduating from high school at age 16, he worked six-day weeks on a commercial boat captained by his father, catching shrimp
Shrimp
Shrimp are swimming, decapod crustaceans classified in the infraorder Caridea, found widely around the world in both fresh and salt water. Adult shrimp are filter feeding benthic animals living close to the bottom. They can live in schools and can swim rapidly backwards. Shrimp are an important...
and sardine
Sardine
Sardines, or pilchards, are several types of small, oily fish related to herrings, family Clupeidae. Sardines are named after the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, around which they were once abundant....
s. The job was "way too tough" for Rivera, who was more interested in becoming a mechanic
Mechanic
A mechanic is a craftsman or technician who uses tools to build or repair machinery.Many mechanics are specialized in a particular field such as auto mechanics, bicycle mechanics, motorcycle mechanics, boiler mechanics, general mechanics, industrial maintenance mechanics , air conditioning and...
. As a 19-year-old, he had to abandon a capsizing 120 short tons (108.9 t) commercial boat, all but convincing him to give up fishing as a career.
In 1988, Rivera began to play shortstop
Shortstop
Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. Shortstop is often regarded as the most dynamic defensive position in baseball, because there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the...
for Panamá Oeste, a local amateur baseball team. Herb Raybourn, the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
' director of Latin America
Latin America
Latin America is a region of the Americas where Romance languages – particularly Spanish and Portuguese, and variably French – are primarily spoken. Latin America has an area of approximately 21,069,500 km² , almost 3.9% of the Earth's surface or 14.1% of its land surface area...
n operations, saw athleticism in Rivera but did not project him to be a major league
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
shortstop. A year later, Panamá Oeste's pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
performed so poorly that Rivera volunteered to pitch. He excelled at the position, prompting his teammates to contact Yankees scout Chico Heron. Two weeks later, Rivera was invited to a Yankees tryout camp in Panama City where Raybourn was visiting. Raybourn was surprised to find Rivera pitching at the camp, since scouts passed on him as a shortstop a year prior. Although Rivera had no formal pitching training and threw only 85–87 mph (38–38.9 ), Raybourn was impressed by Rivera's athleticism and smooth, effortless pitching motion. Viewing Rivera as a raw talent, Raybourn signed the amateur
Amateur sports
Amateur sports are sports in which participants engage largely or entirely without remuneration. Sporting amateurism was a zealously guarded ideal in the 19th century, especially among the upper classes, but faced steady erosion throughout the 20th century with the continuing growth of pro sports...
free agent
Free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
to a contract with a US$
United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
3,000 signing bonus
Signing bonus
A signing bonus or sign-on bonus is a sum of money paid to a new employee by a company as an incentive to join that company. They are often given as a way of making a compensation package more attractive to the employee, e.g., if the annual salary is lower than he or she desires...
($ today) on February 17, 1990.
Minor leagues (1990–1995)
After signing his contract in Panama with the Yankees organization, Rivera—who spoke no EnglishEnglish language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
at the time—left home for the first time. He flew to the United States to begin pitching for the Rookie level Yankees of the Gulf Coast League
Gulf Coast League
The Gulf Coast League is a minor league baseball league which operates in Florida. It is a Rookie League, with a season running from mid-June to late August. The season is 60 games long and teams in the league are divided into three divisions, East, North and South...
, a minor league
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
affiliate of the New York Yankees. At that point in his career, he was considered by scouts to be a "fringe prospect" at best, but he made progress with a strong 1990 season for the GCL Yankees. Pitching mostly in relief
Relief pitcher
A relief pitcher or reliever is a baseball or softball pitcher who enters the game after the starting pitcher is removed due to injury, ineffectiveness, fatigue, ejection, or for other strategic reasons, such as being substituted by a pinch hitter...
, he allowed one earned run
Earned run
In baseball, an earned run is any run for which the pitcher is held accountable . Any runner who tags his base and reaches home plate is scored against the pitcher as an earned run...
in 52 innings pitched
Innings pitched
In baseball, innings pitched are the number of innings a pitcher has completed, measured by the number of batters and baserunners that are put out while the pitcher on the pitching mound in a game. Three outs made is equal to one inning pitched. One out counts as one-third of an inning, and two...
—a 0.17 earned run average
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
(ERA)—and he allowed only 24 baserunners. His seven-inning no-hitter
No-hitter
A no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"...
on the season's final day "put him on the map with the organization", according to manager
Manager (baseball)
In baseball, the field manager is an individual who is responsible for matters of team strategy on the field and team leadership. Managers are typically assisted by between one and six assistant coaches, whose responsibilities are specialized...
Glenn Sherlock
Glenn Sherlock
Glenn Patrick Sherlock is the bullpen coach of baseball's Arizona Diamondbacks.-Playing career:Sherlock was originally signed by the Houston Astros as their 21st pick in the 1983 draft...
. The following year, he ascended to the Class A level Greensboro Hornets
Greensboro Grasshoppers
The Greensboro Grasshoppers are a minor league baseball team in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA...
of the South Atlantic League
South Atlantic League
The South Atlantic League is a minor league baseball league based chiefly in the Southeastern United States, with the exception of three teams in the Mid-Atlantic States...
, where he started
Starting pitcher
In baseball or softball, a starting pitcher is the pitcher who delivers the first pitch to the first batter of a game. A pitcher who enters the game after the first pitch of the game is a relief pitcher....
15 of the 29 games he pitched in. Despite a 4–9 win–loss record, he recorded a 2.75 ERA in innings pitched and struck out
Strikeout
In baseball or softball, a strikeout or strike-out occurs when a batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. A strikeout is a statistic recorded for both pitchers and batters....
123 batters
Batting (baseball)
In baseball, batting is the act of facing the opposing pitcher and trying to produce offense for one's team. A batter or hitter is a person whose turn it is to face the pitcher...
while walking
Base on balls
A base on balls is credited to a batter and against a pitcher in baseball statistics when a batter receives four pitches that the umpire calls balls. It is better known as a walk. The base on balls is defined in Section 2.00 of baseball's Official Rules, and further detail is given in 6.08...
only 36 batters. New York Yankees manager Buck Showalter
Buck Showalter
William Nathaniel "Buck" Showalter III is an American Major League Baseball manager for the Baltimore Orioles. He has previously served in a similar capacity with the New York Yankees , Arizona Diamondbacks , and Texas Rangers...
took notice of Rivera's strong strikeout-to-walk ratio, calling it "impressive in any league" and stating, "This guy is going to make it."
In 1992, Rivera was promoted to the Class A-Advanced Fort Lauderdale Yankees
Fort Lauderdale Yankees
The Fort Lauderdale Yankees, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was an American minor league baseball franchise that existed from 1962 through 1992. The team was a Class A Florida State League affiliate of the New York Yankees and won seven FSL championships during its 31 years of existence.The...
of the Florida State League
Florida State League
The Florida State League is a Class A-Advanced minor league baseball league operating in the state of Florida. They are one of three leagues currently operating in Class A-Advanced, the third highest of six classifications of minor leagues...
(FSL). He started 10 games in Fort Lauderdale, compiling a 5–3 win–loss record and a 2.28 ERA. He attempted to improve the movement on his slider
Slider
In baseball, a slider is a pitch that breaks laterally and down, with a speed between that of a curveball and that of a fastball....
by snapping his wrist in his pitching motion, but he inadvertently caused damage to the ulnar collateral ligament
Ulnar collateral ligament (elbow)
The ulnar collateral ligament is a thick triangular band consisting of two portions, an anterior and posterior united by a thinner intermediate portion....
in his throwing elbow. Elbow surgery took place in August 1992 to repair the damage, ending his season and interrupting his minor league career. It was expected that he would require Tommy John surgery
Tommy John surgery
Tommy John surgery, known in medical practice as ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, is a surgical procedure in which a ligament in the medial elbow is replaced with a tendon from elsewhere in the body...
, but during the procedure, Rivera's doctors determined that he did not need ligament replacement. His rehabilitation coincided with the 1992 expansion draft to fill the rosters for the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
and Colorado Rockies
Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains...
expansion team
Expansion team
An expansion team is a brand new team in a sports league. The term is most commonly used in reference to the North American major professional sports leagues, but is applied to sports leagues worldwide that use a closed franchise system of league membership. The term comes from the expansion of the...
s. Rivera was left unprotected by the Yankees but was not drafted. He successfully rehabilitated his arm in early 1993 and resumed pitching that year. He first joined the Rookie level Yankees to make two abbreviated starts, before returning to the Class A level Hornets to start ten more games. Witnessing him rehabilitate, the Hornets' official scorer
Official scorer
In the game of baseball, the official scorer is a person appointed by the league to record the events on the field, and to send the official scoring record of the game back to the league offices...
Ogi Overman was not optimistic about Rivera's future, saying, "I thought [he] was on a one-way trip to nowhere."
In 1994, he ascended from the Class A-Advanced level Tampa Yankees
Tampa Yankees
The Tampa Yankees are a minor league baseball team based in Tampa, Florida. They are currently members of the Florida State League and are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the New York Yankees Major League Baseball team. Home games are played at George M. Steinbrenner Field, a miniature replica of...
of the FSL to the Double-A level Albany-Colonie Yankees of the Eastern League, and then to the Triple-A level Columbus Clippers
Columbus Clippers
The Columbus Clippers are a minor league baseball team based in Columbus, Ohio. The team plays in the International League and is the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The team is owned by the government of Franklin County, Ohio....
of the International League
International League
The International League is a minor league baseball league that operates in the eastern United States. Like the Pacific Coast League and the Mexican League, it plays at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It was so named because it had teams in both the United States...
. For the year, Rivera finished with a 10–2 record in 22 starts, although he struggled for Columbus, recording a 5.81 ERA in six starts. He began the 1995 season with Columbus with the ranking of ninth-best prospect in the Yankees organization by Baseball America
Baseball America
Baseball America is a magazine which covers baseball at every level, with a particular focus on up-and-coming players in high school, college, Japan, and the minor leagues. It is currently published in the form of a bi-weekly newspaper, five annual reference book titles, a weekly podcast, and a...
. At the time, his pitching repertoire primarily consisted of fastball
Fastball
The fastball is the most common type of pitch in baseball. Some "power pitchers," such as Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens, have thrown it at speeds of 95–106 mph and up to 108.1 mph , relying purely on speed to prevent the ball from being hit...
s, although he threw a slider and changeup
Changeup
A changeup is a type of pitch in baseball. Other names include change-of-pace, Bugs Bunny change-up, the dreaded equalizer, and simply change. The changeup is sometimes called an off-speed pitch, although that term can also be used simply to mean any pitch that is slower than a fastball...
as secondary pitches.
1995–1997
After opening the 1995 season with Columbus, Rivera made his major league debut against the California Angels on May 23, 1995 as a starting pitcher. Replacing an injured Jimmy KeyJimmy Key
James Edward "Jimmy" Key is a former left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Toronto Blue Jays , New York Yankees , and Baltimore Orioles...
, Rivera allowed five earned runs in innings pitched in a 10–0 loss. He experienced mixed success as a major league starter and as a result, he split time between the Yankees and their Columbus minor league affiliate. As a 25-year-old rookie just three years removed from major arm surgery, Rivera's role on the team was not guaranteed. Management considered trading
Trade (sports)
In professional sports, a trade is a sports league transaction involving an exchange of players' contracts or draft picks between teams. Cash is another commodity that may be packaged together with contracts or draft picks to complete a trade...
him to the Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
for starter David Wells
David Wells
David Lee Wells , nicknamed "Boomer", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. Wells was considered to be one of the game's better left-handed pitchers, especially during his years with the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays. He pitched the fifteenth perfect game in baseball history...
, but Yankees general manager
General manager
General manager is a descriptive term for certain executives in a business operation. It is also a formal title held by some business executives, most commonly in the hospitality industry.-Generic usage:...
Gene Michael quickly called off negotiations when he learned that Rivera began to throw at 95 – in one of his starts, 6 mph (9.7 km/h) faster than his previous average velocity. Rivera attributes his inexplicable improvement to God
God in Christianity
In Christianity, God is the eternal being that created and preserves the universe. God is believed by most Christians to be immanent , while others believe the plan of redemption show he will be immanent later...
. He also participated in a two-hit
Hit (baseball)
In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
shutout of the Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
on July 4, when he recorded a career-high 11 strikeouts. Overall, he finished his first season in the major leagues with a 5–3 record and a 5.51 ERA in 10 starts and nine relief outings. His improvement during the year and his success in the 1995 American League Division Series
1995 American League Division Series
-Seattle Mariners vs. New York Yankees:-Game 1, Tuesday, October 3:Jacobs Field in Cleveland, OhioAfter a 39-minute rain delay, Game 1 got underway with two veterans, Roger Clemens and Dennis Martínez, starting the opener. The Red Sox jumped in front first in the third on John Valentin's two run...
, in which he pitched scoreless innings of relief, convinced Yankees management to keep him and move him into the bullpen
Bullpen
In baseball, the bullpen is the area where relief pitchers warm-up before entering a game. Depending on the ballpark, it may be situated in foul territory along the baselines or just beyond the outfield fence. Also, a team's roster of relief pitchers is metonymically referred to as "the bullpen"...
the following season to be a full-time relief pitcher.
In 1996, Rivera served primarily as a setup pitcher
Setup pitcher
In baseball, a setup pitcher is a relief pitcher who regularly pitches before the closer. They commonly pitch the 7th and/or 8th innings, with the closer pitching the 9th....
for closer
Closer (baseball)
In baseball, a closing pitcher, more frequently referred to as a closer , is a relief pitcher who specializes in closing out games, i.e., getting the final outs in a close game. Closers often appear when the score is close, and the role is often assigned to a team's best reliever. A small number of...
John Wetteland
John Wetteland
John Karl Wetteland is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who specialized as a closer. During a 12-year career , he pitched for four different teams: the Los Angeles Dodgers, Montreal Expos, New York Yankees, and Texas Rangers.-Playing career:Wetteland was signed by the Dodgers as their second...
, typically pitching in the seventh and eighth innings of games before Wetteland pitched in the ninth. Their effectiveness gave the Yankees a 70–3 win–loss record that season when leading after six innings. Over twelve games between April 19 and May 21, Rivera pitched 26 consecutive scoreless innings, including 15 consecutive hitless innings. In the regular season, Rivera finished with a 2.09 ERA in innings pitched and set a Yankees single-season record for strikeouts by a reliever (130). In the postseason, he allowed just one earned run in innings pitched, helping the Yankees advance to and win the 1996 World Series
1996 World Series
-Game 1:Sunday, October 20, 1996 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New YorkGame 1 and Game 2 were originally scheduled for Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20, respectively. Rain on October 19, however, washed out Game 1. The schedule was moved up one day, with Game 1 and Game 2 rescheduled for...
against the Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
. It was the franchise's first World Series
World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
championship since 1978. He finished third in the voting for the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
(AL) Cy Young Award
Cy Young Award
The Cy Young Award is an honor given annually in baseball to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball , one each for the American League and National League . The award was first introduced in 1956 by Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick in honor of Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who died in 1955...
, which is given annually to the league's best pitcher based on voting by baseball writers.
Rivera impressed Yankees management enough that they chose not to re-sign Wetteland, who became a free agent in the offseason. They subsequently installed Rivera in the role of the Yankees' closer for the 1997 season to typically pitch the ninth innings of games. In April, MLB retired the uniform number 42 league-wide to honor Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson
Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson was the first black Major League Baseball player of the modern era. Robinson broke the baseball color line when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947...
, although Rivera was one of a dozen players allowed to continue wearing the number per a grandfather clause
Grandfather clause
Grandfather clause is a legal term used to describe a situation in which an old rule continues to apply to some existing situations, while a new rule will apply to all future situations. It is often used as a verb: to grandfather means to grant such an exemption...
. Rivera's transition from setup man to closer was not seamless; he blew three of his first six save opportunities and indicated that he was initially uncomfortable in the role. Eventually, he settled into his new duties, as he earned his first All-Star
Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
selection and recorded 43 saves in 52 opportunities with a 1.88 ERA in the regular season. Rivera also added a cut fastball to his pitching repertoire after accidentally discovering how to throw the pitch. His first season as closer ended with a blown save in Game 4 of the 1997 American League Division Series
1997 American League Division Series
-Cleveland Indians vs. New York Yankees:-Game 1, October 1:Kingdome in Seattle, WashingtonThe Orioles had gone wire-to-wire and the Mariners had won the AL West for the second time in the decade. In Game 1, both teams had their best on the mound: Mike Mussina for the Orioles and Randy Johnson for...
against the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
. With the Yankees four outs
Out (baseball)
In baseball, an out occurs when the defensive, or fielding, team effects any of a number of different events, and the umpire rules a batter or baserunner out. When a player is called out, he is said to be retired...
from advancing to the next round of the postseason, Rivera allowed a game-tying home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
to Sandy Alomar, Jr.
Sandy Alomar, Jr.
Santos "Sandy" Alomar, Jr., or in the Spanish-language naming system Santos Alomar Velázquez , is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for the San Diego Padres , Cleveland Indians , Chicago White Sox and , Colorado Rockies , Texas Rangers , Los Angeles Dodgers , and New York Mets...
The Yankees eventually lost that game and the next, eliminating them from the playoffs.
1998–2001
Although the Yankees coaching staff was concerned that Rivera would be affected by the disappointing end of the previous season, he emerged as one of the major leagues' best closers in the following seasons. Moreover, he became the central figure of a Yankees bullpen that, supported by middle relieversMiddle relief pitcher
In baseball, middle relief pitchers are relief pitchers who commonly pitch in the 6th or 7th innings or in situations where several innings worth of work is required . In the National League, a middle reliever often comes in after the starting pitcher has been pulled for a pinch hitter...
Jeff Nelson, Mike Stanton, and Ramiro Mendoza
Ramiro Mendoza
Ramiro Mendoza , nicknamed "El Brujo" , is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. Mendoza played with the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox . He batted and threw right-handed. Although Mendoza made 62 starts in his major league career, he was primarily known as a middle relief pitcher...
, contributed to the team's late-1990s dynasty
Dynasty (sports)
A sports dynasty is a team that dominates their sport or league for multiple seasons or years. Such dominance is often only realized in retrospect...
. In 1998, Rivera saved 36 games in 41 opportunities and finished with a 1.91 ERA. His success was aided by the increased usage of his cutter, which quickly became his signature pitch and earned a reputation for breaking hitters' bats with its sharp lateral movement. In the 1998 postseason, he saved six games and pitched scoreless innings, and he clinched the Yankees' sweep of the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
in the 1998 World Series
1998 World Series
The 1998 World Series, the 94th edition of Major League Baseball's championship series, matched the New York Yankees against the San Diego Padres . The Yankees swept the Series in four games to capture their second championship in three years, and their 24th overall...
, capping off a season in which the Yankees won an MLB-record 125 games between the regular season and the postseason. By season's end, he had allowed only two earned runs in 35 career postseason innings pitched—a 0.51 ERA—qualifying him for the major league record for lowest career postseason ERA; it is a record he still holds through 141 innings pitched.
In 1999, Rivera was voted onto the All-Star team with 23 saves and a 2.29 ERA in the first half. That summer, the Yankee Stadium scoreboard production staff began playing the song "Enter Sandman
Enter Sandman
"Enter Sandman" is a 1991 song by the American heavy metal band Metallica. It was released as the first single from their eponymous fifth album, Metallica. The music was written by Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich...
" by heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
band Metallica
Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
as Rivera's entrance music
Entrance music
Entrance music is a musical piece or song that is played for sports persons or celebrities when they enter the ring or the playing field.-Wrestling:...
. Staff members selected the song after witnessing in the previous year's World Series how enthusiastically San Diego fans reacted to closer Trevor Hoffman
Trevor Hoffman
Trevor William Hoffman is a former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher. During his 18-year career from 1993 to 2010, he pitched for the Florida Marlins, San Diego Padres, and the Milwaukee Brewers, spending years of his career with the Padres. A long-time closer, he is the Major...
entering games accompanied by AC/DC
AC/DC
AC/DC are an Australian rock band, formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Commonly classified as hard rock, they are considered pioneers of heavy metal, though they themselves have always classified their music as simply "rock and roll"...
's "Hells Bells
Hells Bells (song)
"Hells Bells" is the first track of Australian hard rock band AC/DC's album Back in Black. It is the first song on their comeback album after the death of vocalist Bon Scott, introducing his successor Brian Johnson....
". Although Rivera was indifferent about his entrance music, "Enter Sandman" soon became as much a part of his identity as a closer as his cutter did. After recording three blown saves and a 7.84 ERA in July, he allowed just one earned run over his last 30 appearances
Games pitched
In baseball statistics, games pitched is the number of games in which a player appears as a pitcher; a player who is announced as the pitcher must face at least one batter, although exceptions are made if the pitcher announced in the starting lineup is injured before facing a batter, perhaps while...
. He finished the season with a 1.83 ERA and 45 saves in 49 opportunities, his first time leading the majors in saves. He earned his first AL Rolaids Relief Man Award
Rolaids Relief Man Award
The Rolaids Relief Man Award is an annual Major League Baseball award given since the 1976 MLB season to the top relief pitchers of the regular season, one in the American League and one in the National League . Relief pitchers are the pitchers who enter the game after the starting pitcher is...
, an annual award for the league's best closer based on their statistics. In the 1999 World Series
1999 World Series
The 1999 World Series, the 95th edition of Major League Baseball's championship series, featured a rematch between the defending champions New York Yankees against the Atlanta Braves during the month of October, with the Yankees sweeping the Series in four games for their second title in a row,...
against the Braves, Rivera recorded two games and a win, and he closed out the Yankees' championship title, his third overall. MLB honored him with the World Series MVP Award
World Series MVP Award
The World Series Most Valuable Player Award is given to the player deemed to have the most impact on his team's performance in the World Series, which is the final round of the Major League Baseball postseason...
for his performance. Rivera finished 1999 by pitching 43 consecutive scoreless innings across the regular season and postseason, and he placed third in voting for the AL Cy Young Award. After the season, he revealed tentative plans to retire and become a minister after playing four more seasons, though he backed off these plans the following year.
In the offseason, Rivera lost his arbitration
Arbitration
Arbitration, a form of alternative dispute resolution , is a legal technique for the resolution of disputes outside the courts, where the parties to a dispute refer it to one or more persons , by whose decision they agree to be bound...
case, in which he requested an annual salary of $9.25 million, but the $7.25 million salary that the arbitrators awarded him instead set a baseball record for the highest arbitration award
Arbitration award
An arbitration award is a determination on the merits by an arbitration tribunal in an arbitration, and is analogous to a judgment in a court of law...
. In the 2000 season, Rivera was selected as an All-Star for the third time, and he ended the season with 36 saves in 41 opportunities and a 2.85 ERA. In the postseason, he saved six games and allowed three earned runs in innings pitched. He also set a new record for consecutive scoreless innings pitched in the postseason, a streak that ended shortly after at innings. In the 2000 World Series
2000 World Series
-Game 1:Saturday, October 21, 2000 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New YorkThe opener fell on two anniversaries. Twenty-five years prior, Boston Red Sox's catcher Carlton Fisk ended Game 6 of the 1975 World Series with his famous home run off the left field foul pole in Fenway Park in Boston to beat...
against the New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
, he clinched a championship for his team for the third consecutive year. It was his fourth World Series title overall. By this point, Rivera had established a reputation as an exceptional postseason performer—journalist Jack Curry
Jack Curry
Jack Curry was an American sportswriter for The New York Times, who is currently a commentator on the YES Network. Until recently, he was the national baseball correspondent for the Times. Before taking over that beat, he covered the Yankees for the Times. He was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for...
called him the "infallible weapon" and "the greatest reason the Yankees [were] three-time champions".
With Rivera's contract set to expire after 2001, the Yankees signed him to a four-year, $39.99 million deal prior to the season, marking the first long-term contract of Rivera's career. In 2001, he was voted onto the All-Star team for a third consecutive year. His final numbers included a 2.34 ERA, a closer career-high innings pitched, and an MLB-leading 50 saves in 57 opportunities—the second time he led the majors in saves. This earned him his second AL Rolaids Relief Man Award. Despite his stellar track record and what sportswriters deemed an "aura of invincibility" in the postseason, Rivera failed to close out the decisive Game 7 of the 2001 World Series
2001 World Series
-Game 1:Saturday, October 27, 2001 at Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix, ArizonaArizona showed no fear and chased Yankees starter Mike Mussina after just three innings. The Yankees gave up five unearned runs and the Diamondbacks rode Curt Schilling's seven strong innings to a 9–1 rout...
against the Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
. In one of his most infamous moments, he blew a save in the bottom of the ninth inning, in part due to his own throwing error
Error (baseball)
In baseball statistics, an error is the act, in the judgment of the official scorer, of a fielder misplaying a ball in a manner that allows a batter or baserunner to reach one or more additional bases, when such an advance would have been prevented given ordinary effort by the fielder.The term ...
, and he lost the Series later in the inning by allowing Luis Gonzalez
Luis Gonzalez (baseball outfielder)
Luis Emilio Gonzalez , nicknamed "Gonzo", is a retired Major League Baseball outfielder. A Cuban-American, Gonzalez spent his best years with the Arizona Diamondbacks and was one of the most popular players in that organization's history...
's bloop single with the bases loaded
Bases loaded
In the sport of baseball, the bases are loaded when there is a runner on each base . This presents a great scoring opportunity for the batting team, but it also presents an easy double play opportunity for the defense. Causing the bases to become loaded is called loading the bases...
to score the winning run. It is the only loss in Rivera's postseason career, and it snapped his record streak of 23 consecutive postseason saves converted.
2002–2005
Injuries limited Rivera's playing time in 2002. He was first placed on the disabled listDisabled list
In Major League Baseball, the disabled list is a method for teams to remove their injured players from the roster in order to summon healthy players.-General guidelines:...
with a groin strain
Strain (injury)
A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon in which the muscle fibres tear as a result of overstretching. A strain is also colloquially known as a pulled muscle...
in June, though his first-half numbers, which included a 1.47 ERA and 21 saves, earned him an All-Star selection. In July, he allowed six earned runs in a single relief outing and was sidelined by a shoulder strain, an injury that required two additional stints on the disabled list. Overall, he finished with a 2.74 ERA and 28 saves in 32 opportunities in just 46 innings pitched.
Rivera missed the first month of the 2003 season with another groin injury. Despite concerns by sportswriters about his reliability, Rivera quickly returned to form after re-assuming his closer role on May 1. He recorded 40 saves in 46 opportunities with a 1.66 ERA in 64 games in the 2003 regular season. In the 2003 American League Championship Series
2003 American League Championship Series
-Game 1:Wednesday, October 8, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New YorkBacked by three home runs, Tim Wakefield shut the Bombers down in Game 1.-Game 2:Thursday, October 9, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York...
against the arch-rival Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
, Rivera delivered one of the most memorable postseason performances of his career. In Game 7, he entered in the ninth inning with the score tied 5–5 and pitched three scoreless innings, en route to becoming the game's winning pitcher. Though Aaron Boone
Aaron Boone
Aaron John Boone is a former Major League Baseball infielder whose famous home run off Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield won the 2003 American League Championship Series for the New York Yankees. He played for the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Florida Marlins, Washington...
's eleventh-inning walk-off home run
Walk-off home run
In baseball, a walk-off home run is a home run that ends the game. It must be a home run that gives the home team the lead in the bottom of the final inning of the game—either the ninth inning, or any extra inning, or any other regularly scheduled final inning...
clinched the Yankees' World Series berth, Rivera was named the Championship Series MVP
League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award
The second round of the Major League Baseball post-season is known as the League Championship Series . This series has a best-of-seven playoff format, and currently follows the Division Series, in which the three division champions and one wild card team from each league play against each other...
for recording two saves and a win. He celebrated by running to the mound and collapsing in joy and exhaustion to thank God, as Boone rounded the bases and was met by his teammates at home plate. The Yankees lost in the 2003 World Series
2003 World Series
The 2003 World Series marked the 99th baseball World Series event. The Florida Marlins defeated the New York Yankees in six games, 4–2.-Background:...
to the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
; Rivera saved five games and allowed only one earned run in 16 innings pitched that postseason.
Prior to the 2004 season, with a year remaining on his contract, he signed a two-year extension worth $21 million, with an option for a third year in 2007. During 2004, Rivera became the 17th pitcher in MLB history to record 300 saves, and he made the All-Star team with 32 saves at the break, then an American League record. He finished the season with a 1.94 ERA, and he led the majors in saves for a third time with a career-best 53 saves in 57 opportunities. He won his third AL Rolaids Relief Man Award and placed third in voting for the AL Cy Young Award. Following the Yankees' victory in the 2004 American League Division Series
2004 American League Division Series
-Anaheim Angels vs. Boston Red Sox:-Game 1, October 5:Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New YorkPitching dominated in Game 1 as Mike Mussina faced Johan Santana. The Twins got on the board first when Shannon Stewart singled home Michael Cuddyer. Then in the sixth, Jacque Jones hit a solo home run to make...
against the Twins, Rivera returned home to Panama to mourn two relatives that had been killed in a swimming accident at his home. Despite his status being in doubt for the American League Championship Series against the Red Sox, he returned to New York for Game 1 on the same day that the funeral was held in Panama. He recorded a save later that night, as well as in Game 2. Although the Yankees led three-games-to-none in the series, Rivera blew saves in Games 4 and 5, and the Red Sox won both games in extra innings
Extra innings
Extra innings is the extension of a baseball or softball game in order to break a tie.Ordinarily, a baseball game consists of nine innings , each of which is divided into halves: the visiting team bats first, after which the home team takes its turn at bat...
to avoid elimination. In Game 4, pinch runner
Pinch runner
A pinch runner is a baseball player substituted for the specific purpose of replacing a player on base. In the typical case, the pinch runner is faster or otherwise more skilled at base-running than the player for whom the pinch runner has been substituted...
Dave Roberts stole
Stolen base
In baseball, a stolen base occurs when a baserunner successfully advances to the next base while the pitcher is delivering the ball to home plate...
second base off Rivera and scored on a single to tie the game. In Game 5, Rivera entered with a one-run lead with runners on base and allowed a sacrifice fly
Sacrifice fly
In baseball, a sacrifice fly is a batted ball that satisfies four criteria:* There are fewer than two outs when the ball is hit.* The ball is hit to the outfield....
to tie the score. Although he allowed just one earned run in the 2004 postseason, he blew three of five save opportunities in the two series. Boston's comeback victories helped them become the first team in MLB history to win a best-of-seven series in which they trailed three-games-to-none.
Following a career high in appearances in 2004, Rivera did not throw during the offseason, unlike previous years. His 2005 season began on a low note. After missing time in spring training
Spring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
with elbow bursitis
Bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of one or more bursae of synovial fluid in the body. The bursae rest at the points where internal functionaries, such as muscles and tendons, slide across bone. Healthy bursae create a smooth, almost frictionless functional gliding surface making normal movement painless...
, he blew his first two save opportunities of the season against the Red Sox, marking four consecutive blown opportunities against Boston dating back to the previous postseason. Fans at Yankee Stadium booed
Booing
Booing is an act of showing displeasure for someone or something, generally an entertainer, by loudly yelling boo! or making other noises of disparagement, such as hissing. People may make hand signs at the entertainer, such as the thumbs down sign...
Rivera, and baseball journalists speculated if his days as a dominant pitcher were over. He was subsequently cheered by Red Sox fans during pre-game introductions at Fenway Park
Fenway Park
Fenway Park is a baseball park near Kenmore Square in Boston, Massachusetts. Located at 4 Yawkey Way, it has served as the home ballpark of the Boston Red Sox baseball club since it opened in 1912, and is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium currently in use. It is one of two "classic"...
the following week, in recognition of his struggles against the Red Sox. He responded to the ovation with a sense of humor by tipping his cap to the crowd.
Rivera rebounded in dominating fashion and finished 2005 with his greatest season to that point. He made the All-Star team, converted 31 consecutive save opportunities, and finished the season with 43 saves in 47 opportunities. He set new career bests in many statistical categories, including ERA (1.38) and walks plus hits per inning pitched
Walks plus hits per inning pitched
In baseball statistics, walks plus hits per inning pitched is a sabermetric measurement of the number of baserunners a pitcher has allowed per inning pitched. It is a measure of a pitcher's ability to prevent batters from reaching base...
, or WHIP (0.87). Rivera limited opposing hitters to a batting average against of only .177, then a closer-career best. Along with winning his fourth AL Rolaids Relief Man Award, Rivera placed second in the voting for the AL Cy Young Award to starter Bartolo Colón
Bartolo Colón
Bartolo Colón is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He played in Major League Baseball from 1997 to 2009 and again in 2011...
and ninth for the AL Most Valuable Player Award—his highest finishes in voting for both awards. After the season, he was announced as the relief pitcher on MLB's Latino Legends Team
Latino Legends Team
The Latino Legends Team was an all-time all-star baseball team selected in 2005 to honor the history of Latin American players in Major League Baseball. The players were chosen by fan voting. Ballots were available both online at MLB.com and at Chevrolet dealerships, and over 1.6 million total...
, a fan-voted all-time roster of the greatest Latino
Hispanic and Latino Americans
Hispanic or Latino Americans are Americans with origins in the Hispanic countries of Latin America or in Spain, and in general all persons in the United States who self-identify as Hispanic or Latino.1990 Census of Population and Housing: A self-designated classification for people whose origins...
players.
2006–2008
Rivera started 2006 with a 3.72 ERA and two losses in April, but he recovered to make his third consecutive All-Star team with a 1.76 ERA and 19 saves entering the All-Star break. He saved the 2006 MLB All-Star Game for a record-tying third career All-Star Game save. On July 16, he reached another milestone, becoming the fourth pitcher in major league history to record 400 saves. He was sidelined for most of September with a strain in his throwing elbow, but he finished the 2006 season with 34 saves in 37 opportunities and an ERA of 1.80—his fourth consecutive season with a sub-2.00 ERA. For a second consecutive year, fans voted him the Delivery Man of the Year.Before the 2007 season, Rivera attempted to extend his contract, which was to expire at the end of the year. Yankees management refused to negotiate near the start of the season, prompting him to respond that he would consider free agency after the season. In April, Rivera blew his first two save opportunities, compiled two losses, and surrendered nine earned runs in innings pitched. Concerned sportswriters attributed his struggles to infrequent use, as the Yankees presented him with few situations to enter a game. Rivera saved 30 of his next 32 opportunities and posted a 2.26 ERA over the final five months of the season. In addition, he passed John Franco for third place on the all-time saves list with his 425th career save. Still, 2007 was statistically his weakest season as a closer, as he recorded closer career worsts in earned runs (25), hits (68), and ERA (3.15). His 30 saves in 34 opportunities were his second-lowest total since 1997. After the Yankees were eliminated from the playoffs in the opening round, he stated his intentions to test the free agent market; he was unhappy that long-time Yankees manager Joe Torre
Joe Torre
Joseph Paul Torre is a former American professional baseball player and manager who currently serves as Major League Baseball’s Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations. A nine-time All-Star, he played in Major League Baseball as a catcher, first baseman and a third baseman for the...
was not re-signed and that the team's ownership was transitioning from George Steinbrenner
George Steinbrenner
George Michael Steinbrenner III was an American businessman who was the principal owner and managing partner of Major League Baseball's New York Yankees. During Steinbrenner's 37-year ownership from 1973 to his death in July 2010, the longest in club history, the Yankees earned seven World Series...
to his sons. Speculation that Rivera would sign elsewhere ended when he agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract with the Yankees, making him the highest-paid reliever in baseball history.
Lee Smith (baseball)
Lee Arthur Smith is an American right-handed former baseball pitcher who played 18 years in Major League Baseball for eight teams. Pitching primarily for the Chicago Cubs, with whom he spent his first eight seasons, Lee served mostly as a relief pitcher during his career...
for second all-time in regular season saves; on September 21, in the final game at Yankee Stadium, Rivera threw the final pitch in the venue's history, retiring the Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
' Brian Roberts
Brian Roberts
Brian Michael Roberts is an American Major League Baseball All Star second baseman, nicknamed B-Rob.He made his Major League debut in and has spent his entire professional career with the Baltimore Orioles organization, located in Baltimore, Maryland.-Early life, education and college-baseball...
on a ground-out. After the Yankees missed the postseason for the first time in his career, Rivera disclosed that he had suffered from shoulder pain throughout the year. Tests revealed calcification
Calcification
Calcification is the process in which calcium salts build up in soft tissue, causing it to harden. Calcifications may be classified on whether there is mineral balance or not, and the location of the calcification.-Causes:...
of the acromioclavicular joint
Acromioclavicular joint
The acromioclavicular joint, or AC joint, is a joint at the top of the shoulder. It is the junction between the acromion and the clavicle. -Function:...
in his throwing shoulder, for which he underwent minor arthroscopic surgery in the offseason.
Rivera finished 2008 with one of his best individual seasons. Along with a 1.40 ERA and 39 saves in 40 opportunities, he set career bests in multiple statistical categories, including WHIP (0.67), on-base plus slugging
On-base plus slugging
On-base plus slugging is a sabermetric baseball statistic calculated as the sum of a player's on-base percentage and slugging percentage. The ability of a player to both get on base and to hit for power, two important hitting skills, are represented. An OPS of .900 or higher in Major League...
(OPS)-against (.422), batting average against (.165), save conversion rate (97.5%), walks (6), earned runs (11), and blown saves (1). He averaged 9.81 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched, his best mark as a closer. He pitched with such control
Control pitcher
A control pitcher is a pitcher who succeeds mostly by using accurate pitches, as opposed to a power pitcher who relies on velocity. By issuing a below average number of bases on balls he exhibits good control of his pitches...
that his 12.83 strikeout-to-walk ratio made him the second pitcher since 1900 to record a figure that high in a season. He placed fifth in the AL Cy Young Award voting.
2009–present
In Rivera's first 12 appearances of 2009, he surrendered four home runs and notched a 3.97 ERA, leading to speculation about his cutter's effectiveness and his shoulder's health at age 39. As the season progressed, his numbers improved, and he reached a milestone on June 28 by becoming the second pitcher to reach 500 regular season saves. In the same game, he recorded his first career run batted inRun batted in
Runs batted in or RBIs is a statistic used in baseball and softball to credit a batter when the outcome of his at-bat results in a run being scored, except in certain situations such as when an error is made on the play. The first team to track RBI was the Buffalo Bisons.Common nicknames for an RBI...
by drawing a walk with the bases loaded against fellow closer Francisco Rodríguez. Rivera earned a tenth All-Star selection with 23 saves in 24 opportunities and a 2.43 ERA in the first half. At the 2009 MLB All-Star Game, he set a record by saving his fourth career All-Star Game. In the season's second half, Rivera allowed earned runs in only two of his final 40 appearances, while he set a new personal best for consecutive save opportunities converted with 36. He finished the regular season with a 1.76 ERA, 44 saves in 46 opportunities, and a 0.90 WHIP. In the postseason, he pitched 16 innings, allowing one earned run and saving five games, and he clinched the Yankees' victory in the 2009 World Series
2009 World Series
The 2009 World Series was the 105th edition of Major League Baseball's championship series. The best-of-seven playoff was contested between the Philadelphia Phillies, champions of the National League and defending World Series champions, and the New York Yankees, champions of the American League...
against the Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
—his fifth championship. He was the only closer among postseason teams that did not record a loss or blown save. He collected several awards at season's end, including his third Delivery Man Award, his fifth AL Rolaids Relief Man Award, and the 2009 Sporting News Pro Athlete of the Year Award. Reflecting on the decade's end, ESPN.com
ESPN.com
ESPN.com is the official website of ESPN and a division of ESPN Inc. Since launching in 1995 as ESPNet.SportsZone.com, the website has developed numerous sections including: Page 2, SportsNation, ESPN 3.com, ESPN Motion, My ESPN, ESPN Sports Travel, ESPN Video Games, ESPN Insider, ESPN.com's...
's Jerry Crasnick
Jerry Crasnick
Jerry Crasnick is a sports writer, currently covering baseball for the sports website ESPN.com. He began his career working for the Biddeford Journal Tribune in Maine, as well as the Portland Press Herald. In 1988 he served as the beat writer for The Cincinnati Post where he covered the Cincinnati...
called Rivera the most valuable major league pitcher of the previous 10 years.
In 2010, Rivera and two of his "Core Four
Core Four
The Core Four is a term commonly used to refer to New York Yankees players Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada, and Mariano Rivera. All four players were drafted or originally signed by the Yankees and played together in the minor leagues...
" teammates, Derek Jeter
Derek Jeter
Derek Sanderson Jeter is an American baseball shortstop who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. A twelve-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, Jeter's clubhouse presence, on-field leadership, hitting ability, and baserunning have made him a central...
and Jorge Posada
Jorge Posada
Jorge Rafael Posada Villeta is a Major League Baseball player who is currently a free agent and has played his entire career for the New York Yankees. He served as the Yankees primary catcher for most of his career, though following off-season knee surgery, he was moved to designated hitter for...
, became the first trio in any of the four North American major sports leagues to play together on the same team in 16 consecutive seasons. Rivera began with one of his best first halves, compiling a 1.05 ERA, 20 saves in 22 opportunities, and 0.64 WHIP before the All-Star break, and in June, he set a personal best streak with 24 consecutive batters retired. He earned an 11th All-Star selection but withdrew from the game to rest lingering oblique and knee injuries. In the second half, he was less effective—he struck out batters half as often, and in September, he compiled three blown saves and a 4.76 ERA. His final numbers included a 1.80 ERA and 0.83 WHIP, but his 33 saves in 38 opportunities and 6.75 strikeouts per 9 innings ratio were among the lowest of his career. In the postseason, he pitched scoreless innings while saving three games. After becoming a free agent in the offseason, Rivera agreed to a two-year, $30 million contract to remain with the Yankees.
In the offseason, Trevor Hoffman retired as the all-time regular season saves leader with a final tally of 601, leaving Rivera as the active leader in saves and 42 behind Hoffman's record to start 2011. Rivera's season was marked by several milestones. In the first half, in addition to breaking the all-time record for games finished
Games finished
In baseball statistics, a relief pitcher is credited with a game finished if he is the last pitcher to pitch for his team in a game. A starting pitcher is not credited with a GF for pitching a complete game...
, he became the 15th pitcher to make 1,000 appearances, and the first to do so with a single team. He was named an All-Star for the 12th time with a 1.85 ERA and 22 saves in 26 opportunities at the break, but for the second consecutive year, he skipped the game to rest injuries. His pursuit of Hoffman's saves record reached a climax in the final month of the season; on September 13, he collected his 600th save, making him just the second pitcher to accomplish the feat. Four days later, he saved his 601st game, tying him for the most in MLB history. Rivera broke the record on September 19 at Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium was a stadium located in The Bronx in New York City, New York. It was the home ballpark of the New York Yankees from 1923 to 1973 and from 1976 to 2008. The stadium hosted 6,581 Yankees regular season home games during its 85-year history. It was also the former home of the New York...
by closing out a 6–4 win against the Twins, the final out by strikeout. After the game, President of Panama Ricardo Martinelli
Ricardo Martinelli
Ricardo Alberto Martinelli Berrocal is a Panamanian politician and businessman who was elected the 49th President of Panama in 2009. He is a Panamanian of Italian descent from his father's side.- Early life :...
called him to offer his congratulations. Rivera finished the season with a 1.91 ERA, a 0.90 WHIP, and 44 saves in 49 opportunities, making him the first pitcher over the age of 40 to save at least 40 games in a season.
Pitching style
Rivera's signature pitch is his cut fastball or "cutter". The pitch breaks sharply towards left-handed hitters, exhibiting late lateral movement similar to a sliderSlider
In baseball, a slider is a pitch that breaks laterally and down, with a speed between that of a curveball and that of a fastball....
, but with the velocity of a fastball
Fastball
The fastball is the most common type of pitch in baseball. Some "power pitchers," such as Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens, have thrown it at speeds of 95–106 mph and up to 108.1 mph , relying purely on speed to prevent the ball from being hit...
. The pitch's sharp movement is created by Rivera's long fingers and loose wrist, which allow him to impart more spin on the ball. He varies the cutter's movement by adjusting the pressure he puts on the ball with his fingertips. He almost exclusively throws cutters—according to baseball statistics website Fangraphs
Fangraphs
FanGraphs.com is a website run by Fangraphs Inc., located in Arlington, Virginia, and created and owned by David Appelman that provides statistics for every player in Major League Baseball history....
, 83.3% of Rivera's pitches in 2010 were cutters. He occasionally mixes in a four-seam
Four-seam fastball
A four-seam fastball, also called a rising fastball, a four-seamer, or a cross-seam fastball, is a pitch in baseball. It is a member of the fastball family...
and two-seam fastball
Two-seam fastball
A two-seam fastball is a pitch in baseball and a variant of the straight fastball. The pitch has the speed of a fastball, but the general movement of a screwball...
, and he throws all three pitches in the low-to-mid 90s mph. Rivera accidentally discovered the cutter while playing catch with Ramiro Mendoza
Ramiro Mendoza
Ramiro Mendoza , nicknamed "El Brujo" , is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. Mendoza played with the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox . He batted and threw right-handed. Although Mendoza made 62 starts in his major league career, he was primarily known as a middle relief pitcher...
in June 1997, finding that the fastballs he threw in the bullpen were moving sharply and unpredictably. After failing to straighten out the pitch and prevent the movement altogether, he accepted it and began to use the pitch in games, prominently featuring it beginning in 1998. When asked where his ability to throw the pitch came from, he explained, "It was just from God. I didn't do anything. It was natural."
Rivera's cut fastball is a respected pitch among major league hitters. It frequently breaks the bats of hitters—Chipper Jones
Chipper Jones
Larry Wayne "Chipper" Jones, Jr. is a Major League baseball player for the National League's Atlanta Braves. Although initially a shortstop, he has spent most of his career as the starting third baseman for the Braves...
compared it to a "buzzsaw" after witnessing teammate Ryan Klesko
Ryan Klesko
Ryan Anthony Klesko , is a former Major League Baseball first baseman and corner outfielder, who played for the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, and the San Francisco Giants...
break three bats in one plate appearance
Plate appearance
In baseball statistics, a player is credited with a plate appearance each time he completes a turn batting. A player completes a turn batting when: He strikes out or is declared out before reaching first base; or He reaches first base safely or is awarded first base ; or He hits a fair ball which...
against Rivera in the 1999 World Series. Jim Thome
Jim Thome
James Howard "Jim" Thome is a Major League Baseball player for the Philadelphia Phillies. He is the eighth player to hit 600 home runs in the major leagues. He is widely considered a future Hall of Famer.-Cleveland Indians :...
called it "the single best pitch ever in the game". In 2004, ESPN.com ranked his cutter as the best "out pitch" in baseball. Buster Olney
Buster Olney
Robert Stanbury "Buster" Olney III is a columnist for ESPN: The Magazine, ESPN.com, and covered the New York Giants and New York Yankees for The New York Times. He is also a regular analyst for the ESPN's Baseball Tonight...
described his cut fastball as "the most dominant pitch of a generation". Although switch-hitters usually bat left-handed against right-handed pitchers to better see the ball's release point, switch-hitters occasionally bat right-handed when facing the right-handed Rivera to avoid being jammed on their hands by his cutter. Similarly, some managers, such as Bruce Bochy
Bruce Bochy
Bruce Douglas Bochy is the manager of the San Francisco Giants. Prior to joining the Giants, Bochy had been the manager of the San Diego Padres for twelve seasons. Bochy is the only former Padres player to serve as the team's manager. He has participated in all five postseason appearances in...
in the 1998 World Series, have sent right-handed batters to pinch hit
Pinch hitter
In baseball, a pinch hitter is a substitute batter. Batters can be substituted at any time while the ball is dead ; the manager may use any player that has not yet entered the game as a substitute...
for left-handed batters against Rivera, thinking that the cutter would be more difficult for lefties to hit.
Since Rivera relies on variations of a fastball, all of similar speed, much of his success can be attributed to his ability to consistently throw strikes. His 4.04 career strikeout-to-walk ratio in the regular season ranks fifth-best in major league history. Rivera's impeccable control is a byproduct of his smooth pitching delivery, as an easily repeatable throwing motion allows a pitcher to yield consistent results.
Rivera is considered an exceptional athlete, distinguished by his slender physique and durability. His propensity to shag
Shagging (baseball)
Shagging describes the act of catching fly balls in the outfield when not involved in actual baseball games. Pitchers may do this during batting practice before games. In the Major League Baseball Home Run Derby, children are recruited as shaggers in order to field balls that do not go out as a...
balls during batting practice convinced scouts he could be a top AL center fielder
Center fielder
A center fielder, abbreviated CF, is the outfielder in baseball who plays defense in center field – the baseball fielding position between left field and right field...
. Buster Olney compared his regimen of physical preparation and guidelines for staying healthy to Satchel Paige
Satchel Paige
Leroy Robert "Satchel" Paige was an American baseball player whose pitching in the Negro leagues and in Major League Baseball made him a legend in his own lifetime...
's "Rules for Staying Young".
Personality
Rivera exhibits a reserved demeanor on the field that contrasts with the emotional, demonstrative temperament of many of his peers. Hall of Fame closer Goose GossageGoose Gossage
Richard Michael "Goose" Gossage is a former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher. During a 22-year baseball career, he pitched from 1972-1994 for nine different teams, spending his best years with the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres. The nickname "Goose" is a play on his surname...
said that Rivera's composure under stress gave him the appearance of having "ice water in his veins". Commenting on his ability to remain focused in pressure situations, Rivera said, "When you start thinking, a lot of things will happen... If you don't control your emotions, your emotions will control your acts, and that's not good." His ability to compartmentalize
Compartmentalization (psychology)
Compartmentalizing is the act of splitting an idea or concept up into parts, and trying to enforce thought processes which are inhibiting attempts to allow these parts to mix together again. This process is performed in an attempt to simplify things, and to defend against anxiety. According to...
his successes and failures impressed fellow reliever Joba Chamberlain
Joba Chamberlain
Justin Louis "Joba" Chamberlain is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees.-Early life:Chamberlain was born and grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska. Chamberlain's parents, Harlan Chamberlain and Jackie Standley, were never married and split up when Joba was 18 months old...
, who said, "He's won and lost some of the biggest games in the history of baseball, and he's no worse for the wear when he gives up a home run." Rivera explained his ability to quickly forget bad performances: "win or lose, you have to forget about it. Right on the spot... the game that you're going to play tomorrow is not going to be the same game that you just played." Derek Jeter called him the "most mentally tough" teammate with whom he has ever played.
Within the Yankees organization, Rivera is regarded as a team leader. As a veteran player, he mentors younger pitchers and counsels teammates. He has a team-first mindset and defers most discussions about individual accolades to team goals and his teammates, praising them for making his presence in games a necessity. When once asked to describe his job, Rivera put it simply, "I get the ball, I throw the ball, and then I take a shower."
Legacy
Rivera has been a dominant reliever throughout his career, pitching with a consistency and longevity uncharacteristic of a role commonly marked by volatility and high turnoverTurnover (employment)
In a human resources context, turnover or staff turnover or labour turnover is the rate at which an employer gains and loses employees. Simple ways to describe it are "how long employees tend to stay" or "the rate of traffic through the revolving door." Turnover is measured for individual companies...
. In his 15-year stint as the Yankees' closer, Rivera has compiled considerable career numbers. A 12-time All-Star, he is the majors' all-time regular season leader in saves (603) and games finished
Games finished
In baseball statistics, a relief pitcher is credited with a game finished if he is the last pitcher to pitch for his team in a game. A starting pitcher is not credited with a GF for pitching a complete game...
(882). His save conversion rate of 89.33% is the best percentage among pitchers with at least 200 saves. He has finished 15 consecutive seasons with at least 25 saves and 14 seasons with at least 30 saves, both of which are records. Statistically, Rivera ranks as one of the top pitchers of his generation, amongst both starters and relievers; his ERA (2.21) and WHIP (1.00) are the lowest of any pitcher in the live-ball era
Live-ball era
The live-ball era, also referred to as the lively ball era, is the period in Major League Baseball beginning in , following the dead-ball era. During that year offensive statistics rose dramatically in what would be mistakenly attributed to the introduction of a new "lively" ball...
, making him one of the top pitchers since 1920 at preventing hitters from reaching base and scoring. He has recorded an ERA under 2.00 in 11 seasons, tying him with Walter Johnson
Walter Johnson
Walter Perry Johnson , nicknamed "Barney" and "The Big Train", was a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He played his entire 21-year baseball career for the Washington Senators...
for the most such seasons (minimum 60 innings pitched each). Rivera also has the best adjusted ERA+
Adjusted ERA+
Adjusted ERA+, often simply abbreviated to ERA+ or ERA plus, is a pitching statistic in baseball. It adjusts a pitcher's earned run average according to the pitcher's ballpark and the ERA of the pitcher's league...
(206) in MLB history, meaning the league average ERA is 106% more than Rivera's career mark, adjusted for ballpark.
In the postseason, Rivera has recorded even stronger numbers than he has in the regular season. He has a postseason win–loss record of 8–1 and WHIP of 0.76, and he holds numerous postseason records, including lowest ERA (0.70), most saves (42), most consecutive scoreless innings pitched , most consecutive save opportunities converted (23), and most appearances (96). No pitcher has half as many postseason saves as he does. Joe Torre
Joe Torre
Joseph Paul Torre is a former American professional baseball player and manager who currently serves as Major League Baseball’s Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations. A nine-time All-Star, he played in Major League Baseball as a catcher, first baseman and a third baseman for the...
, who managed Rivera for most of his career, said, "Let's face it. The regular season for Mo is great, but that's the cupcakes and the ice cream. What separates him from everybody else is what he's done in the postseason." Rivera's dominance in postseason games has often led to him being utilized for two-inning appearances, as he has a record 14 saves of this variety. Between 1998 and 2008, he recorded 26 postseason saves of four or more outs; the second-highest total by any other pitcher was four such saves, and the rest of baseball combined had 33. At the start of the 2011 playoffs, Rivera ranked first all-time in win probability added
Win Probability Added
Win probability added is a sport statistic which attempts to measure a player's contribution to a win by figuring the factor by which each specific play made by that player has altered the outcome of a game...
in the postseason with 11.62, more than three times the total of the next-closest player. In a 2009 ESPN.com poll, Rivera was voted one of the top five postseason players in MLB history. Based on his postseason contributions, many baseball journalists consider him to be the most valuable Yankees player from the team's late-1990s championship seasons.
Rivera has achieved a reputation as an all-time great reliever among baseball experts and fellow players. Hall of Fame starter-turned-closer Dennis Eckersley
Dennis Eckersley
Dennis Lee Eckersley , nicknamed "Eck", is a former American Major League Baseball pitcher. Eckersley had success as a starter, but gained his greatest fame as a closer, becoming the first of only two pitchers in Major League history to have both a 20-win season and a 50-save season in a career .He...
called him "the best ever, no doubt", while Trevor Hoffman said he "will go down as the best reliever in the game in history". Torre said, "He's the best I've ever been around. Not only the ability to pitch and perform under pressure, but the calm he puts over the clubhouse." Writer Tom Verducci
Tom Verducci
Tom Verducci is an American sportswriter who is currently writing for Sports Illustrated and its online magazine SI.com. He writes primarily about baseball. He is also a field reporter for the MLB postseason on TBS...
said, "That Rivera is the greatest closer that ever lived is obvious", and he compared Rivera's reputation as the best at his position to that of Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan
Michael Jeffrey Jordan is a former American professional basketball player, active entrepreneur, and majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats...
and Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Douglas Gretzky, CC is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and former head coach. Nicknamed "The Great One", he is generally regarded as the best player in the history of the National Hockey League , and has been called "the greatest hockey player ever" by many sportswriters,...
. Speaking about Rivera's looming presence at the end of games, Alex Rodriguez
Alex Rodriguez
Alexander Emmanuel "Alex" Rodriguez is an American professional baseball third baseman with the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. Known popularly by his nickname A-Rod, he previously played shortstop for the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers.Rodriguez is considered one of the best...
said, "He's the only guy in baseball who can change the game from a seat in the clubhouse or the bullpen. He would start affecting teams as early as the fifth inning, because they knew he was out there. I've never seen anyone who could affect a game like that." Goose Gossage, a multiple-inning closer from earlier decades, disagreed about Rivera's place in history, believing that the modern role of closer that Rivera occupies has become too specialized and easy compared to past closers: "Mariano Rivera is a great relief pitcher. In the modern sense. What he did and what we used to do is apples and oranges. It's not fair to compare what closers today do with what we did." Although voters have historically been reluctant to allow relievers into the Baseball Hall of Fame, sportswriters anticipate Rivera will be elected in his first year of eligibility.
Rivera is well respected among his peers for his professionalism. Fellow closer Joe Nathan
Joe Nathan
Joseph Michael Nathan is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball . Nathan started out his baseball career as a shortstop in high school but converted to a pitcher after being drafted by the San Francisco Giants...
said, "I look up to how he's handled himself on and off the field... You never see him show up anyone and he respects the game. I've always looked up to him and it's always a compliment to be just mentioned in the same sentence as him." Michael Young said of Rivera, "I respect Mo more than anybody in the game. The guy goes out there, gets three outs and shakes [Jorge] Posada
Jorge Posada
Jorge Rafael Posada Villeta is a Major League Baseball player who is currently a free agent and has played his entire career for the New York Yankees. He served as the Yankees primary catcher for most of his career, though following off-season knee surgery, he was moved to designated hitter for...
's hand. You appreciate someone who respects the game like he does, respects the people he plays with and against, and obviously his results speak for themselves."
Many of Rivera's colleagues credit him with popularizing the cutter among major league pitchers. Fellow closer Jason Isringhausen
Jason Isringhausen
Jason Derik Isringhausen is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher.-New York Mets:Isringhausen was chosen as a draft-and-follow prospect by the New York Mets in the 44th round of the 1991 Major League Baseball Draft...
, who adopted the pitch later in his career, said, "I think he's been an influence on everybody that throws it. Everybody saw what [Rivera] could do, basically with one pitch. Nobody could throw it like he did, but now, you talk about the evolution of the cutter—just ask hitters about it and they tell you everybody's throwing one. And they hate it." Al Leiter
Al Leiter
Alois Terry "Al" Leiter is a former Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher. He is now a studio analyst for MLB Network, and a color commentator for the YES Network.-Early career :Leiter attended Central Regional High School....
, whose signature pitch was a cutter, echoed Isringhausen's sentiments: "Now, everybody throws it and Mo has had a huge influence on that. Pitchers watched him and marveled at what he did with one pitch."
Rivera will be the last MLB player to wear the uniform number 42 on a regular basis, as he is the only active player still wearing the number after its league-wide retirement in 1997 in honor of Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson
Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson was the first black Major League Baseball player of the modern era. Robinson broke the baseball color line when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947...
.
Personal life
Rivera and his wife Clara have known each other since elementary schoolElementary school
An elementary school or primary school is an institution where children receive the first stage of compulsory education known as elementary or primary education. Elementary school is the preferred term in some countries, particularly those in North America, where the terms grade school and grammar...
, and they were married on November 9, 1991. They have three sons: Mariano Jr., Jafet, and Jaziel. Rivera is a cousin of former Yankee Rubén Rivera
Ruben Rivera
Rubén Rivera Moreno is a professional baseball player, who is currently an outfielder for the Piratas de Campeche of the Mexican League. He played Major League Baseball for five different teams, from to...
. Over the course of his professional career, Rivera learned English, beginning in 1991 with the Greensboro Hornets, when he realized none of his teammates spoke Spanish
Spanish language
Spanish , also known as Castilian , is a Romance language in the Ibero-Romance group that evolved from several languages and dialects in central-northern Iberia around the 9th century and gradually spread with the expansion of the Kingdom of Castile into central and southern Iberia during the...
. He is now a proponent of Latino players learning English and of American press members learning Spanish, in order to bridge the cultural gap.
Rivera is a devout Christian. During his childhood, neither he nor his family attended church, but after a born-again experience in his early 20s, Rivera—and subsequently his parents—became religious. He maintains that God has a reason for everything that happens. For example, he found his failure in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series easier to deal with when he learned of the consequences it had on a teammate. Had the Yankees won Game 7 and the World Series, teammate Enrique Wilson
Enrique Wilson
Enrique Wilson Marte is a former Major League Baseball infielder. He batted switch and threw right-handed....
would have remained in New York a few extra days for the ticker tape parade and would have flown home to the Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries...
on American Airlines Flight 587
American Airlines Flight 587
American Airlines Flight 587, an Airbus A300, crashed into the Belle Harbor neighborhood of Queens, a borough of New York City, New York, shortly after takeoff from John F. Kennedy International Airport on November 12, 2001. This is the second deadliest U.S...
, which crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all 260 people aboard. Rivera told Wilson, "I am glad we lost the World Series, because it means that I still have a friend." Rivera's pitching glove is inscribed "Phil. 4:13", in reference to the Bible
Bible
The Bible refers to any one of the collections of the primary religious texts of Judaism and Christianity. There is no common version of the Bible, as the individual books , their contents and their order vary among denominations...
verse Philippians
Epistle to the Philippians
The Epistle of Paul to the Philippians, usually referred to simply as Philippians, is the eleventh book in the New Testament. Biblical scholars agree that it was written by St. Paul to the church of Philippi, an early center of Christianity in Greece around 62 A.D. Other scholars argue for an...
4:13 ("I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me").
Rivera is involved with philanthropic
Philanthropy
Philanthropy etymologically means "the love of humanity"—love in the sense of caring for, nourishing, developing, or enhancing; humanity in the sense of "what it is to be human," or "human potential." In modern practical terms, it is "private initiatives for public good, focusing on quality of...
contributions in his native Panama, which include building an elementary school and a church, providing Christmas gifts to children, and developing a program that provides computer access and adult mentors to youths. The Mariano Rivera Foundation annually distributes more than $500,000 to underprivileged children in the US and Panama through church-based institutions. Rivera intends to dedicate himself to philanthropy after retiring from baseball.
Rivera is a partner in a restaurant in New Rochelle, New York
New Rochelle, New York
New Rochelle is a city in Westchester County, New York, United States, in the southeastern portion of the state.The town was settled by refugee Huguenots in 1688 who were fleeing persecution in France...
that opened as "Mo's New York Grill". He is signed to endorsement deals
Testimonial
In promotion and of advertising, a testimonial or show consists of a written or spoken statement, sometimes from a person figure, sometimes from a private citizen, extolling the virtue of some product. The term "testimonial" most commonly applies to the sales-pitches attributed to ordinary...
with Nike
Nike, Inc.
Nike, Inc. is a major publicly traded sportswear and equipment supplier based in the United States. The company is headquartered near Beaverton, Oregon, which is part of the Portland metropolitan area...
sports apparel and Canali
Canali
Canali is a clothing company based in Italy specialising in men's clothing.-History:In 1934, the brothers Giovanni and Giacomo Canali founded a tailoring workshop dedicated to the manufacture of high quality clothing. In the 1950s, with the contributions of the family's second generation, sales...
, a premium men's clothing company. He is the first athlete Canali has used in a marketing campaign. A 2011 list by the marketing firm Nielsen ranked Rivera as the second-most marketable player in baseball. The list accounted for personal attributes such as sincerity, approachability, experience, and influence.
Awards and honors
| Award/Honor | # of Times | Dates | Refs |
|---|---|---|---|
| American League All-Star Major League Baseball All-Star Game The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers... |
12 | 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 | |
| American League Championship Series MVP AwardOnly reliever to win both a League Championship Series MVP Award and World Series MVP Award | 1 | 2003 | |
| American League Player of the Week | 3 | May 26–June 1, 2008; June 22–28, 2009; September 19–25, 2011 | |
| American League Rolaids Relief Man Award Rolaids Relief Man Award The Rolaids Relief Man Award is an annual Major League Baseball award given since the 1976 MLB season to the top relief pitchers of the regular season, one in the American League and one in the National League . Relief pitchers are the pitchers who enter the game after the starting pitcher is... Tied for most times won |
5 | 1999, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2009 | |
| Babe Ruth Award Babe Ruth Award The Babe Ruth Award is given annually to the Major League Baseball player with the best performance in the postseason. The award, created by the New York chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America in honor of Babe Ruth, was first awarded in 1949 to the MVP of the World Series, one... |
1 | 1999 | |
| Clutch Performer of the Month | 1 | June 2010 | |
| Delivery Man of the Year AwardMost times won | 3 | 2005, 2006, 2009 | |
| Delivery Man of the Month Award | 2 | April 2008, July 2009 | |
| Sporting News Pro Athlete of the Year Award | 1 | 2009 | |
| Sporting News Reliever of the Year Award The Sporting News Reliever of the Year Award The Sporting News Reliever of the Year Award was established in 1960 by The Sporting News as TSN Fireman of the Year Award. The award originally recognized the best closer from each league, but in 2001 the award was broadened to include all relievers... |
6 | 1997, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2009 | |
| This Year in Baseball This Year in Baseball Awards This Year in Baseball Awards, initiated by Major League Baseball in , are honors given annually to the most extraordinary baseball performances, players, and managers. Baseball fans select the nominees for and winners of the awards, via the online voting system on MLB.com, the official website of... 's Closer of the Year Award |
4 | 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009 | |
| Thurman Munson Award | 1 | 2003 | |
| World Series MVP Award World Series MVP Award The World Series Most Valuable Player Award is given to the player deemed to have the most impact on his team's performance in the World Series, which is the final round of the Major League Baseball postseason... |
1 | 1999 | |
| World Series champion | 5 | , , , , | |
Records
- Stats updated through 2011
MLB Records Accomplishment Record Refs Regular season Most career saves 603 Most career games finished 883 Highest career adjusted ERA+ (minimum 1,000 innings pitched) 206 Highest career save conversion rate (minimum 200 saves) 89.33% Most consecutive save opportunities converted at homeTied for most times with Éric Gagné Éric GagnéÉric Serge Gagné is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.Signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent in 1995, Gagné began his career as a starting pitcher...51 Most career appearances with single team
Most career appearances in American League history1,042 Most seasons with at least 20 savesTied for most times with Trevor Hoffman Trevor HoffmanTrevor William Hoffman is a former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher. During his 18-year career from 1993 to 2010, he pitched for the Florida Marlins, San Diego Padres, and the Milwaukee Brewers, spending years of his career with the Padres. A long-time closer, he is the Major...
Most seasons with at least 25 saves
Most consecutive seasons with at least 25 saves15 (1997–2011) Most seasons with at least 30 saves 14 (1997–2001, 2003–11) Most consecutive seasons with at least 30 saves 9 (2003–11) Most seasons with sub-2.00 ERA (minimum 60 innings pitched each)Tied for most times with Walter Johnson Walter JohnsonWalter Perry Johnson , nicknamed "Barney" and "The Big Train", was a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He played his entire 21-year baseball career for the Washington Senators...
Most seasons with 20-plus saves and sub-2.00 ERA11 (1997–99, 2003–06, 2008–11) Most seasons with 20-plus saves, sub-2.00 ERA, and sub-1.00 WHIP 7 (1999, 2005–06, 2008–11) Most career saves for a single winning pitcher 68 (Andy Pettitte Andy PettitteAndrew Eugene Pettitte is a retired American left-handed Major League Baseball starting pitcher.In his major league career, he played for the New York Yankees from 1995–2003. He then signed with the Houston Astros, and played for them from 2004 through 2006. In 2007, Pettitte rejoined the Yankees...
)Most career interleague saves 68 Most career saves in a single ballpark 230 (original Yankee Stadium) Postseason Lowest career ERA (minimum 30 innings pitched) 0.70 Most career saves 42 Most consecutive scoreless innings pitched Most consecutive save opportunities converted 23 Most career two-inning saves 14 Most career appearances 96 Most career saves in each postseason round 18 (LDS Division SeriesIn baseball, the Division Series is the official name for the first round of the Major League Baseball playoffs. Currently, a total of four series are played in this opening round, two each for both the American League and the National League.-1981 season:...
), 13 (LCSLeague Championship SeriesThe League Championship Series is the official name for a round of postseason play in Major League Baseball which has been conducted since 1969...
), 11 (WSWorld SeriesThe World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
)Most career appearances in each postseason round 39 (LDS), 33 (LCS), 24 (WS) Lowest career ERA in Division Series history 0.32 Most career saves to clinch series 9 Most times in career recording the final out of a series 16 Most times in career recording the final out of a World Series 4 Most consecutive postseasons with an appearance 13 (1995–2007) All-Star Game Most All-Star selections as reliever 12 Most All-Star Game saves 4
| Accomplishment | Record | Refs |
|---|---|---|
| Regular season | ||
| Most saves in single season | 53 (2004) | |
| Highest career strikeout-to-walk ratio | 4.04 | |
| Lowest career WHIP | 1.00 | |
| Most strikeouts by a reliever in single season | 130 (1996) | |
| Highest strikeouts per 9 innings in single season | 10.87 (1996) | |
| Most consecutive save opportunities converted | 36 | |
| Most games finished in single season | 69 (2004) | |
See also
- List of Major League Baseball players from Panama
- List of Major League Baseball leaders in games finished