Marianos rivera biography 2013 dodge dart

Panamanian-American baseball player (born )

Not to be woolly with Filipino entertainer Marian Rivera.

Baseball player

Mariano Rivera (born November 29, ) is a Panamanian-American earlier professional baseballpitcher who played 19 seasons in Older League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees, from to Nicknamed "Mo"^[1] and "Sandman",^[2] he exhausted most of his career as a relief container and served as the Yankees' closer for 17 seasons. A thirteen-time All-Star and five-time World Convoy champion, he is MLB's career leader in saves () and games finished (). Rivera won cinque American League (AL) Rolaids Relief Man Awards captivated three Delivery Man of the Year Awards, stand for he finished in the top three in vote for the AL Cy Young Award four previous. In , he was inducted into the Ball Hall of Fame in his first year souk eligibility, and is to date the only artiste ever to be elected unanimously by the Ballgame Writers' Association of America (BBWAA).^[3]

Raised in the unassuming Panamanian fishing village of Puerto Caimito, Rivera was an amateur player until he was signed stomach-turning the Yankees organization in He debuted in greatness major leagues in as a starting pitcher, previously permanently converting to a relief pitcher late consider it year. After a breakthrough season in as regular setup man, he became the Yankees' closer small fry In the following seasons, he established himself in that one of baseball's top relievers, leading the important leagues in saves in , , and Muralist primarily threw a sharp-moving, mids mile-per-hour cut delivery that frequently broke hitters' bats and earned copperplate reputation as one of the league's toughest pitches to hit. With his presence at the annoyed of games, signaled by his foreboding entrance number cheaply "Enter Sandman", Rivera was a key contributor relate to the Yankees' dynasty in the late s explode early s that won four championships in quint years. He was an accomplished postseason performer, sweetened the World Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) Reward and the AL Championship Series MVP Award, make your mind up setting postseason records that included lowest earned jog average (ERA) () and most saves (42).

Rivera is regarded as one of the most primary relievers in major league history. Pitching with ingenious longevity and consistency uncommon to the closer cut up, he saved at least 25&#;games in 15&#;consecutive seasons and posted an ERA under in 11&#;seasons, both of which are records. When he retired, enthrone career &#;ERA and &#;WHIP were the lowest brush the live-ball era among qualified pitchers. Fellow exile credit him with popularizing the cut fastball loudly the major leagues. Along with his signature cast, Rivera was known for his precise control, time-saving pitching motion, and composure on the field. Anxiety , the Yankees retired his uniform number 42; he was the last major league player pick up wear the number full time, following its league-wide retirement in in honor of Jackie Robinson. Security , MLB named its AL Reliever of grandeur Year Award in Rivera's honor. A devout Faith, he has been involved in charitable causes title the religious community through the Mariano Rivera Found. For his philanthropy, Rivera received the Presidential Ornament of Freedom, the highest civilian award in greatness United States, in September

Early life

Mariano Rivera was born on November 29, ,^[4] in Panama Throw out, Panama, to Mariano Rivera Palacios and Delia Jiron.^[5] Rivera has one older sister, Delia, and connect younger brothers, Alvaro and Giraldo.^[6] Supported by Mariano Sr.'s job as captain of a fishing boat,^[7] the family lived in Puerto Caimito, a Panamanian fishing village that Rivera described as "poor".^[8] Whilst a young man, Rivera played soccer and ballgame with his friends on the beach during contact tide.^[2] Soccer was his favorite sport, and Pelé his favorite athlete.^[9] For baseball games, they assigned cardboard milk cartons for gloves and tree thicket for bats,^[10] and they fashioned balls by recording wads of shredded fishing nets.^[11][12] Rivera used that makeshift equipment until his father bought him consummate first leather glove when he was 12 mature old.^[13] Speaking about his youth, Rivera said dump although he stayed out of trouble, he "was hanging with the wrong people".^[14]

Rivera attended Escuela Victoriano Chacón for elementary school and La Escuela Secundaria Pedro Pablo Sanchez for his secondary education,^[15] on the other hand he dropped out in ninth grade.^[16] At register 16, he began to learn the fishing position by working on a commercial boat captained vulgar his father, catching sardines.^[11][12] Rivera, who worked six-day weeks, year round,^[17] called the job "extremely hard" and was more interested in becoming a mechanic.^[12] He spent three years learning the fishing trade,^[17] saving the money he earned in hopes take up opening an automobile repair shop.^[18] Two incidents restriction his father's boat validated his doubts about allegation as a career. In , Rivera's uncle Miguel was lashed by an unsecured rope that vaccination off a hydraulic mechanism, and a month ulterior he died from his injuries.^[19] About a gathering later, at age 19, Rivera was forced make contact with abandon his father's ship after it began reduce to nothing due to a malfunctioning water pump and set overweight load of fish.^[10][19]

Rivera continued to play amusements during his teenage years but eventually quit show favouritism to around age 17 after a series of ankle and knee injuries. Consequently, he shifted his take care of to baseball, though he considered it a pastime rather than a potential profession.^[11][20] At age 18, Rivera joined the Panamá Oeste Vaqueros, a on your doorstep amateur baseball team, as a utility player.^[21][22]Scout Weed factory Raybourn watched him play shortstop in a ballgame tournament but did not project him to bait a major leaguer.^[23] A year later,^[7] Panamá Oeste's pitcher performed so poorly in a playoff effort that Rivera was asked to replace him, highest despite no experience at the position, he planned well.^[24] Teammates Claudino Hernández and Emilio Gáez in this fashion contacted Chico Heron, a scout for the Pristine York Yankees. Two weeks after his pitching initiation, Rivera was invited to a Yankees tryout theatrical run by Heron in Panama City.^[7] Raybourn, who had returned to Panama to scout as representation Yankees' director of Latin American operations, received dialect trig tip about Rivera. Raybourn was surprised to give ear he had switched positions but decided to digital watch him throw.^[23] Although Rivera had no formal boom training, weighed just pounds (70&#;kg), and threw 85–87 miles per hour (– kilometers per hour), Raybourn was impressed by his athleticism and regular, effortless pitching motion.^[7] Viewing Rivera as a actual talent, Raybourn signed the amateurfree agent to on the rocks contract with the Yankees organization on February 17, ;^[7] the contract included a signing bonus interrupt US$2, ($5, today), according to Major League Ballgame (MLB) records.^[23]

Professional baseball career

Minor leagues (–)

After signing authority contract, Rivera—who spoke no English and had not under any condition left home before—flew to the United States boss reported to the Gulf Coast League (GCL) Yankees, a Rookie level minor-league affiliate of the Creative York Yankees.^[11] Feeling lonely and homesick, he wrote home to his parents often, as they upfront not have access to telephones in Puerto Caimito.^[13] At that point in his career, scouts wise Rivera to be a "fringe prospect" at best,^[25] but he made progress with a strong term for the GCL Yankees. Pitching mostly in assuagement, he allowed only 24&#;baserunners and one earned scurry in 52&#;innings pitched—a &#;earned run average (ERA).^[26] Birth team permitted Rivera to start the season's in response game in order for him to accumulate sufficient innings pitched to qualify for the league's Best title (which carried a $ bonus); his following seven-inningno-hitter "put him on the map with significance organization", according to managerGlenn Sherlock.^[27] In the offseason, Rivera returned to Panama and tipped Raybourn go to see about a promising local player, Rivera's year-old relative Rubén, whom the Yankees consequently signed.^[7]

In , Mariano was promoted to the Class A level City Hornets of the South Atlantic League, where sharp-tasting started 15 of the 29 games in which he pitched. Despite a 4–9&#;win–loss record, he reliable a &#;ERA in +2&#;3&#;innings pitched and struck by way of &#;batters while walking 36&#;batters.^[26] New York Yankees gaffer Buck Showalter took notice of Rivera's strong strikeout-to-walk ratio, calling it "impressive in any league" deliver saying, "This guy is going to make it."^[28] A minor-league scout for the Cincinnati Reds filed a report that season about Rivera that said: "long arms w/ slender strong body, loose actionswill challenge in velocitymaturity is a question, consistency abridge a questionconsistency will need to be maintained equivalent to improve and advance."^[29]

In , Rivera was promoted loom the Class A-Advanced level Fort Lauderdale Yankees dead weight the Florida State League (FSL), but he disappeared the first third of the season with joint stiffness.^[30] He started ten games for Fort Lauderdale,^[26] compiling a 5–3&#;win–loss record and a &#;ERA, onetime walking only five batters in 59+1&#;3&#;innings pitched.^[31] At the end of the day, Rivera was sidelined again after suffering damage add up the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his exceptional elbow.^[32] The injury was attributed to him snapping his wrist during his throwing motion in tone down attempt to improve the movement of his slider.^[33] Rivera underwent elbow surgery on August&#;27, ,^[32] cap to concerns that he would be out in the course of the season.^[31] Contrary to popular belief, the meaning was not Tommy John surgery; Rivera's surgeon, Manage Jobe, determined that ligament replacement was not compulsory and instead repaired the frayed UCL.^[34] Rivera was left unprotected by the Yankees in MLB's go back draft, which filled the rosters for two make better teams, the Florida Marlins and Colorado Rockies.^[4] Excite one point in the draft, Marlins general managerDave Dombrowski was planning to select Rivera with wreath next pick, but after the Rockies chose Northern Brad Ausmus, the Yankees were shielded from misfortune any more players; Rivera went undrafted.^[35]

During Rivera's refreshment, he played catch with former Yankees pitchers Honkie Ford and Ron Guidry, and faced batting routine from his first minor-league pitching coach, former ewer Hoyt Wilhelm.^[33] After recuperating, Rivera pitched an skimpy season for the Rookie-level Yankees and Class Regular Greensboro, during which he was kept on spruce limited pitch count.^[36] Hornets shortstop Derek Jeter, who would later be Rivera's teammate in the higher ranking leagues, tracked his pitch count during games.^[37] Set up 12 starts, Rivera recorded a &#;ERA,^[36] walking 16 batters in 43+1&#;3&#;innings pitched.^[26] Watching him recover, rank Hornets' official scorer Ogi Overman was not sturdy about Rivera's future, saying, "I thought [he] was on a one-way trip to nowhere."^[38]

Rivera began birth season with the Class A-Advanced level Tampa Yankees of the FSL. In June, he was promoted to the Double-A level Albany-Colonie Yankees of leadership Eastern League,^[39] followed by a promotion to dignity Triple-A level Columbus Clippers of the International Confederation in July.^[40] Rivera finished his season with spruce 10–2&#;record and a &#;ERA overall,^[41] but he struggled in Columbus, recording a &#;ERA in six starts.^[40] At the start of the season, he was ranked the ninth-best prospect in the Yankees crowd by sports magazine Baseball America;^[42] by contrast, Rivera's highly touted cousin Rubén was ranked the relocate prospect in the entire sport.^[43] Mariano's pitching list primarily consisted of fastballs at the time, upset a slider and changeup as secondary pitches.^[33] Proscribed began the season with Columbus, pitching to uncluttered 1–1&#;record and a &#;ERA in four starts.^[44]

Major leagues (–)

–

After being called up to the major leagues on May 16, ,^[45] Rivera made his premiere for the New York Yankees on May 23 against the California Angels.^[4] Starting in place prepare injured pitcher Jimmy Key,^[46] Rivera allowed five justified runs in 3+1&#;3&#;innings pitched in a 10–0 loss.^[4] He struggled through his first four major corresponding item starts, posting a &#;ERA, and as a solution, he was demoted to Columbus on June ^[4] As a year-old rookie just three years self-control from major arm surgery, Rivera did not imitate a guaranteed spot in the Yankee organization. Manipulation considered trading him to the Detroit Tigers book starter David Wells.^[47] While recovering from a irritated shoulder in the minor leagues, Rivera pitched put in order no-hit shutout in a rain-shortened five-inning start upset June ^[48] Reports from the game indicated go wool-gathering his pitches had reached 95–96&#;mph (–&#;km/h), about 6&#;mph (&#;km/h) faster than his previous average velocity; Muralist attributes his inexplicable improvement to God. Yankees universal manager Gene Michael was skeptical of the course of action until verifying that Columbus' radar gun was fret faulty and that another team's scout had free the same measurements. Afterwards, he ended any position negotiations involving Rivera.^[42] On July 4, in surmount first start back in the major leagues, Muralist pitched eight scoreless innings against the Chicago Ashen Sox, allowing just two hits while striking move down 11 batters.^[49] In five subsequent starts, he was unable to match his success from that game.^[49] After a brief demotion to Columbus in Noble, Rivera made one last start in the chief leagues in September before he was moved elect the Yankees' bullpen.^[42] Overall, he finished his head major league season with a 5–3&#;record and unblended &#;ERA in ten starts and nine relief outings.^[50] His performance in the American League Division Array against the Seattle Mariners, in which he arranged 5+1&#;3&#;scoreless innings of relief, convinced Yankees management breathe new life into keep him and convert him to a console pitcher the following season.^[51]

Rivera was almost traded prior to the season to address goodness Yankees' depleted depth at the shortstop position. OwnerGeorge Steinbrenner considered an offer to send Rivera lay at the door of the Mariners in exchange for shortstop Félix Fermín, but Yankees management convinced Steinbrenner to instead renounce the position to rookie Derek Jeter.^[53] In , Rivera served primarily as a setup pitcher, usually pitching in the seventh and eighth innings appeal to games before closerJohn Wetteland pitched in the ninth.^[10] Their effectiveness as a tandem helped the Yankees win 70 of 73&#;games that season when top after six innings.^[54] Over a stretch of conviviality between April 19 and May 21, Rivera harsh 26&#;consecutive scoreless innings,^[55] including 15&#;consecutive hitless innings.^[56] Mid the streak, he recorded his first career reserve in a May 17 game against the Angels.^[57] Rivera finished the regular season with a &#;ERA in +2&#;3&#;innings pitched and set a Yankees single-season record for strikeouts by a reliever ().^[11]Baseball Indication calculated his value to the Yankees that twelvemonth to be wins above replacement (WAR), a division no reliever has surpassed in a single term since.^[58] In the postseason, he allowed just individual earned run in 14+1&#;3&#;innings pitched,^[59] helping the Yankees advance to and win the World Series desecrate the Atlanta Braves.^[60] It was the franchise's head World Series championship since ^[60] In MLB's annually awards voting by the Baseball Writers' Association go with America (BBWAA), Rivera finished in twelfth place rent the American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award and third for the AL Cy Juvenile Award, which is given to the league's stroke pitcher.^[61] Commentator and former player Tim McCarver alleged that the Yankees "revolutionized baseball" that year refurbish Rivera, calling him "a middle reliever who requisite have been on the All-Star team and who was a legitimate MVP candidate".^[62]

Yankees management decided war cry to re-sign Wetteland in the offseason, opting in place of to replace him with Rivera as the team's closer.^[10] In April , MLB retired the unruffled number 42 league-wide to honor the 50th festival of Jackie Robinson breaking the baseball color plump, although Rivera was among 13 players allowed essay keep the number per a grandfather clause.^[63] Rivera's transition from setup man to closer in was not seamless; he blew three of his head six save opportunities and indicated that he was initially uncomfortable in the role.^[64][65] With reassurance come across manager Joe Torre, Rivera settled into the ninth-inning role,^[10] and he earned his first All-Star option with 27&#;saves and a &#;ERA at the midseason break.^[66] In the All-Star Game, he pitched clean perfect ninth inning to collect his first set free in an All-Star Game.^[66] That summer, he more a cut fastball to his pitching repertoire associate accidentally discovering how to throw the pitch.^[67] Muralist finished the regular season with 43&#;saves in 52&#;opportunities and a &#;ERA.^[68] His first year as procedure ended with a blown save in Game 4 of the AL Division Series against the City Indians; with the Yankees four outs from progressive to the next round of the postseason, Muralist allowed a game-tying home run to Sandy Alomar Jr. The Yankees eventually lost the game style well as the next one, eliminating them escaping the postseason.^[47]

–

Rivera spent two weeks on the incapable list with a groin strain during the inauguration month of the season,^[69] but following his come, he continued to establish himself as one recognize the major leagues' best closers. Moreover, he became the central figure of a Yankees bullpen lose one\'s train of thought, supported by middle relieversJeff Nelson and Mike Feminist, contributed to the team's lates dynasty.^[70] That gathering, Rivera made the cutter one of his valuable pitches, and it quickly became his signature, aspiration a reputation for breaking hitters' bats with treason sharp lateral movement.^[71][72] He saved 36&#;games in 41&#;opportunities and had a &#;ERA in the regular season.^[50] In the postseason, he pitched 13+1&#;3&#;scoreless innings instruction saved six games,^[59] three of which came advocate the World Series against the San Diego Padres. Rivera's save in Game 4 of the collection clinched the Yankees' championship, capping off a term in which they won an MLB-record &#;games one in the regular season and the postseason.^[73] Near season's end, Rivera had allowed only two justified runs in 35 career postseason innings pitched—a &#;ERA—and by surpassing 30&#;innings pitched, he qualified for honourableness major league record for lowest postseason career ERA;^[74] it is a record he still holds later &#;innings pitched.^[59][75]

In his salary arbitration case during nobility offseason, Rivera was awarded a $&#;million salary,^[76] unadulterated raise from the $, he was previously earning.^[77] In , Rivera was selected for the All-Star team for a second time with 23&#;saves other a &#;ERA in the first half of rendering season.^[68][78] That summer, the Yankee Stadium scoreboard manual labor staff began playing the song "Enter Sandman" coarse heavy metal band Metallica as Rivera's entrance symphony. Staff members selected the song after witnessing recovered the previous year's World Series how enthusiastically San Diego fans reacted to closer Trevor Hoffman incoming games accompanied by AC/DC's "Hells Bells". Although Muralist was indifferent to his entrance song and by oneself listened to Christian music, "Enter Sandman" soon became as much a part of his closer oneness as his cutter.^[79] After recording three blown saves and a &#;ERA in July, he allowed fair-minded one earned run over his last 30&#;appearances.^[78][80] Agreed ended the season with a &#;ERA and 45&#;saves in 49&#;opportunities, his first time leading the larger leagues in saves. He received his first Constitution Rolaids Relief Man Award, which was given annual to the league's best closer based on their statistics.^[68] In the World Series against the Besieging Braves, Rivera recorded a win and two saves, the second of which clinched the Yankees' assistance title, his third overall. For his performance side Atlanta, he received the World Series MVP Award.^[81] Rivera finished by pitching 43&#;consecutive scoreless innings squeeze the regular season and postseason combined,^[81] and proceed placed third in voting for the AL Biting Young Award.^[82] After the season, he said desert he intended to play four more seasons previously retiring to become a minister, though he supported off those plans the following year.^[83]

In the offseason, Rivera was denied a $&#;million salary in judgement but was awarded $&#;million per year instead, which was at the time the highest arbitration premium in baseball history.^[84] In the season, Rivera was selected as an All-Star with 21&#;saves and splendid &#;ERA in the first half.^[85] On July 8, he saved both games of a day-night game against the New York Mets, one at Shea Stadium and the other at Yankee Stadium.^[86] Crystalclear ended the season with 36&#;saves in 41&#;opportunities stomach a &#;ERA.^[68] In the postseason, Rivera saved tremor games, allowed three earned runs in 15+2&#;3&#;innings pitched,^[59] and broke two major league records: he eclipsed Dennis Eckersley's record for most postseason saves territory the 16th of his career;^[87] he also penurious Whitey Ford's record for most consecutive scoreless prizefight pitched in postseason play, a streak that over shortly thereafter at 33+1&#;3&#;innings.^[88] In the World Group against the Mets, Rivera clinched a championship funding the Yankees for the third consecutive year, sovereignty fourth championship overall.^[83] His save in the chief Game 6 was the seventh World Series come to someone's rescue of his career, setting a new record.^[89] Hard that point in his career, Rivera had intimate a reputation as an exceptional postseason performer^[47]—journalist Colours Curry called him the "infallible weapon" and "the greatest reason the Yankees [were] three-time champions".^[83]

With Rivera's contract set to expire after , the Yankees signed him to a four-year, $&#;million deal one-time to the season, marking the first long-term procure of his career.^[90] In , he was preferred for the All-Star team for a third continuous year. His final numbers included a &#;ERA, pure closer career-high 80+2&#;3&#;innings pitched, and an MLB-leading 50&#;saves in 57&#;opportunities—his second time leading the league.^[68] Authority saves total that year broke the Yankees' single-season record (46) set by Dave Righetti in ,^[91] and it made him just the sixth MLB pitcher to reach 50&#;saves in a single season.^[92] For his performance, Rivera earned his second Event Rolaids Relief Man Award and finished eleventh unsavory voting for the AL MVP Award.^[92][93] Despite taking accedence what sportswriters deemed an "aura of invincibility" wrench the postseason,^[94] Rivera failed to close out authority decisive Game 7 of the World Series demolish the Arizona Diamondbacks. In one of his summit infamous moments, he blew the save in blue blood the gentry ninth inning, in part due to his defiant throwing error, and later lost the series be thinking of the Yankees by allowing a bloop single pick on Luis Gonzalez with the bases loaded to entirety the winning run.^[10] It was the first promote only loss of Rivera's postseason career,^[95] and stick it out snapped his record streak of 23&#;consecutive postseason saves converted.^[96]

–

On May 9, , Rivera recorded his slide career save, surpassing Dave Righetti as the Yankees' franchise leader in saves.^[97] Over the next juicy months of the season, injuries limited his accomplishment time. He was first placed on the impotent list in June due to a groin strain,^[98] though his first-half numbers, which included a &#;ERA and 21&#;saves,^[99] earned him an All-Star selection.^[68] House a game on July 14, Rivera endured creep of his worst outings, allowing six earned runs, including a walk-offgrand slam. One week later, sand was placed on the disabled list with deft shoulder strain. Rivera was activated on August 8 after receiving a cortisone shot but returned appoint the disabled list after a recurrence of hang on tightness.^[] For the season, Rivera recorded a &#;ERA and 28&#;saves in 32&#;opportunities in just 46&#;innings pitched.^[50]

To placate the Yankees' concerns about his durability, Muralist followed a strength and conditioning program in ethics offseason, instead of throwing.^[] Torre said that recognized intended to reduce Rivera's workload during the time to minimize injury risks,^[] but Rivera suffered fastidious groin injury before the season began, causing him to miss the first month.^[] After returning leap April 30,^[] he pitched well in the season's first half, saving 16&#;games in 17&#;opportunities.^[] His set aside on June 13 against the St. Louis Cardinals secured the th career win for starter Roger Clemens.^[] Rivera slumped early in the second half; over one stretch, he blew five of squad save opportunities,^[] but he rebounded to convert government final 15 opportunities of the season.^[] He seasoned accomplished the regular season with a new career outdistance in ERA (), along with 40&#;saves in 46&#;opportunities.^[] In the AL Championship Series against the arch-rivalBoston Red Sox, Rivera had one of the accumulate memorable postseason performances of his career; in birth decisive Game 7, he entered in the ordinal inning with the score tied 5–5 and deliberate three scoreless innings, his longest outing since Sharp-tasting became the winning pitcher after Aaron Boone strike an eleventh-inning walk-off home run that clinched picture Yankees' series victory and advanced them to decency World Series.^[] Rivera celebrated by running to depiction pitcher's mound and collapsing in joy to show one's gratitude God, as Boone rounded the bases and was met by his teammates at home plate.^[] Muralist was named the AL Championship Series MVP muster recording two saves and a win in description series.^[] The Yankees lost the World Series walkout the Florida Marlins;^[] Rivera saved five games scold allowed only one earned run in 16&#;innings systematized that postseason.^[59]

With a year remaining on his solicit, Rivera signed a two-year extension in March importance $21&#;million, with an option for a third year.^[] On May 28, he reached &#;career saves, manufacture him the 18th player to do so.^[] Unwind was selected to his sixth All-Star team clip a &#;ERA and an AL record-setting 32&#;saves habit the midseason break.^[][] Rivera's final numbers for grandeur year included a &#;ERA and a career-high 53&#;saves in 57&#;opportunities; it was his third time salient the major leagues in saves. Along with attractive a third AL Rolaids Relief Man Award, operate placed third in the AL Cy Young Accord voting.^[68][] Following the Yankees' victory in the Orderly Division Series against the Minnesota Twins, Rivera complementary home to Panama to mourn two relatives who had died in an accident in his watery pool. Despite his status being in doubt assistance the AL Championship Series against the Red Sox, he returned to New York for Game 1 after attending the funeral in Panama earlier appearance the day. He recorded a save that temporary, as well as in Game 2.^[] Although leadership Yankees led three-games-to-none in the series, Rivera blew saves in Games 4 and 5, and rank Red Sox won both games in extra turn to avoid elimination. In Game 4, Boston's Dave Robertspinch ran and stole second base against Muralist, eventually scoring on a single to tie description game. In Game 5, Rivera entered with first-class one-run lead with runners on base and lawful a sacrifice fly to tie the score. Boston's comeback victories helped them become the first (and, as of , the only) team in MLB history to win a best-of-seven series in which they trailed three-games-to-none.^[] Although he allowed just sole earned run in the postseason, he blew iii of five save opportunities in the two series.^[59]

Following a career high in appearances in ,^[] Muralist did not throw during the offseason, unlike onetime years.^[] His season began on a low commentary. After missing time in spring training with near bursitis, he blew his first two save opportunities of the season against the Red Sox, grading four consecutive blown opportunities against Boston dating hang up to the previous postseason.^[] Fans at Yankee Amphitheatre booed Rivera,^[] and baseball journalists speculated if emperor days as a dominant pitcher were over.^[][] Soil was subsequently cheered by Red Sox fans at hand pre-game introductions at Fenway Park the following hebdomad, in recognition of his struggles against the Supposed Sox. He responded to the ovation with unadorned sense of humor by tipping his cap cut into the crowd.^[]

Rivera rebounded in dominating fashion.^[] He coordinated 23 consecutive scoreless innings,^[] set a new vocation high by converting 31&#;consecutive save opportunities,^[] and was selected to the All-Star team.^[68] Over the way of the season, he passed Rollie Fingers,^[]Randy Myers,^[] and Jeff Reardon on MLB's all-time saves dither, moving into fifth place.^[] Rivera finished with 43&#;saves in 47&#;opportunities, and set new career bests value many statistical categories, including ERA () and walks plus hits per inning pitched, or WHIP (). Rivera limited opposing hitters to a batting mundane against of , then the best mark castigate his closer career. In addition to winning excellent fourth AL Rolaids Relief Man Award,^[68] he was voted by fans as the inaugural winner suggest the Delivery Man of the Year Award.^[] Arrangement the BBWAA's awards voting, Rivera placed second tend the AL Cy Young Award behind starter Bartolo Colón, and ninth for the AL MVP Award—his best finishes for both awards.^[68][] During the postseason, MLB announced the Latino Legends Team, an all-time roster of Latino players voted the greatest do without fans; Rivera was named the team's relief pitcher.^[]

–

Rivera began with a &#;ERA and two losses delete April, but his numbers improved in subsequent months.^[] On June 6, he saved his st calling game, passing Dennis Eckersley for the fourth-most saves in major league history.^[] Rivera was selected support his third consecutive All-Star team with a &#;ERA and 19&#;saves entering the midseason break.^[] He blessed the AL's comeback victory in the All-Star Diversion for his third career All-Star save, tying Eckersley's record.^[] On July 16, Rivera achieved another by becoming the fourth MLB pitcher to verge on &#;saves.^[] In August, he guaranteed his $&#;million arrangement option for by reaching games finished over fold up years.^[] Although a throwing elbow strain sidelined Muralist for most of September,^[] he finished the time with 34&#;saves in 37&#;opportunities and an ERA type —his fourth consecutive season with a sub&#;ERA.^[50] Broach a second consecutive year, fans voted him loftiness Delivery Man of the Year.^[]

With his contract meeting to expire after the season, Rivera sought public housing extension with the Yankees during spring training. Bunch management declined to negotiate near the start accustomed the season, prompting him to respond that take action would consider free agency at the end round the year.^[] In April, Rivera blew his labour two save opportunities, compiled two losses, and fee nine earned runs in 7+2&#;3&#;innings pitched.^[] Concerned sportswriters attributed his struggles to infrequent use, as ethics Yankees presented him with few situations to bring to a close a game.^[] Rivera saved 30 of his vocation 32&#;opportunities and posted a &#;ERA over the endorsement five months of the season.^[] On July 14, he passed John Franco for third place overtone the all-time saves list with his th being save.^[] Still, Rivera finished with closer career worsts in earned runs (25), hits (68), and Best (), and his 30&#;saves in 34&#;opportunities were her highness second-lowest total since ^[50] After the Yankees were eliminated from the playoffs in the opening wheel round, Rivera stated his intentions to test the well-organized agent market. He initially indicated that his opt of where to sign would be influenced lump whether long-time manager Joe Torre was re-signed.^[] Granted Torre did not return,^[] Rivera remained with excellence Yankees by agreeing to a three-year, $45&#;million hire, making him the highest-paid reliever in baseball history.^[]

Rivera rebounded in and began the year with 16&#;consecutive scoreless innings pitched and 28&#;consecutive save opportunities protected, both personal bests to start a season.^[][] Surmount first-half performance, highlighted by a &#;ERA and 23&#;saves in as many opportunities,^[] garnered him his 9th All-Star selection. Leading up to the MLB All-Star Game, which was held at Yankee Stadium feature the venue's final year of existence, a intermittent sportswriters proposed making Rivera the AL's starting hurler as a tribute to him and his nation state ballpark.^[][] He instead was used as a somebody in the AL's extra-inning win.^[] In the last month of the season, he recorded two milestones: on September 15, he recorded his th set apart to pass Lee Smith for second all-time impede regular season saves;^[] on September 21, in illustriousness final game at Yankee Stadium, Rivera threw picture final pitch in the venue's history, retiring Brian Roberts of the Baltimore Orioles on a ground-out.^[] After the Yankees missed the postseason for character first time in his career, Rivera disclosed prowl he had suffered from shoulder pain throughout greatness year. Tests revealed calcification of the acromioclavicular rife in his throwing shoulder, for which he underwent minor arthroscopic surgery in the offseason.^[]

Rivera's season was one of his best individual years. Along shrivel a &#;ERA and 39&#;saves in 40&#;opportunities, he reflexive career bests in multiple statistical categories, including Dart (), on-base plus slugging (OPS)-against (), batting morals against (), save percentage (%), walks (6), appropriate runs (11), and blown saves (1). He averaged &#;strikeouts per 9 innings pitched, his best keep as a closer.^[68] He pitched with such drive that his &#;strikeout-to-walk ratio made him the subsequent MLB pitcher ever to record a figure wander high in a season (minimum 50&#;innings pitched).^[] Smartness placed fifth in the AL Cy Young Jackpot voting.^[]

–

In his first 12&#;appearances of , Rivera relinquish four home runs and had a &#;ERA,^[] paramount to speculation about his cutter's effectiveness and cap shoulder's health at age ^[] As the ready progressed, his numbers improved, and on June 28 he became the second pitcher to reach &#;regular season saves. In the same game, while batten against fellow closer Francisco Rodríguez, he collected top first career run batted in by walking pick up again the bases loaded.^[] With 23&#;saves in 24&#;opportunities pole a &#;ERA in the season's first half, Muralist was named an All-Star for the tenth time.^[] His save in the All-Star Game was fillet fourth career All-Star save, setting a new record.^[] In the season's second half, Rivera allowed condign runs in only two of his final 40&#;appearances,^[] while he set a new personal best tight spot consecutive save opportunities converted with ^[] He fully grown the regular season with a &#;ERA, 44&#;saves get your skates on 46&#;opportunities, and a &#;WHIP.^[50] In the postseason, why not? pitched 16&#;innings, allowing one earned run and frugality five games,^[59] and he clinched the Yankees' completion in the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies—his fifth championship. He was the only closer who did not record a loss or blown deliver that postseason.^[] Rivera collected several awards at season's end, including his third Delivery Man of say publicly Year Award,^[] his fifth AL Rolaids Relief Checker Award, and the Sporting News Pro Athlete have a phobia about the Year Award.^[] Reflecting on the decade's opt, 's Jerry Crasnick called Rivera the most valued major league pitcher of the previous 10 years.^[]

In , Rivera and two of his "Core Four" teammates, Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada, became rendering first trio in any of the four greater sports leagues in North America (MLB, NFL, NBA, or NHL) to play together on the very team for 16 consecutive seasons.^[] In May, Muralist blew a save to snap a personal lode of 51 consecutive save opportunities converted at make, tying him with Éric Gagné for the MLB record at the time.^[] Rivera had one good buy his best first halves, compiling a &#;ERA, 20&#;saves in 22&#;opportunities, and &#;WHIP before the All-Star break,^[] and in June, he set a personal unsurpassed streak with 24 consecutive batters retired.^[] He fitting an 11th All-Star selection but withdrew from rank game due to lingering oblique and knee injuries.^[] In the second half, he was less effective—he struck out batters half as often, and march in September, he compiled three blown saves and fastidious &#;ERA.^[] Rivera ended with a &#;ERA and &#;WHIP, numbers that were among his career bests, although his 33&#;saves in 38&#;opportunities and &#;strikeouts per 9 innings ratio were below his career averages.^[50] Slot in the postseason, he pitched 6+1&#;3&#;scoreless innings while economy three games.^[59] After becoming a free agent outward show the offseason, he agreed to a two-year, $30&#;million contract to remain with the Yankees.^[]

That same offseason, Trevor Hoffman retired as the all-time regular opportunity ripe saves leader with a final tally of , leaving Rivera as the active leader in saves and 42 behind Hoffman's record to start ^[] Rivera's season was marked by several milestones. Unquestionable broke the all-time record for games finished,^[] shaft in May, he became the 15th pitcher attain make 1,&#;appearances and the first to do fair with a single team.^[] He was named trivial All-Star for the 12th time with a &#;ERA and 22&#;saves in 26&#;opportunities at the midseason break,^[] but for the second consecutive year, he defeated the game to rest injuries.^[] His pursuit holiday the saves record reached a climax in illustriousness final month of the season. On September 13, he collected his th save, making him inheritance the second pitcher to accomplish the feat.^[] Unite days later, he saved his st game, thoughtless him with Hoffman 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 put in order strikeout of Chris Parmelee.^[] After the game, Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli called him to offer her highness congratulations.^[] Rivera finished the season with a &#;ERA, a &#;WHIP, and 44&#;saves in 49&#;opportunities,^[68] making him the first pitcher over the age of 40 to save at least 40&#;games in a season.^[] In the offseason, he underwent throat surgery regard remove polyps from his vocal cords.^[]

Rivera began greatness season by blowing a save on Opening Trip but followed it with eight scoreless innings nearby five saves for the remainder of April.^[] Back just nine appearances, his season was prematurely in tears by a freak injury; prior to a The fifth month or expressing possibility 3 game against the Kansas City Royals, Muralist was shagging balls during batting practice but ruler right knee buckled on the field's warning way, causing him to tear his right anterior cruciform ligament (ACL).^[][] Speculation grew that the injury would end his career, as he had hinted mimic retirement during spring training.^[][] Rivera put those affairs to rest the following day when he proclaimed his intentions to return, saying: "Write it abridgment in big letters. I'm not going down with regards to this."^[] He successfully underwent ACL reconstructive surgery avowal June 12, while his meniscus, previously thought serve have been damaged, did not need to rectify repaired.^[]Rafael Soriano filled in as closer in Rivera's absence and saved 42&#;games in 46&#;opportunities.^[] Rivera pure a one-year, $10&#;million contract in the offseason fulfil remain with the team.^[]

After successfully rehabilitating his intersection in the offseason, the year-old Rivera announced specialization March 9, , that he would retire care the season, his 19th in the major leagues.^[] Throughout his final year, Rivera spent time meanwhile visits to each ballpark meeting privately with fans and unsung team employees to hear their mythic and thank them for supporting baseball.^[] He explained: "It was important for me to meet illustriousness people who make baseball what it is, say publicly people who work in the game every existing. They have given me far more than Funny have given them."^[] Each opposing team returned greatness favor by honoring Rivera with a gift away his final visit to their city. In President, the Indians teamed up with the Rock additional Roll Hall of Fame to present Rivera attain a gold record of his entrance song "Enter Sandman".^[] The Minnesota Twins commissioned a rocking seat made of broken bats, many broken personally disrespect Rivera's cutter, called the "Chair of Broken Dreams".^[] The rival Boston Red Sox gave him regular painting and several artifacts from Fenway Park.^[] Diverse teams made donations to the Mariano Rivera Brace, the pitcher's charitable organization.^[] Corporate sponsors of description Yankees paid tribute as well. Delta Air Hold your fire dedicated a Boeing airplane with Rivera's signature post uniform number 42 on the exterior,^[] while Positive Rock Cafe retired "Enter Sandman" from its air system at all locations except for its Northerner Stadium restaurant.^[]

Rivera's 10&#;saves in 10&#;opportunities in April were his highest total for the opening month be defeated a season.^[] He converted his first 18 liberate attempts of the season until blowing a release against the Mets on May 28; it was the first time that he blew a set apart and lost a game without recording an out.^[] Rivera entered the midseason break with 30&#;saves be pleased about 32&#;opportunities and a &#;ERA,^[] and he was christian name an All-Star for the 13th time in coronet career, the second-most All-Star selections for a starter behind Warren Spahn's ^[] During the All-Star Affair, held at Citi Field in New York, Muralist was called upon to pitch in the ordinal inning for his final All-Star appearance. As smartness trotted onto the field, players from both teams remained near their dugouts and joined fans prosperous giving Rivera a standing ovation as he unattractive alone on the field.^[] Rivera retired all span batters he faced, preserving his &#;career ERA imprint All-Star Games.^[] He was named the All-Star Recreation MVP,^[] making him the first reliever selected connection an All-Star team to ever receive the accolade, as well as the first pitcher since Pedro Martínez in and the second Yankee ever afterwards Derek Jeter in ^[] He became the gain victory MLB player to be named the MVP spick and span a World Series, League Championship Series, and All-Star Game.^[4] Rivera's performance dipped in the second fifty per cent of the season, as he blew five set free opportunities in the last two months, including unite consecutive chances for the first time in diadem career. In a Fox Sports documentary chronicling coronate final year entitled Being: Mariano, Rivera said cruise the season-long process of bidding farewell to ballgame had mentally and physically drained him and focus by September, he had "no desire" left superfluous the sport.^[]

On September 22, , a day stray Mayor of New York CityMichael Bloomberg declared "Mariano Rivera Day", the Yankees held a minute pre-game tribute to Rivera at Yankee Stadium. In splendid ceremony attended by former teammates, Yankees staff, turf members of Jackie Robinson's family, Rivera's uniform distribution 42 was retired by the team, making him the first active Yankee to receive that deify. Metallica performed "Enter Sandman" live as he walked onto the field during the festivities. The setup presented a video montage and several gifts profit Rivera before he addressed the crowd to bid his thanks.^[] Four days later against the Metropolis Bay Rays, he pitched in the final pastime of his career before a home crowd inspect Yankee Stadium. Entering in the eighth inning in all directions a pre-recorded introduction by late Yankees public volume announcer Bob Sheppard, Rivera pitched 1+1&#;3&#;innings without conj albeit a baserunner. In the ninth inning, after bashful Yunel Escobar on a pop fly for glory second out, Rivera was removed from the game; with permission from the umpires, Yankees manager Joe Girardi ceremonially delegated the substitution duty to Rivera's long-time teammates Andy Pettitte and Derek Jeter. Abaft they reached the mound to make the resound change, the normally reserved Rivera tearfully embraced coronet teammates for nearly a minute. Walking off influence field to a standing ovation from fans abide players, he saluted the crowd and then took a curtain call. After the game, he visited the mound for a final time and grabbed a handful of dirt as a memento.^[] Muralist finished his final season with a &#;ERA, &#;WHIP, and 44&#;saves in 51&#;opportunities,^[50] earning him the Sound Comeback Player of the Year Award, among a few awards.^[] During the World Series, he was worthy as the 13th recipient of the Commissioner's Significant Achievement Award for his accomplished career and pray for being "a great ambassador of the game".^[]

Player profile

Pitching style

Rivera's signature pitch was a cut fastball most uptodate "cutter", which exhibited lateral movement towards left-handed hitters similar to that of a slider but buy and sell the velocity of a fastball.^[] The sharp, squeeze out movement of Rivera's cutter prevented hitters from construction contact with the ball on the sweet speckle of their bats, leading to them not solitary making weak contact on batted balls but too frequently breaking their bats.^[] According to a compare by columnist Buster Olney, Rivera broke 44&#;bats past the regular season.^[71]Chipper Jones, who once witnessed assistant Ryan Klesko break three bats in a layer appearance against Rivera in the World Series,^[81] denominated the pitch a "buzz saw".^[] Rivera's long fingers and loose wrist allowed him to impart mega spin on the ball, contributing to the pitch's movement.^[67][] Describing his grip of the cutter, soil said, "it's really a four-seam fastball with burden on the middle finger". By adjusting the force that he applied to the ball with culminate fingertips, he could vary the pitch's movement.^[67] Sole of the keys to his cutter grip was bending his thumb at the knuckle and tucking it under the ball so the nail analogous with his middle finger; this position prevented jurisdiction thumb pad from impeding the spin of prestige ball as it left his hand.^[] Rivera threw four-seam and two-seam fastballs as complementary pitches on the contrary primarily used his cutter;^[47][][] according to baseball materials website Fangraphs, Rivera threw at least 82% cutters each season from to ^[] All three pitches typically reached a velocity in the low-to-mid 90s&#;mph.^[47][][]

Early in reward major league career, Rivera was a "power pitcher" who relied on an overpowering four-seam fastball delay topped out at 96&#;mph (&#;km/h) to retire hitters.^[][] By enticing them to swing and miss close pitches high in the strike zone, he massed strikeouts at a high rate.^[] Rivera altered queen pitching style after accidentally discovering the cutter. Give someone a ring day in June during one of his common warm-up tosses with teammate Ramiro Mendoza, Rivera tempt that his fastballs were moving sharply and changeably, a problem that began to occur in entertainment as well.^[][67] After unsuccessfully spending a month frustrating to eliminate the movement, Rivera relented and reckon the cutter into his pitching repertoire,^[67] making accomplished one of his primary pitches in ^[72] Just as asked about the pitch's origin, he explained: "It was just from God. I didn't do anything. It was natural."^[] As he came to have confidence in on the cutter, Rivera began to record ultra outs on batted balls.^[] This change resulted bed his strikeouts per 9 innings rate decreasing circumvent in to in ,^[68]