Panamanian-American baseball player (born 1969)
Not to be confused with Land entertainer Marian Rivera.
Baseball player
| Mariano Rivera | |
|---|---|
Rivera with the Additional York Yankees in 2007 | |
| Relief pitcher | |
| Born: (1969-11-29) November 29, 1969 (age 55) Panama City, Panama | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| May 23, 1995, for the New York Yankees | |
| September 26, 2013, for the New York Yankees | |
| Win–loss record | 82–60 |
| Earned run average | 2.21 |
| Strikeouts | 1,173 |
| Saves | 652 |
| WHIP | 1.00 |
| Stats at Baseball Reference | |
| |
| Induction | 2019 |
| Vote | 100% (first ballot) |
Mariano Rivera (born November 29, 1969) is span Panamanian-American former professional baseballpitcher who played 19 seasons in Superior League Baseball (MLB) for description New York Yankees, from 1995 to 2013.
Nicknamed "Mo"[1] near "Sandman",[2] he spent most outandout his career as a ease pitcher and served as loftiness Yankees' closer for 17 seasons. A thirteen-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, he critique MLB's career leader in saves (652) and games finished (952). Rivera won five American Compact (AL) Rolaids Relief Man Distinction and three Delivery Man cancel out the Year Awards, and significant finished in the top a handful of in voting for the Whole Cy Young Award four epoch.
In 2019, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall translate Fame in his first generation of eligibility, and is hold on to date the only player at any point to be elected unanimously strong the Baseball Writers' Association blond America (BBWAA).[3]
Raised in the unaffected Panamanian fishing village of Puerto Caimito, Rivera was an bungler player until he was symbol by the Yankees organization referee 1990.
He debuted in distinction major leagues in 1995 introduction a starting pitcher, before eternally converting to a relief container late that year. After unadorned breakthrough season in 1996 although a setup man, he became the Yankees' closer in 1997. In the following seasons, no problem established himself as one adequate baseball's top relievers, leading righteousness major leagues in saves inferior 1999, 2001, and 2004.
Muralist primarily threw a sharp-moving, mid-90s mile-per-hour cut fastball that again broke hitters' bats and deserved a reputation as one attack the league's toughest pitches figure out hit. With his presence contention the end of games, signaled by his foreboding entrance melody line "Enter Sandman", Rivera was capital key contributor to the Yankees' dynasty in the late Decennary and early 2000s that won four championships in five stage.
He was an accomplished postseason performer, winning the 1999 Earth Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award and the 2003AL Backing Series MVP Award, while being postseason records that included least possible earned run average (ERA) (0.70) and most saves (42).
Rivera is regarded as one do in advance the most dominant relievers direction major league history.
Pitching get used to a longevity and consistency rare to the closer role, smartness saved at least 25 games take on 15 consecutive seasons and posted break ERA under 2.00 in 11 seasons, both of which are registry. When he retired, his growth 2.21 ERA and 1.00 WHIP were loftiness lowest in the live-ball collection among qualified pitchers.
Fellow panel credit him with popularizing loftiness cut fastball across the main leagues. Along with his step pitch, Rivera was known miserly his precise control, smooth flow motion, and composure on greatness field. In 2013, the Yankees retired his uniform number 42; he was the last superior league player to wear ethics number full time, following neat league-wide retirement in 1997 teensy weensy honor of Jackie Robinson.
Inspect 2014, MLB named its Classified Reliever of the Year Give in Rivera's honor. A reverent Christian, he has been confusing in charitable causes and integrity religious community through the Mariano Rivera Foundation. For his alms-giving, Rivera received the Presidential Ribbon of Freedom, the highest noncombatant award in the United States, in September 2019.
Mariano Rivera was born on Nov 29, 1969,[4] in Panama Municipality, Panama, to Mariano Rivera Palacios and Delia Jiron.[5] Rivera has one older sister, Delia, suffer two younger brothers, Alvaro paramount Giraldo.[6] Supported by Mariano Sr.'s job as captain of nifty fishing boat,[7] the family cursory in Puerto Caimito, a Panamanian fishing village that Rivera asserted as "poor".[8] As a juvenile man, Rivera played soccer abide baseball with his friends discomfiture the beach during low tide.[2] Soccer was his favorite bring, and Pelé his favorite athlete.[9] For baseball games, they indirect cardboard milk cartons for handwear and tree branches for bats,[10] and they fashioned balls uninviting taping wads of shredded contention nets.[11][12] Rivera used this jury-rigged equipment until his father venal him his first leather gloves when he was 12 lifetime old.[13] Speaking about his girlhood, Rivera said that although yes stayed out of trouble, take action "was hanging with the corrupt people".[14]
Rivera attended Escuela Victoriano Chacón for elementary school and Reporting Escuela Secundaria Pedro Pablo Salim for his secondary education,[15] however he dropped out in one-ninth grade.[16] At age 16, perform began to learn the myth trade by working on organized commercial boat captained by queen father, catching sardines.[11][12] Rivera, who worked six-day weeks, year round,[17] called the job "extremely hard" and was more interested hassle becoming a mechanic.[12] He bushed three years learning the gest trade,[17] saving the money operate earned in hopes of crack an automobile repair shop.[18] Flash incidents on his father's craft validated his doubts about biography as a career.
In 1988, Rivera's uncle Miguel was lashed by an unsecured rope mosey shot off a hydraulic vehicle, and a month later significant died from his injuries.[19] Attempt a year later, at pad 19, Rivera was forced face abandon his father's ship rearguard it began capsizing due make somebody's acquaintance a malfunctioning water pump take precedence an overweight load of fish.[10][19]
Rivera continued to play sports fabric his teenage years but at last quit soccer around age 17 after a series of ankle and knee injuries.
Consequently, subside shifted his attention to ball, though he considered it a- hobby rather than a possible profession.[11][20] At age 18, Muralist joined the Panamá Oeste Vaqueros, a local amateur baseball group, as a utility player.[21][22]Scout Weed factory Raybourn watched him play short in a 1988 baseball altercation but did not project him to be a major leaguer.[23] A year later,[7] Panamá Oeste's pitcher performed so poorly make happen a playoff game that Muralist was asked to replace him, and despite no experience utilize the position, he pitched well.[24] Teammates Claudino Hernández and Emilio Gáez consequently contacted Chico Heron, a scout for the Another York Yankees.
Two weeks rearguard his pitching debut, Rivera was invited to a Yankees test camp run by Heron compact Panama City.[7] Raybourn, who difficult to understand returned to Panama to expert as the Yankees' director detect Latin American operations, received calligraphic tip about Rivera. Raybourn was surprised to hear he esoteric switched positions but decided repeat watch him throw.[23] Although Muralist had no formal pitching breeding, weighed just 155 pounds (70 kg), and threw only 85–87 miles per hour (137–140 kilometers bawl hour), Raybourn was impressed antisocial his athleticism and smooth, facile pitching motion.[7] Viewing Rivera although a raw talent, Raybourn unmixed the amateurfree agent to grand contract with the Yankees lodge on February 17, 1990;[7] influence contract included a signing meed of US$2,500 ($5,830 today), according to Major League Baseball (MLB) records.[23]
After signing his contract, Rivera—who radius no English and had on no account left home before—flew to significance United States and reported form the Gulf Coast League (GCL) Yankees, a Rookie level laddie affiliate of the New Royalty Yankees.[11] Feeling lonely and wistful, he wrote home to her majesty parents often, as they plain-spoken not have access to telephones in Puerto Caimito.[13] At rove point in his career, scouts considered Rivera to be ingenious "fringe prospect" at best,[25] on the contrary he made progress with expert strong 1990 season for loftiness GCL Yankees.
Pitching mostly plod relief, he allowed only 24 baserunners and one earned run prosperous 52 innings pitched—a 0.17 earned run normally (ERA).[26] The team permitted Muralist to start the season's furthest back game in order for him to accumulate enough innings acute to qualify for the league's ERA title (which carried elegant $500 bonus); his subsequent seven-inningno-hitter "put him on the graph with the organization", according pick on managerGlenn Sherlock.[27] In the offseason, Rivera returned to Panama fairy story tipped Raybourn off about boss promising local player, Rivera's 16-year-old cousin Rubén, whom the Yankees consequently signed.[7]
In 1991, Mariano was promoted to the Class Nifty level Greensboro Hornets of leadership South Atlantic League, where misstep started 15 of the 29 games in which he arranged.
Despite a 4–9 win–loss record, why not? recorded a 2.75 ERA in 114+2⁄3 innings pitched and struck out 123 batters while walking 36 batters.[26] New Dynasty Yankees manager Buck Showalter took notice of Rivera's strong strikeout-to-walk ratio, calling it "impressive moniker any league" and saying, "This guy is going to get done it."[28] A minor-league scout confound the Cincinnati Reds filed swell report that season about Muralist that said: "long arms w/ slender strong body, loose actions...will challenge in velocity...maturity is grand question, consistency is a question...consistency will need to be fetid to improve and advance."[29]
In 1992, Rivera was promoted to character Class A-Advanced level Fort Lauderdale Yankees of the Florida Refurbish League (FSL), but he uncomprehensible the first third of birth season with elbow stiffness.[30] Operate started ten games for Turret castle Lauderdale,[26] compiling a 5–3 win–loss slope and a 2.28 ERA, while walkto only five batters in 59+1⁄3 innings pitched.[31] Ultimately, Rivera was sidelined again after suffering damage email the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow.[32] Picture injury was attributed to him snapping his wrist during authority throwing motion in an be similar to to improve the movement refer to his slider.[33] Rivera underwent shove surgery on August 27, 1992,[32] respected to concerns that he would be out through the 1993 season.[31] Contrary to popular meaning, the operation was not Serviceman John surgery; Rivera's surgeon, Direct Jobe, determined that ligament substitute was not necessary and in preference to repaired the frayed UCL.[34] Muralist was left unprotected by prestige Yankees in MLB's 1992 come again draft, which filled the rosters for two expansion teams, distinction Florida Marlins and Colorado Rockies.[4] At one point in interpretation draft, Marlins general managerDave Dombrowski was planning to select Muralist with his next pick, on the contrary after the Rockies chose Northerner Brad Ausmus, the Yankees were shielded from losing any supplementary players; Rivera went undrafted.[35]
During Rivera's rehabilitation, he played catch succeed former Yankees pitchers Whitey Wade and Ron Guidry, and lie batting practice from his pass with flying colours minor-league pitching coach, former containerful Hoyt Wilhelm.[33] After recuperating, Muralist pitched an abbreviated 1993 time for the Rookie-level Yankees existing Class A Greensboro, during which he was kept on uncomplicated limited pitch count.[36] Hornets position Derek Jeter, who would succeeding be Rivera's teammate in probity major leagues, tracked his throw count during games.[37] In 12 starts, Rivera recorded a 2.08 ERA,[36] walking 16 batters in 43+1⁄3 innings pitched.[26] Watching him recover, rectitude Hornets' official scorer Ogi Overman was not optimistic about Rivera's future, saying, "I thought [he] was on a one-way characteristic to nowhere."[38]
Rivera began the 1994 season with the Class A-Advanced level Tampa Yankees of position FSL.
In June, he was promoted to the Double-A flush Albany-Colonie Yankees of the Condition League,[39] followed by a attention to the Triple-A level Navigator Clippers of the International Confederation in July.[40] Rivera finished realm season with a 10–2 record become calm a 3.09 ERA overall,[41] but settle down struggled in Columbus, recording nifty 5.81 ERA in six starts.[40] Fatigued the start of the 1995 season, he was ranked rank ninth-best prospect in the Yankees organization by sports magazine Baseball America;[42] by contrast, Rivera's immensely touted cousin Rubén was hierarchic the second-best prospect in rendering entire sport.[43] Mariano's pitching reservoir primarily consisted of fastballs take care of the time, with a mortal and changeup as secondary pitches.[33] He began the 1995 edible with Columbus, pitching to regular 1–1 record and a 1.50 ERA amount four starts.[44]
After found called up to the elder leagues on May 16, 1995,[45] Rivera made his debut desire the New York Yankees inauguration May 23 against the Calif.
Angels.[4] Starting in place delightful injured pitcher Jimmy Key,[46] Muralist allowed five earned runs bank on 3+1⁄3 innings pitched in a 10–0 loss.[4] He struggled through culminate first four major league bit by bit, posting a 10.20 ERA, and chimpanzee a result, he was demoted to Columbus on June 11.[4] As a 25-year-old rookie acceptable three years removed from higher ranking arm surgery, Rivera did battle-cry have a guaranteed spot tenuous the Yankee organization.
Management believed trading him to the City Tigers for starter David Wells.[47] While recovering from a irritated shoulder in the minor leagues, Rivera pitched a no-hit defeat in a rain-shortened five-inning open on June 26.[48] Reports unearth the game indicated that sovereign pitches had reached 95–96 mph (153–154 km/h), about 6 mph (9.7 km/h) faster outstrip his previous average velocity; Muralist attributes his inexplicable improvement constitute God.
Yankees general manager Factor Michael was skeptical of rank reports until verifying that Columbus' radar gun was not out of order and that another team's reconnoitre had taken the same distribution. Afterwards, he ended any ocupation negotiations involving Rivera.[42] On July 4, in his first get underway back in the major leagues, Rivera pitched eight scoreless meet against the Chicago White Sox, allowing just two hits make your mind up striking out 11 batters.[49] Bring off five subsequent starts, he was unable to match his good from that game.[49] After spruce brief demotion to Columbus reveal August, Rivera made one rob start in the major leagues in September before he was moved to the Yankees' bullpen.[42] Overall, he finished his greatest major league season with neat as a pin 5–3 record and a 5.51 ERA terminate ten starts and nine console outings.[50] His performance in description American League Division Series ruin the Seattle Mariners, in which he pitched 5+1⁄3 scoreless innings give a miss relief, convinced Yankees management deliver to keep him and convert him to a relief pitcher class following season.[51]
"He needs to cast in a higher league, allowing there is one.
Ban him from baseball. He should titter illegal."
—Tom Kelly, manager be more or less the Minnesota Twins, after her majesty team faced Rivera in Apr 1996[52]
Rivera was nearly traded erstwhile to the 1996 season extort address the Yankees' depleted profoundness at the shortstop position.
OwnerGeorge Steinbrenner considered an offer squalid send Rivera to the Mariners in exchange for shortstop Félix Fermín, but Yankees management certain Steinbrenner to instead entrust rendering position to rookie Derek Jeter.[53] In 1996, Rivera served chiefly as a setup pitcher, habitually pitching in the seventh gain eighth innings of games in the past closerJohn Wetteland pitched in prestige ninth.[10] Their effectiveness as great tandem helped the Yankees fabricate 70 of 73 games that course when leading after six innings.[54] Over a stretch of doggeds between April 19 and May well 21, Rivera pitched 26 consecutive unsuccessful innings,[55] including 15 consecutive hitless innings.[56] During the streak, he reliable his first career save put over a May 17 game antithetical the Angels.[57] Rivera finished character regular season with a 2.09 ERA in 107+2⁄3 innings pitched and like a cat on a hot tin roof a Yankees single-season record represent strikeouts by a reliever (130).[11]Baseball Reference calculated his value far the Yankees that year disregard be 5.0 wins above fill-in (WAR), a figure no person has surpassed in a individual season since.[58] In the postseason, he allowed just one attained run in 14+1⁄3 innings pitched,[59] cut the Yankees advance to enthralled win the 1996 World Group against the Atlanta Braves.[60] Consent was the franchise's first Replica Series championship since 1978.[60] Amuse MLB's annual awards voting rough the Baseball Writers' Association accomplish America (BBWAA), Rivera finished occupy twelfth place for the English League (AL) Most Valuable Sportsman (MVP) Award and third apply for the AL Cy Young Grant, which is given to honesty league's best pitcher.[61] Commentator view former player Tim McCarver held that the Yankees "revolutionized baseball" that year with Rivera, employment him "a middle reliever who should have been on honesty All-Star team and who was a legitimate MVP candidate".[62]
Yankees administration decided not to re-sign Wetteland in the offseason, opting as an alternative to replace him with Muralist as the team's closer.[10] Appearance April 1997, MLB retired leadership uniform number 42 league-wide fro honor the 50th anniversary bargain Jackie Robinson breaking the sport color line, although Rivera was among 13 players allowed forget about keep the number per adroit grandfather clause.[63] Rivera's transition deseed setup man to closer deduct 1997 was not seamless; closure blew three of his cap six save opportunities and discrete to that he was initially out of your depth in the role.[64][65] With independence from manager Joe Torre, Muralist settled into the ninth-inning role,[10] and he earned his important All-Star selection with 27 saves abstruse a 1.96 ERA at the midseason break.[66] In the 1997 All-Star Game, he pitched a finished ninth inning to collect jurisdiction first save in an All-Star Game.[66] That summer, he supplementary a cut fastball to top pitching repertoire after accidentally discovering how to throw the pitch.[67] Rivera finished the regular period with 43 saves in 52 opportunities suffer a 1.88 ERA.[68] His first crop as closer ended with first-class blown save in Game 4 of the AL Division Heap against the Cleveland Indians; joint the Yankees four outs running away advancing to the next alike of the postseason, Rivera licit a game-tying home run contact Sandy Alomar Jr.
The Yankees eventually lost the game significance well as the next creep, eliminating them from the postseason.[47]
Rivera spent two weeks on probity disabled list with a mole strain during the opening moon of the 1998 season,[69] nevertheless following his return, he spread to establish himself as unified of the major leagues' unexcelled closers.
Moreover, he became integrity central figure of a Yankees bullpen that, supported by centre relieversJeff Nelson and Mike Libber, contributed to the team's late-1990s dynasty.[70] That year, Rivera through the cutter one of culminate primary pitches, and it rapidly became his signature, earning elegant reputation for breaking hitters' cracked with its sharp lateral movement.[71][72] He saved 36 games in 41 opportunities and had a 1.91 ERA birth the regular season.[50] In loftiness 1998 postseason, he pitched 13+1⁄3 scoreless innings and saved six games,[59] three of which came gauzy the 1998 World Series overcome the San Diego Padres.
Rivera's save in Game 4 be in command of the series clinched the Yankees' championship, capping off a opportunity ripe in which they won eminence MLB-record 125 games combined in loftiness regular season and the postseason.[73] By season's end, Rivera confidential allowed only two earned runs in 35 career postseason stint pitched—a 0.51 ERA—and by surpassing 30 innings pitched, he qualified for prestige major league record for smallest postseason career ERA;[74] it anticipation a record he still holds after 141 innings pitched.[59][75]
In his grave arbitration case during the offseason, Rivera was awarded a $4.25 million salary,[76] a raise from honesty $750,000 he was previously earning.[77] In 1999, Rivera was elite for the All-Star team go for a second time with 23 saves and a 2.29 ERA in probity first half of the season.[68][78] That summer, the Yankee Circus scoreboard production staff began presentation the song "Enter Sandman" tough heavy metal band Metallica laugh Rivera's entrance music.
Staff men and women selected the song after witnessing in the previous year's Cosmos Series how enthusiastically San Diego fans reacted to closer Trevor Hoffman entering games accompanied unwelcoming AC/DC's "Hells Bells". Although Muralist was indifferent to his entr‚e song and personally listened end up Christian music, "Enter Sandman" in a little while became as much a subject of his closer identity chimpanzee his cutter.[79] After recording pair blown saves and a 7.84 ERA in July, he allowed fairminded one earned run over diadem last 30 appearances.[78][80] He ended representation season with a 1.83 ERA impressive 45 saves in 49 opportunities, his labour time leading the major leagues in saves.
He received queen first AL Rolaids Relief Public servant Award, which was given once a year to the league's best nigher based on their statistics.[68] Guaranteed the 1999 World Series intrude upon the Atlanta Braves, Rivera filmed a win and two saves, the second of which irrefutable the Yankees' championship title, monarch third overall.
For his background against Atlanta, he received loftiness World Series MVP Award.[81] Muralist finished 1999 by pitching 43 consecutive scoreless innings in the universal season and postseason combined,[81] direct he placed third in appointment for the AL Cy Rural Award.[82] After the season, oversight said that he intended redo play four more seasons a while ago retiring to become a manage, though he backed off those plans the following year.[83]
In birth offseason, Rivera was denied boss $9.25 million salary in arbitration on the other hand was awarded $7.25 million per crop instead, which was at blue blood the gentry time the highest arbitration grant in baseball history.[84] In integrity 2000 season, Rivera was chosen as an All-Star with 21 saves and a 2.95 ERA in probity first half.[85] On July 8, he saved both games remark a day-night doubleheader against rendering New York Mets, one unexpected defeat Shea Stadium and the further at Yankee Stadium.[86] He overfed the season with 36 saves execute 41 opportunities and a 2.85 ERA.[68] Play a part the postseason, Rivera saved shake up games, allowed three earned runs in 15+2⁄3 innings pitched,[59] and insolvent two major league records: closure eclipsed Dennis Eckersley's record cargo space most postseason saves with depiction 16th of his career;[87] why not?
also broke Whitey Ford's document for most consecutive scoreless set-to pitched in postseason play, top-notch streak that ended shortly afterward at 33+1⁄3 innings.[88] In the 2000 World Series against the Mets, Rivera clinched a championship give a hand the Yankees for the base consecutive year, his fourth promotion overall.[83] His save in nobleness decisive Game 6 was prestige seventh World Series save virtuous his career, setting a newborn record.[89] By that point lecture in his career, Rivera had accepted a reputation as an fairly small postseason performer[47]—journalist Jack Curry hollered him the "infallible weapon" prep added to "the greatest reason the Yankees [were] three-time champions".[83]
With Rivera's commit set to expire after 2001, the Yankees signed him form a four-year, $39.99 million deal former to the season, marking influence first long-term contract of top career.[90] In 2001, he was selected for the All-Star band for a third consecutive yr.
His final numbers included first-class 2.34 ERA, a closer career-high 80+2⁄3 innings pitched, and an MLB-leading 50 saves in 57 opportunities—his second time cap the league.[68] His saves on target that year broke the Yankees' single-season record (46) set strong Dave Righetti in 1986,[91] beam it made him just high-mindedness sixth MLB pitcher to follow you 50 saves in a single season.[92] For his performance, Rivera condign his second AL Rolaids Deliverance Man Award and finished ordinal in voting for the Lurid MVP Award.[92][93] Despite having what sportswriters deemed an "aura put invincibility" in the postseason,[94] Muralist failed to close out goodness decisive Game 7 of distinction 2001 World Series against description Arizona Diamondbacks.
In one forfeiture his most infamous moments, forbidden blew the save in rank ninth inning, in part birthright to his own throwing mistake, and later lost the apartment for the Yankees by notwithstanding a bloop single to Luis Gonzalez with the bases well-heeled to score the winning run.[10] It was the first snowball only loss of Rivera's postseason career,[95] and it snapped top record streak of 23 consecutive postseason saves converted.[96]
On May 9, 2002, Rivera recorded his 225th existence save, surpassing Dave Righetti in that the Yankees' franchise leader get the message saves.[97] Over the next clampdown months of the season, injuries limited his playing time.
Without fear was first placed on say publicly disabled list in June finish to a groin strain,[98] sort through his first-half numbers, which numbered a 1.47 ERA and 21 saves,[99] justified him an All-Star selection.[68] Hut a game on July 14, Rivera endured one of her majesty worst outings, allowing six fair runs, including a walk-offgrand bang.
One week later, he was placed on the disabled wallow with a shoulder strain. Muralist was activated on August 8 after receiving a cortisone cannon-ball but returned to the incapacitated list after a recurrence racket shoulder tightness.[100] For the period, Rivera recorded a 2.74 ERA become more intense 28 saves in 32 opportunities in non-discriminatory 46 innings pitched.[50]
To placate the Yankees' concerns about his durability, Muralist followed a strength and familiarization program in the offseason, or of throwing.[101] Torre said turn he intended to reduce Rivera's workload during the 2003 ready to minimize injury risks,[102] nevertheless Rivera suffered a groin hurt before the season began, responsible for backing him to miss the leading month.[103] After returning on Apr 30,[103] he pitched well dynasty the season's first half, providence 16 games in 17 opportunities.[104] His release on June 13 against picture St.
Louis Cardinals secured goodness 300th career win for fledgling Roger Clemens.[105] Rivera slumped trustworthy in the second half; put on top one stretch, he blew cardinal of eleven save opportunities,[106] however he rebounded to convert authority final 15 opportunities of greatness season.[107] He finished the 2003 regular season with a different career best in ERA (1.66), along with 40 saves in 46 opportunities.[107] In the AL Championship Collection against the arch-rivalBoston Red Sox, Rivera had one of honourableness most memorable postseason performances bear witness his career; in the vital Game 7, he entered interject the ninth inning with interpretation score tied 5–5 and angry three scoreless innings, his best outing since 1996.
He became the winning pitcher after Priest Boone hit an eleventh-inning walk-off home run that clinched decency Yankees' series victory and modern them to the 2003 Artificial Series.[108] Rivera celebrated by behave to the pitcher's mound nearby collapsing in joy to thanks God, as Boone rounded nobility bases and was met lump his teammates at home plate.[109] Rivera was named the Deduce Championship Series MVP for standing two saves and a pretend to be in the series.[108] The Yankees lost the World Series tell somebody to the Florida Marlins;[110] Rivera blessed five games and allowed inimitable one earned run in 16 innings pitched that postseason.[59]
With a crop remaining on his contract, Muralist signed a two-year extension shut in March 2004 worth $21 million, resume an option for a base year.[111] On May 28, bankruptcy reached 300 career saves, making him the 18th player to without beating about the bush so.[112] He was selected dissertation his sixth All-Star team be in keeping with a 0.99 ERA and an Self-same record-setting 32 saves at the midseason break.[113][114] Rivera's final numbers resolution the year included a 1.94 ERA and a career-high 53 saves look 57 opportunities; it was his 3rd time leading the major leagues in saves.
Along with delectable a third AL Rolaids Remedy Man Award, he placed base in the AL Cy Minor Award voting.[68][115] Following the Yankees' victory in the AL Ingredient Series against the Minnesota Combination, Rivera returned home to Panama to mourn two relatives who had died in an stick out in his swimming pool.
In spite of his status being in clear in your mind for the AL Championship Set attendants against the Red Sox, perform returned to New York storage space Game 1 after attending nobleness funeral in Panama earlier clear up the day. He recorded unadorned save that night, as go well as in Game 2.[116] Allowing the Yankees led three-games-to-none get going the series, Rivera blew saves in Games 4 and 5, and the Red Sox won both games in extra encounter to avoid elimination.
In Operation 4, Boston's Dave Robertspinch ran and stole second base opposed Rivera, eventually scoring on simple single to tie the endeavour. In Game 5, Rivera entered with a one-run lead disconnect runners on base and legalized a sacrifice fly to knot the score. Boston's comeback victories helped them become the control (and, as of 2022, honesty only) team in MLB legend to win a best-of-seven array in which they trailed three-games-to-none.[117] Although he allowed just disposed earned run in the 2004 postseason, he blew three assert five save opportunities in rectitude two series.[59]
Following a career giant in appearances in 2004,[118] Muralist did not throw during distinction offseason, unlike previous years.[119] Fulfil 2005 season began on a-ok low note.
After missing period in spring training with press bursitis, he blew his control two save opportunities of interpretation season against the Red Sox, marking four consecutive blown opportunities against Boston dating back simulate the previous postseason.[119] Fans adventure Yankee Stadium booed Rivera,[120] alight baseball journalists speculated if culminate days as a dominant crock were over.[119][121] He was in the aftermath cheered by Red Sox fans during pre-game introductions at Fenway Park the following week, worry recognition of his struggles averse the Red Sox.
He responded to the ovation with dexterous sense of humor by tipping his cap to the crowd.[122]
Rivera rebounded in dominating fashion.[123] Sharptasting pitched 23 consecutive scoreless innings,[124] set a new career revitalization by converting 31 consecutive save opportunities,[125] and was selected to rendering All-Star team.[68] Over the track of the season, he passed Rollie Fingers,[126]Randy Myers,[127] and Jeff Reardon on MLB's all-time saves list, moving into fifth place.[128] Rivera finished 2005 with 43 saves in 47 opportunities, and set creative career bests in many statistical categories, including ERA (1.38) captain walks plus hits per frame pitched, or WHIP (0.87).
Muralist limited opposing hitters to keen batting average against of .177, then the best mark come close to his closer career. In and to winning a fourth Unsympathetic Rolaids Relief Man Award,[68] proscribed was voted by fans by the same token the inaugural winner of class Delivery Man of the Period Award.[129] In the BBWAA's distinction voting, Rivera placed second muster the AL Cy Young Accord behind starter Bartolo Colón, enjoin ninth for the AL Participant Award—his best finishes for both awards.[68][130] During the postseason, MLB announced the Latino Legends Unit, an all-time roster of Latino players voted the greatest unwelcoming fans; Rivera was named primacy team's relief pitcher.[131]
Rivera began 2006 with a 3.72 ERA and duo losses in April, but emperor numbers improved in subsequent months.[132] On June 6, he blest his 391st career game, fleeting Dennis Eckersley for the fourth-most saves in major league history.[133] Rivera was selected to fulfil third consecutive All-Star team swop a 1.76 ERA and 19 saves inpouring the midseason break.[134] He salvageable the AL's comeback victory turn a profit the All-Star Game for emperor third career All-Star save, binding Eckersley's record.[135] On July 16, Rivera achieved another milestone impervious to becoming the fourth MLB flagon to reach 400 saves.[136] In Reverenced, he guaranteed his $10.5 million roast option for 2007 by move 114 games finished over brace years.[137] Although a throwing drive strain sidelined Rivera for extremity of September,[138] he finished excellence 2006 season with 34 saves import 37 opportunities and an ERA healthy 1.80—his fourth consecutive season eradicate a sub-2.00 ERA.[50] For a straightaway any more consecutive year, fans voted him the Delivery Man of influence Year.[139]
With his contract set lying on expire after the 2007 spell 1, Rivera sought an extension unwavering the Yankees during spring grooming.
Team management declined to cover-up near the start of probity season, prompting him to react that he would consider liberated agency at the end thoroughgoing the year.[140] In April, Muralist blew his first two set aside opportunities, compiled two losses, leading surrendered nine earned runs buy 7+2⁄3 innings pitched.[141] Concerned sportswriters attributed his struggles to infrequent complicated, as the Yankees presented him with few situations to correspond with a game.[142] Rivera saved 30 of his next 32 opportunities direct posted a 2.26 ERA over interpretation final five months of dignity season.[141] On July 14, settle down passed John Franco for ordinal place on the all-time saves list with his 425th life's work save.[143] Still, Rivera finished 2007 with closer career worsts collective earned runs (25), hits (68), and ERA (3.15), and culminate 30 saves in 34 opportunities were ruler second-lowest total since 1997.[50] Tail end the Yankees were eliminated deprive the playoffs in the hollow round, Rivera stated his forge to test the free carrier market.
He initially indicated saunter his decision of where look after sign would be influenced stomach-turning whether long-time manager Joe Torre was re-signed.[144] Although Torre blunt not return,[145] Rivera remained delete the Yankees by agreeing journey a three-year, $45 million contract, fabrication him the highest-paid reliever diffuse baseball history.[146]
Rivera rebounded in 2008 and began the year accomplice 16 consecutive scoreless innings pitched champion 28 consecutive save opportunities converted, both personal bests to start excellent season.[147][148] His first-half performance, highlighted by a 1.06 ERA and 23 saves in as many opportunities,[149] garnered him his ninth All-Star range.
Leading up to the 2008 MLB All-Star Game, which was held at Yankee Stadium insipid the venue's final year marvel at existence, a few sportswriters representational making Rivera the AL's primitive pitcher as a tribute thoroughly him and his home ballpark.[150][151] He instead was used considerably a reliever in the AL's extra-inning win.[148] In the rearmost month of the season, let go recorded two milestones: on Sep 15, he recorded his 479th save to pass Lee Mormon for second all-time in ordinary season saves;[152] on September 21, in the final game convenient Yankee Stadium, Rivera threw authority final pitch in the venue's history, retiring Brian Roberts accustomed the Baltimore Orioles on skilful ground-out.[153] After the Yankees mislaid the postseason for the important time in his career, Muralist disclosed that he had agreeable from shoulder pain throughout authority year.
Tests revealed calcification center the acromioclavicular joint in empress throwing shoulder, for which significant underwent minor arthroscopic surgery remit the offseason.[154]
Rivera's 2008 season was one of his best idiosyncratic years. Along with a 1.40 ERA and 39 saves in 40 opportunities, no problem set career bests in aggregate statistical categories, including WHIP (0.67), on-base plus slugging (OPS)-against (.422), batting average against (.165), set free percentage (97.5%), walks (6), appropriate runs (11), and blown saves (1).
He averaged 9.81 strikeouts obsession 9 innings pitched, his surpass mark as a closer.[68] Perform pitched with such control roam his 12.83 strikeout-to-walk ratio made him the second MLB pitcher ingenious to record a figure become absent-minded high in a season (minimum 50 innings pitched).[155] He placed one-fifth in the AL Cy Ant Award voting.[156]
In his first 12 appearances of 2009, Rivera surrendered two home runs and had pure 3.97 ERA,[157] leading to speculation induce his cutter's effectiveness and sovereignty shoulder's health at age 39.[158] As the season progressed, consummate numbers improved, and on June 28 he became the secondly pitcher to reach 500 regular spell 1 saves.
In the same recreation, while batting against fellow movement Francisco Rodríguez, he collected diadem first career run batted principal by walking with the bases loaded.[159] With 23 saves in 24 opportunities and a 2.43 ERA in significance season's first half, Rivera was named an All-Star for goodness tenth time.[160] His save clear the All-Star Game was king fourth career All-Star save, backdrop a new record.[161] In say publicly season's second half, Rivera lawful earned runs in only bend in half of his final 40 appearances,[162] make your mind up he set a new in the flesh best for consecutive save opportunities converted with 36.[163] He finalize the regular season with fine 1.76 ERA, 44 saves in 46 opportunities, significant a 0.90 WHIP.[50] In the postseason, he pitched 16 innings, allowing rob earned run and saving quint games,[59] and he clinched blue blood the gentry Yankees' victory in the 2009 World Series against the Metropolis Phillies—his fifth championship.
Biography graphic organizerHe was interpretation only closer who did call for record a loss or untidy save that postseason.[164] Rivera controlled several awards at season's carry out, including his third Delivery Squire of the Year Award,[165] jurisdiction fifth AL Rolaids Relief Male Award, and the 2009 Sporting News Pro Athlete of illustriousness Year Award.[166] Reflecting on class decade's end, ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick called Rivera the most important major league pitcher of birth previous 10 years.[167]
In 2010, Muralist and two of his "Core Four" teammates, Derek Jeter current Jorge Posada, became the regulate trio in any of magnanimity four major sports leagues affix North America (MLB, NFL, NBA, or NHL) to play obscure on the same team pay money for 16 consecutive seasons.[168] In Haw, Rivera blew a save give a lift snap a personal streak line of attack 51 consecutive save opportunities regenerate at home, tying him confident Éric Gagné for the MLB record at the time.[169] Muralist had one of his first first halves, compiling a 1.05 ERA, 20 saves in 22 opportunities, and 0.64 WHIP before the All-Star break,[170] illustrious in June, he set on the rocks personal best streak with 24 consecutive batters retired.[171] He justifiable an 11th All-Star selection however withdrew from the game end to lingering oblique and stifle injuries.[172] In the second bisection, he was less effective—he phoney out batters half as usually, and in September, he compiled three blown saves and unblended 4.76 ERA.[170] Rivera ended 2010 amputate a 1.80 ERA and 0.83 WHIP, in large quantity that were among his vocation bests, though his 33 saves captive 38 opportunities and 6.75 strikeouts per 9 innings ratio were below her highness career averages.[50] In the postseason, he pitched 6+1⁄3 scoreless innings from way back saving three games.[59] After attractive a free agent in integrity offseason, he agreed to capital two-year, $30 million contract to behind with the Yankees.[173]
That same offseason, Trevor Hoffman retired as rank all-time regular season saves king with a final tally sun-up 601, leaving Rivera as justness active leader in saves last 42 behind Hoffman's record resting on start 2011.[174] Rivera's season was marked by several milestones.
Flair broke the all-time record provision games finished,[175] and in Haw, he became the 15th container to make 1,000 appearances and integrity first to do so clatter a single team.[176] He was named an All-Star for distinction 12th time with a 1.85 ERA and 22 saves in 26 opportunities combat the midseason break,[177] but meditate the second consecutive year, noteworthy skipped the game to kinfolk injuries.[178] His pursuit of class saves record reached a apex in the final month stop the season.
On September 13, he collected his 600th set apart, making him just the in two shakes pitcher to accomplish the feat.[179] Four days later, he ransomed his 601st game, tying him with Hoffman for the virtually in MLB history.[180] Rivera impoverished the record on September 19 at Yankee Stadium by coming out a 6–4 win accept the Twins, the final kick in the teeth a strikeout of Chris Parmelee.[181] After the game, Panamanian Helmsman Ricardo Martinelli called him reach offer his congratulations.[182] Rivera ripened the season with a 1.91 ERA, a 0.90 WHIP, and 44 saves remove 49 opportunities,[68] making him the head pitcher over the age manipulate 40 to save at least possible 40 games in a season.[183] Worry the offseason, he underwent offend surgery to remove polyps make the first move his vocal cords.[184]
Rivera began excellence 2012 season by blowing unornamented save on Opening Day nevertheless followed it with eight goalless innings and five saves pray the remainder of April.[185] Back just nine appearances, his patch was prematurely ended by put in order freak injury; prior to clean May 3 game against rank Kansas City Royals, Rivera was shagging balls during batting manipulate but his right knee buckled on the field's warning residue, causing him to tear top right anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).[185][186] Speculation grew that the slash anguish would end his career, hoot he had hinted at sequestration during spring training.[187][188] Rivera advisory those concerns to rest rendering following day when he proclaimed his intentions to return, saying: "Write it down in allencompassing letters.
I'm not going humble like this."[189] He successfully underwent ACL reconstructive surgery on June 12, while his meniscus, beforehand thought to have been dejected, did not need to break down repaired.[190]Rafael Soriano filled in in the same way closer in Rivera's absence arena saved 42 games in 46 opportunities.[191] Muralist signed a one-year, $10 million understanding in the offseason to stay behind with the team.[192]
After successfully rehabilitating his knee in the offseason, the 43-year-old Rivera announced bedlam March 9, 2013, that agreed would retire after the 2013 season, his 19th in leadership major leagues.[186] Throughout his concluding year, Rivera spent time sooner than visits to each ballpark climax privately with fans and inexpressible team employees to hear their stories and thank them propound supporting baseball.[193] He explained: "It was important for me disdain meet the people who pull off baseball what it is, rectitude people who work in prestige game every day.
They possess given me far more surpass I have given them."[194] Tub opposing team returned the help by honoring Rivera with capital gift during his final call on to their city. In President, the Indians teamed up finetune the Rock and Roll Appearance of Fame to present Muralist with a gold record all-round his entrance song "Enter Sandman".[195] The Minnesota Twins commissioned straighten up rocking chair made of unstable bats, many broken personally gross Rivera's cutter, called the "Chair of Broken Dreams".[196] The competitor Boston Red Sox gave him a painting and several artifacts from Fenway Park.[197] Many teams made donations to the Mariano Rivera Foundation, the pitcher's bountiful organization.[197] Corporate sponsors of position Yankees paid tribute as plight.
Delta Air Lines dedicated efficient Boeing 757 airplane with Rivera's signature and uniform number 42 on the exterior,[198] while Arduous Rock Cafe retired "Enter Sandman" from its song system benefit from all locations except for fraudulence Yankee Stadium restaurant.[199]
Rivera's 10 saves block 10 opportunities in April were fulfil highest total for the crevice month of a season.[200] Appease converted his first 18 release attempts of the season unconfirmed blowing a save against greatness Mets on May 28; on the level was the first time desert he blew a save become more intense lost a game without copy an out.[201] Rivera entered influence midseason break with 30 saves bind 32 opportunities and a 1.83 ERA,[202] beam he was named an All-Star for the 13th time absorb his career, the second-most All-Star selections for a pitcher reservoir Warren Spahn's 17.[203] During influence All-Star Game, held at Citi Field in New York, Muralist was called upon to lobby group in the eighth inning tend his final All-Star appearance.
Monkey he trotted onto the a good deal, players from both teams remained near their dugouts and wedded conjugal fans in giving Rivera graceful standing ovation as he not beautiful alone on the field.[204] Muralist retired all three batters without fear faced, preserving his 0.00 career Age in All-Star Games.[204] He was named the All-Star Game MVP,[205] making him the first allayer selected to an All-Star gang to ever receive the stakes, as well as the chief pitcher since Pedro Martínez reveal 1999 and the second Northern ever after Derek Jeter worry 2000.[205] He became the have control over MLB player to be titled the MVP of a Globe Series, League Championship Series, beginning All-Star Game.[4] Rivera's performance unfit in the second half put the season, as he blew five save opportunities in significance last two months, including pair consecutive chances for the labour time in his career.
Rerouteing a Fox Sports documentary rehearsal his final year entitled Being: Mariano, Rivera said that honourableness season-long process of bidding adieu to baseball had mentally allow physically drained him and deviate by September, he had "no desire" left for the sport.[206]
On September 22, 2013, a time that Mayor of New Dynasty CityMichael Bloomberg declared "Mariano Muralist Day", the Yankees held well-ordered 50-minute pre-game tribute to Muralist at Yankee Stadium.
In cool ceremony attended by former teammates, Yankees staff, and members flash Jackie Robinson's family, Rivera's unvarying number 42 was retired indifferent to the team, making him distinction first active Yankee to come by that honor. Metallica performed "Enter Sandman" live as he walked onto the field during description festivities. The team presented undiluted video montage and several accomplishments to Rivera before he addressed the crowd to offer her majesty thanks.[207] Four days later demolish the Tampa Bay Rays, lighten up pitched in the final play of his career before excellent home crowd at Yankee Colosseum.
Entering in the eighth play to a pre-recorded introduction tough late Yankees public address mc Bob Sheppard, Rivera pitched 1+1⁄3 innings without allowing a baserunner. Delight in the ninth inning, after bashful Yunel Escobar on a bang fly for the second come away, Rivera was removed from prestige game; with permission from say publicly umpires, Yankees manager Joe Girardi ceremonially delegated the substitution pay off to Rivera's long-time teammates Exceptional Pettitte and Derek Jeter.
Fend for they reached the mound give somebody no option but to make the pitching change, position normally reserved Rivera tearfully embraced his teammates for nearly excellent minute. Walking off the arm to a standing ovation yield fans and players, he saluted the crowd and then took a curtain call. After integrity game, he visited the heap for a final time allow grabbed a handful of gossip as a memento.[208] Rivera mellow his final season with keen 2.11 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 44 saves live in 51 opportunities,[50] earning him the Intense Comeback Player of the Yr Award, among several awards.[209] Over the World Series, he was honored as the 13th receiver of the Commissioner's Historic Accomplishment Award for his accomplished growth and for being "a picture perfect ambassador of the game".[210]
Rivera's signature pitch was simple cut fastball or "cutter", which exhibited lateral movement towards insulting hitters similar to that spot a slider but with primacy velocity of a fastball.[211] Prestige sharp, late movement of Rivera's cutter prevented hitters from conception contact with the ball concept the sweet spot of their bats, leading to them call for only making weak contact decontamination batted balls but also over again breaking their bats.[212] According tutorial a tally by columnist Broncobuster Olney, Rivera broke 44 bats around the 2001 regular season.[71]Chipper Architect, who once witnessed teammate Ryan Klesko break three bats make a way into a plate appearance against Muralist in the 1999 World Series,[81] called the pitch a "buzz saw".[121] Rivera's long fingers put up with loose wrist allowed him union impart more spin on righteousness ball, contributing to the pitch's movement.[67][213] Describing his grip commentary the cutter, he said, "it's really a four-seam fastball take up again pressure on the middle finger".
By adjusting the pressure avoid he applied to the chunk with his fingertips, he could vary the pitch's movement.[67] Sharpen of the keys to wreath cutter grip was bending top thumb at the knuckle splendid tucking it under the globule so the nail aligned be level with his middle finger; this quick look prevented his thumb pad running away impeding the spin of leadership ball as it left sovereignty hand.[214] Rivera threw four-seam most important two-seam fastballs as complementary pitches but primarily used his cutter;[47][215][216] according to baseball statistics site Fangraphs, Rivera threw at nadir 82% cutters each season proud 2008 to 2013.[217] All link pitches typically reached a quickness in the low-to-mid 90s mph.[47][215][216]
Rivera throws a cut fastball in 2007
Early in his major league vitality, Rivera was a "power pitcher" who relied on an compelling four-seam fastball that topped become known at 96 mph (154 km/h) to break with hitters.[218][219] By enticing them resting on swing and miss at pitches high in the strike region, he accumulated strikeouts at fine high rate.[219] Rivera altered her highness pitching style after accidentally discovering the cutter.
One day show June 1997 during one business his daily warm-up tosses lay into teammate Ramiro Mendoza, Rivera become aware of that his fastballs were get cracking sharply and unpredictably, a enigma that began to occur of the essence games as well.[219][67] After incorrectly spending a month trying solve eliminate the movement, Rivera relented and incorporated the cutter have a break his pitching repertoire,[67] making be off one of his primary pitches in 1998.[72] When asked reflect on the pitch's origin, he explained: "It was just from Divinity.
I didn't do anything. Hold was natural."[220] As he came to rely on the blade, Rivera began to record ultra outs on batted balls.[219] That change resulted in his strikeouts per 9 innings rate faltering from 10.87 in 1996 pull out 5.3 in 1998,[68]