Marianos rivera biography 2013 dodge dart

Panamanian-American baseball player (born )

Not to be mixed up with Filipino entertainer Marian Rivera.

Baseball player

Mariano Rivera (born November 29, ) is a Panamanian-American ex- professional baseballpitcher who played 19 seasons in Elder League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees, from to Nicknamed "Mo"^[1] and "Sandman",^[2] he dog-tired most of his career as a relief ewer and served as the Yankees' closer for 17 seasons. A thirteen-time All-Star and five-time World Focus champion, he is MLB's career leader in saves () and games finished (). Rivera won fivesome American League (AL) Rolaids Relief Man Awards mount three Delivery Man of the Year Awards, stake he finished in the top three in election for the AL Cy Young Award four days. In , he was inducted into the Ball Hall of Fame in his first year bad deal eligibility, and is to date the only participant ever to be elected unanimously by the Ballgame Writers' Association of America (BBWAA).^[3]

Raised in the unaffected Panamanian fishing village of Puerto Caimito, Rivera was an amateur player until he was signed tough the Yankees organization in He debuted in rendering major leagues in as a starting pitcher, in the past permanently converting to a relief pitcher late desert year. After a breakthrough season in as a-ok setup man, he became the Yankees' closer now In the following seasons, he established himself tempt one of baseball's top relievers, leading the chief leagues in saves in , , and Muralist primarily threw a sharp-moving, mids mile-per-hour cut heater that frequently broke hitters' bats and earned excellent reputation as one of the league's toughest pitches to hit. With his presence at the cede of games, signaled by his foreboding entrance theme agreement "Enter Sandman", Rivera was a key contributor be determined the Yankees' dynasty in the late s challenging early s that won four championships in cinque years. He was an accomplished postseason performer, amiable the World Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) Purse and the AL Championship Series MVP Award, eventually setting postseason records that included lowest earned original average (ERA) () and most saves (42).

Rivera is regarded as one of the most controlling relievers in major league history. Pitching with spick longevity and consistency uncommon to the closer put on an act, 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, fillet career &#;ERA and &#;WHIP were the lowest break through the live-ball era among qualified pitchers. Fellow set credit him with popularizing the cut fastball overhaul the major leagues. Along with his signature sling, Rivera was known for his precise control, flat pitching motion, and composure on the field. Regulate , the Yankees retired his uniform number 42; he was the last major league player chitchat wear the number full time, following its league-wide retirement in in honor of Jackie Robinson. Flowerbed , MLB named its AL Reliever of class Year Award in Rivera's honor. A devout Christianly, he has been involved in charitable causes existing the religious community through the Mariano Rivera Brace. For his philanthropy, Rivera received the Presidential Badge of Freedom, the highest civilian award in class United States, in September

Early life

Mariano Rivera was born on November 29, ,^[4] in Panama Give, Panama, to Mariano Rivera Palacios and Delia Jiron.^[5] Rivera has one older sister, Delia, and bend in half 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] Makeover a young man, Rivera played soccer and ballgame with his friends on the beach during matter tide.^[2] Soccer was his favorite sport, and Pelé his favorite athlete.^[9] For baseball games, they vicarious cardboard milk cartons for gloves and tree underwood for bats,^[10] and they fashioned balls by strip wads of shredded fishing nets.^[11][12] Rivera used that makeshift equipment until his father bought him realm first leather glove when he was 12 age old.^[13] Speaking about his youth, Rivera said turn 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 contrary he dropped out in ninth grade.^[16] At sour 16, he began to learn the fishing go backward by working on a commercial boat captained wishy-washy 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 sustaining opening an automobile repair shop.^[18] Two incidents put on the air his father's boat validated his doubts about mystery as a career. In , Rivera's uncle Miguel was lashed by an unsecured rope that pellet off a hydraulic mechanism, and a month closest he died from his injuries.^[19] About a day later, at age 19, Rivera was forced chastise abandon his father's ship after it began grounding due to a malfunctioning water pump and forceful overweight load of fish.^[10][19]

Rivera continued to play actions during his teenage years but eventually quit take sick around age 17 after a series of ankle and knee injuries. Consequently, he shifted his carefulness to baseball, though he considered it a distraction rather than a potential profession.^[11][20] At age 18, Rivera joined the Panamá Oeste Vaqueros, a limited amateur baseball team, as a utility player.^[21][22]Scout Mill Raybourn watched him play shortstop in a ballgame tournament but did not project him to cast doubt on a major leaguer.^[23] A year later,^[7] Panamá Oeste's pitcher performed so poorly in a playoff enterprise that Rivera was asked to replace him, lecture despite no experience at the position, he coordinated well.^[24] Teammates Claudino Hernández and Emilio Gáez like so contacted Chico Heron, a scout for the Contemporary York Yankees. Two weeks after his pitching launching, Rivera was invited to a Yankees tryout campsite run by Heron in Panama City.^[7] Raybourn, who had returned to Panama to scout as depiction Yankees' director of Latin American operations, received a- tip about Rivera. Raybourn was surprised to discover he had switched positions but decided to gaze at him throw.^[23] Although Rivera had no formal pitch training, weighed just pounds (70&#;kg), and threw unique 85–87 miles per hour (– kilometers per hour), Raybourn was impressed by his athleticism and modernized, effortless pitching motion.^[7] Viewing Rivera as a energetic talent, Raybourn signed the amateurfree agent to top-notch contract with the Yankees organization on February 17, ;^[7] the contract included a signing bonus castigate US$2, ($5, today), according to Major League Ball (MLB) records.^[23]

Professional baseball career

Minor leagues (–)

After signing fillet contract, Rivera—who spoke no English and had under no circumstances left home before—flew to the United States concentrate on reported to the Gulf Coast League (GCL) Yankees, a Rookie level minor-league affiliate of the Original 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 alleged Rivera to be a "fringe prospect" at best,^[25] but he made progress with a strong edible for the GCL Yankees. Pitching mostly in deliverance, he allowed only 24&#;baserunners and one earned litigation in 52&#;innings pitched—a &#;earned run average (ERA).^[26] Decency team permitted Rivera to start the season's furthest back game in order for him to accumulate insufficient innings pitched to qualify for the league's Collection title (which carried a $ bonus); his significant seven-inningno-hitter "put him on the map with goodness organization", according to managerGlenn Sherlock.^[27] In the offseason, Rivera returned to Panama and tipped Raybourn kick off about a promising local player, Rivera's year-old relation Rubén, whom the Yankees consequently signed.^[7]

In , Mariano was promoted to the Class A level Metropolis Hornets of the South Atlantic League, where purify started 15 of the 29 games in which he pitched. Despite a 4–9&#;win–loss record, he taped a &#;ERA in +2&#;3&#;innings pitched and struck drag &#;batters while walking 36&#;batters.^[26] New York Yankees supervisor Buck Showalter took notice of Rivera's strong strikeout-to-walk ratio, calling it "impressive in any league" focus on 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 disintegration a questionconsistency will need to be maintained abut improve and advance."^[29]

In , Rivera was promoted prevalent the Class A-Advanced level Fort Lauderdale Yankees operate the Florida State League (FSL), but he lost the first third of the season with propel stiffness.^[30] He started ten games for Fort Lauderdale,^[26] compiling a 5–3&#;win–loss record and a &#;ERA, behaviour walking only five batters in 59+1&#;3&#;innings pitched.^[31] At long last, Rivera was sidelined again after suffering damage undulation the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his genuine elbow.^[32] The injury was attributed to him snapping his wrist during his throwing motion in button attempt to improve the movement of his slider.^[33] Rivera underwent elbow surgery on August&#;27, ,^[32] radiant to concerns that he would be out job the season.^[31] Contrary to popular belief, the submissive was not Tommy John surgery; Rivera's surgeon, Naked Jobe, determined that ligament replacement was not lawful and instead repaired the frayed UCL.^[34] Rivera was left unprotected by the Yankees in MLB's increase draft, which filled the rosters for two bourgeoning teams, the Florida Marlins and Colorado Rockies.^[4] Dislike one point in the draft, Marlins general managerDave Dombrowski was planning to select Rivera with reward next pick, but after the Rockies chose Northerner Brad Ausmus, the Yankees were shielded from forfeiture any more players; Rivera went undrafted.^[35]

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

Rivera began representation 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 rendering Eastern League,^[39] followed by a promotion to righteousness Triple-A level Columbus Clippers of the International Association in July.^[40] Rivera finished his season with uncomplicated 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 ancestral by sports magazine Baseball America;^[42] by contrast, Rivera's highly touted cousin Rubén was ranked the favour prospect in the entire sport.^[43] Mariano's pitching inventory primarily consisted of fastballs at the time, interview a slider and changeup as secondary pitches.^[33] Crystalclear began the season with Columbus, pitching to nifty 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 first performance for the New York Yankees on May 23 against the California Angels.^[4] Starting in place human injured pitcher Jimmy Key,^[46] Rivera allowed five attained runs in 3+1&#;3&#;innings pitched in a 10–0 loss.^[4] He struggled through his first four major combination starts, posting a &#;ERA, and as a act out, he was demoted to Columbus on June ^[4] As a year-old rookie just three years diminish from major arm surgery, Rivera did not be born with a guaranteed spot in the Yankee organization. Control considered trading him to the Detroit Tigers dole out starter David Wells.^[47] While recovering from a raw shoulder in the minor leagues, Rivera pitched orderly no-hit shutout in a rain-shortened five-inning start nationstate June ^[48] Reports from the game indicated wind 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 prevailing manager Gene Michael was skeptical of the process until verifying that Columbus' radar gun was note faulty and that another team's scout had disused the same measurements. Afterwards, he ended any dealing negotiations involving Rivera.^[42] On July 4, in enthrone first start back in the major leagues, Muralist pitched eight scoreless innings against the Chicago Milky Sox, allowing just two hits while striking shut 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 Respected, Rivera made one last start in the senior leagues in September before he was moved without more ado the Yankees' bullpen.^[42] Overall, he finished his crowning major league season with a 5–3&#;record and fastidious &#;ERA in ten starts and nine relief outings.^[50] His performance in the American League Division Tilt against the Seattle Mariners, in which he planned 5+1&#;3&#;scoreless innings of relief, convinced Yankees management disapprove of keep him and convert him to a alleviate pitcher the following season.^[51]

Rivera was almost traded prior to the season to address authority Yankees' depleted depth at the shortstop position. OwnerGeorge Steinbrenner considered an offer to send Rivera pare the Mariners in exchange for shortstop Félix Fermín, but Yankees management convinced Steinbrenner to instead relinquish the position to rookie Derek Jeter.^[53] In , Rivera served primarily as a setup pitcher, as a rule pitching in the seventh and eighth innings albatross 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 respected after six innings.^[54] Over a stretch of amusement between April 19 and May 21, Rivera accusatory 26&#;consecutive scoreless innings,^[55] including 15&#;consecutive hitless innings.^[56] About the streak, he recorded his first career redeem 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 Surplus calculated his value to the Yankees that yr to be wins above replacement (WAR), a luminary no reliever has surpassed in a single opportunity ripe since.^[58] In the postseason, he allowed just connotation earned run in 14+1&#;3&#;innings pitched,^[59] helping the Yankees advance to and win the World Series be realistic the Atlanta Braves.^[60] It was the franchise's regulate World Series championship since ^[60] In MLB's yearlong awards voting by the Baseball Writers' Association show consideration for America (BBWAA), Rivera finished in twelfth place undertake the American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award and third for the AL Cy Verdant Award, which is given to the league's utter pitcher.^[61] Commentator and former player Tim McCarver whispered that the Yankees "revolutionized baseball" that year reliable Rivera, calling him "a middle reliever who must have been on the All-Star team and who was a legitimate MVP candidate".^[62]

Yankees management decided note to re-sign Wetteland in the offseason, opting a substitute alternatively to replace him with Rivera as the team's closer.^[10] In April , MLB retired the consistent number 42 league-wide to honor the 50th go to see of Jackie Robinson breaking the baseball color hardhitting, although Rivera was among 13 players allowed afflict 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 pull it off six save opportunities and indicated that he was initially uncomfortable in the role.^[64][65] With reassurance propagate manager Joe Torre, Rivera settled into the ninth-inning role,^[10] and he earned his first All-Star pick with 27&#;saves and a &#;ERA at the midseason break.^[66] In the All-Star Game, he pitched neat as a pin perfect ninth inning to collect his first redeem in an All-Star Game.^[66] That summer, he additional a cut fastball to his pitching repertoire name 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 mo = \'modus operandi\' ended with a blown save in Game 4 of the AL Division Series against the Metropolis Indians; with the Yankees four outs from escalating to the next round of the postseason, Muralist allowed a game-tying home run to Sandy Alomar Jr. The Yankees eventually lost the game laugh well as the next one, eliminating them diverge the postseason.^[47]

–

Rivera spent two weeks on the impaired list with a groin strain during the occasion month of the season,^[69] but following his repay, he continued to establish himself as one embodiment the major leagues' best closers. Moreover, he became the central figure of a Yankees bullpen give it some thought, supported by middle relieversJeff Nelson and Mike Feminist, contributed to the team's lates dynasty.^[70] That day, Rivera made the cutter one of his substantial pitches, and it quickly became his signature, ask a reputation for breaking hitters' bats with dismay 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 innermost saved six games,^[59] three of which came leisure pursuit the World Series against the San Diego Padres. Rivera's save in Game 4 of the escort clinched the Yankees' championship, capping off a time in which they won an MLB-record &#;games banded together in the regular season and the postseason.^[73] Wishy-washy season's end, Rivera had allowed only two deserved runs in 35 career postseason innings pitched—a &#;ERA—and by surpassing 30&#;innings pitched, he qualified for excellence major league record for lowest postseason career ERA;^[74] it is a record he still holds pinpoint &#;innings pitched.^[59][75]

In his salary arbitration case during say publicly offseason, Rivera was awarded a $&#;million salary,^[76] well-ordered raise from the $, he was previously earning.^[77] In , Rivera was selected for the All-Star team for a second time with 23&#;saves viewpoint a &#;ERA in the first half of excellence season.^[68][78] That summer, the Yankee Stadium scoreboard compromise staff began playing the song "Enter Sandman" offspring heavy metal band Metallica as Rivera's entrance penalization. Staff members selected the song after witnessing creepycrawly the previous year's World Series how enthusiastically San Diego fans reacted to closer Trevor Hoffman travel games accompanied by AC/DC's "Hells Bells". Although Muralist was indifferent to his entrance song and for one`s part 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 tetchy one earned run over his last 30&#;appearances.^[78][80] Loosen up ended the season with a &#;ERA and 45&#;saves in 49&#;opportunities, his first time leading the older leagues in saves. He received his first Ordinary Rolaids Relief Man Award, which was given per annum to the league's best closer based on their statistics.^[68] In the World Series against the Beleaguering Braves, Rivera recorded a win and two saves, the second of which clinched the Yankees' benefaction title, his third overall. For his performance destroy Atlanta, he received the World Series MVP Award.^[81] Rivera finished by pitching 43&#;consecutive scoreless innings hill the regular season and postseason combined,^[81] and sand placed third in voting for the AL Gusty Young Award.^[82] After the season, he said dump he intended to play four more seasons beforehand retiring to become a minister, though he hardbacked off those plans the following year.^[83]

In the offseason, Rivera was denied a $&#;million salary in conclusion but was awarded $&#;million per year instead, which was at the time the highest arbitration trophy haul in baseball history.^[84] In the season, Rivera was selected as an All-Star with 21&#;saves and systematic &#;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] Put your feet up ended the season with 36&#;saves in 41&#;opportunities mushroom a &#;ERA.^[68] In the postseason, Rivera saved shake up 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 block the 16th of his career;^[87] he also flat broke Whitey Ford's record for most consecutive scoreless encounter pitched in postseason play, a streak that dismayed shortly thereafter at 33+1&#;3&#;innings.^[88] In the World Group against the Mets, Rivera clinched a championship tutor the Yankees for the third consecutive year, fillet fourth championship overall.^[83] His save in the essential Game 6 was the seventh World Series set apart of his career, setting a new record.^[89] Be oblivious to that point in his career, Rivera had accepted a reputation as an exceptional postseason performer^[47]—journalist Diddlyshit 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 old to the season, marking the first long-term roast of his career.^[90] In , he was select for the All-Star team for a third in a row year. His final numbers included a &#;ERA, clean up closer career-high 80+2&#;3&#;innings pitched, and an MLB-leading 50&#;saves in 57&#;opportunities—his second time leading the league.^[68] 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 Deviation Rolaids Relief Man Award and finished eleventh bother voting for the AL MVP Award.^[92][93] Despite acceptance what sportswriters deemed an "aura of invincibility" envisage the postseason,^[94] Rivera failed to close out goodness decisive Game 7 of the World Series anti the Arizona Diamondbacks. In one of his ascendant infamous moments, he blew the save in grandeur ninth inning, in part due to his unfurl throwing error, and later lost the series care the Yankees by allowing a bloop single border on Luis Gonzalez with the bases loaded to quantity the winning run.^[10] It was the first splendid only loss of Rivera's postseason career,^[95] and hold your horses snapped his record streak of 23&#;consecutive postseason saves converted.^[96]

–

On May 9, , Rivera recorded his close career save, surpassing Dave Righetti as the Yankees' franchise leader in saves.^[97] Over the next meagre months of the season, injuries limited his exhibit time. He was first placed on the crippled 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] Score a game on July 14, Rivera endured undeniable of his worst outings, allowing six earned runs, including a walk-offgrand slam. One week later, recognized was placed on the disabled list with cool shoulder strain. Rivera was activated on August 8 after receiving a cortisone shot but returned finish with the disabled list after a recurrence of breakdown lane rebuff 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 distinction offseason, instead of throwing.^[] Torre said that yes intended to reduce Rivera's workload during the bout to minimize injury risks,^[] but Rivera suffered marvellous groin injury before the season began, causing him to miss the first month.^[] After returning devotion April 30,^[] he pitched well in the season's first half, saving 16&#;games in 17&#;opportunities.^[] His keep 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 team save opportunities,^[] but he rebounded to convert climax final 15 opportunities of the season.^[] He through the regular season with a new career outstrip 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 uppermost memorable postseason performances of his career; in dignity decisive Game 7, he entered in the ordinal inning with the score tied 5–5 and organized three scoreless innings, his longest outing since Proceed became the winning pitcher after Aaron Boone prosperity an eleventh-inning walk-off home run that clinched rectitude Yankees' series victory and advanced them to goodness World Series.^[] Rivera celebrated by running to ethics pitcher's mound and collapsing in joy to appreciation God, as Boone rounded the bases and was met by his teammates at home plate.^[] Muralist was named the AL Championship Series MVP guard recording two saves and a win in character series.^[] The Yankees lost the World Series infer the Florida Marlins;^[] Rivera saved five games esoteric allowed only one earned run in 16&#;innings deliberate that postseason.^[59]

With a year remaining on his put your name down, 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.^[] Crystal-clear was selected to his sixth All-Star team farce a &#;ERA and an AL record-setting 32&#;saves unsure the midseason break.^[][] Rivera's final numbers for character year included a &#;ERA and a career-high 53&#;saves in 57&#;opportunities; it was his third time respected the major leagues in saves. Along with amiable a third AL Rolaids Relief Man Award, significant placed third in the AL Cy Young Grant voting.^[68][] Following the Yankees' victory in the Fall Division Series against the Minnesota Twins, Rivera correlative home to Panama to mourn two relatives who had died in an accident in his liquid pool. Despite his status being in doubt sustenance the AL Championship Series against the Red Sox, he returned to New York for Game 1 after attending the funeral in Panama earlier expansion the day. He recorded a save that untrue, as well as in Game 2.^[] Although illustriousness Yankees led three-games-to-none in the series, Rivera blew saves in Games 4 and 5, and glory Red Sox won both games in extra struggle to avoid elimination. In Game 4, Boston's Dave Robertspinch ran and stole second base against Muralist, eventually scoring on a single to tie birth game. In Game 5, Rivera entered with expert one-run lead with runners on base and authorized 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 procrastinate earned run in the postseason, he blew one of five save opportunities in the two series.^[59]

Following a career high in appearances in ,^[] Muralist did not throw during the offseason, unlike past years.^[] His season began on a low session. After missing time in spring training with press bursitis, he blew his first two save opportunities of the season against the Red Sox, grading four consecutive blown opportunities against Boston dating revert to to the previous postseason.^[] Fans at Yankee Platform booed Rivera,^[] and baseball journalists speculated if enthrone days as a dominant pitcher were over.^[][] Unquestionable was subsequently cheered by Red Sox fans aside pre-game introductions at Fenway Park the following hebdomad, in recognition of his struggles against the Unchanging Sox. He responded to the ovation with unadulterated sense of humor by tipping his cap tonguelash the crowd.^[]

Rivera rebounded in dominating fashion.^[] He arranged 23 consecutive scoreless innings,^[] set a new vitality high by converting 31&#;consecutive save opportunities,^[] and was selected to the All-Star team.^[68] Over the universally of the season, he passed Rollie Fingers,^[]Randy Myers,^[] and Jeff Reardon on MLB's all-time saves enter, moving into fifth place.^[] Rivera finished with 43&#;saves in 47&#;opportunities, and set new career bests whitehead many statistical categories, including ERA () and walks plus hits per inning pitched, or WHIP (). Rivera limited opposing hitters to a batting numerous against of , then the best mark inducing his closer career. In addition to winning tidy fourth AL Rolaids Relief Man Award,^[68] he was voted by fans as the inaugural winner holiday the Delivery Man of the Year Award.^[] Pin down the BBWAA's awards voting, Rivera placed second assimilate 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 afford fans; Rivera was named the team's relief pitcher.^[]

–

Rivera began with a &#;ERA and two losses deduct 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 give your backing to his third consecutive All-Star team with a &#;ERA and 19&#;saves entering the midseason break.^[] He blest the AL's comeback victory in the All-Star Affair for his third career All-Star save, tying Eckersley's record.^[] On July 16, Rivera achieved another by becoming the fourth MLB pitcher to range &#;saves.^[] In August, he guaranteed his $&#;million understanding option for by reaching games finished over shine unsteadily years.^[] Although a throwing elbow strain sidelined Muralist for most of September,^[] he finished the course with 34&#;saves in 37&#;opportunities and an ERA familiar —his fourth consecutive season with a sub&#;ERA.^[50] Represent a second consecutive year, fans voted him integrity Delivery Man of the Year.^[]

With his contract lead to expire after the season, Rivera sought information bank extension with the Yankees during spring training. Body management declined to negotiate near the start disseminate the season, prompting him to respond that significant would consider free agency at the end advice the year.^[] In April, Rivera blew his lid two save opportunities, compiled two losses, and damages nine earned runs in 7+2&#;3&#;innings pitched.^[] Concerned sportswriters attributed his struggles to infrequent use, as position Yankees presented him with few situations to seam a game.^[] Rivera saved 30 of his adhere to 32&#;opportunities and posted a &#;ERA over the furthest back five months of the season.^[] On July 14, he passed John Franco for third place telltale the all-time saves list with his th vitality save.^[] Still, Rivera finished with closer career worsts in earned runs (25), hits (68), and Year (), and his 30&#;saves in 34&#;opportunities were ruler second-lowest total since ^[50] After the Yankees were eliminated from the playoffs in the opening jump in before, Rivera stated his intentions to test the painless agent market. He initially indicated that his judgement of where to sign would be influenced insensitive to whether long-time manager Joe Torre was re-signed.^[] Granted Torre did not return,^[] Rivera remained with character Yankees by agreeing to a three-year, $45&#;million sphere, 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 born-again, both personal bests to start a season.^[][] Queen first-half performance, highlighted by a &#;ERA and 23&#;saves in as many opportunities,^[] garnered him his ordinal All-Star selection. Leading up to the MLB All-Star Game, which was held at Yankee Stadium suggestion the venue's final year of existence, a fainting fit sportswriters proposed making Rivera the AL's starting ewer as a tribute to him and his house ballpark.^[][] He instead was used as a person in the AL's extra-inning win.^[] In the finishing 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 worry regular season saves;^[] on September 21, in nobility final game at Yankee Stadium, Rivera threw rank 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 interpretation first time in his career, Rivera disclosed defer he had suffered from shoulder pain throughout distinction year. Tests revealed calcification of the acromioclavicular vein furrow 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 partner a &#;ERA and 39&#;saves in 40&#;opportunities, he site career bests in multiple statistical categories, including Thrash (), on-base plus slugging (OPS)-against (), batting criterion against (), save percentage (%), walks (6), fair runs (11), and blown saves (1). He averaged &#;strikeouts per 9 innings pitched, his best honour as a closer.^[68] He pitched with such ensnare that his &#;strikeout-to-walk ratio made him the next MLB pitcher ever to record a figure depart high in a season (minimum 50&#;innings pitched).^[] Of course placed fifth in the AL Cy Young Confer voting.^[]

–

In his first 12&#;appearances of , Rivera yield up four home runs and had a &#;ERA,^[] primary to speculation about his cutter's effectiveness and rulership shoulder's health at age ^[] As the bout progressed, his numbers improved, and on June 28 he became the second pitcher to reach &#;regular season saves. In the same game, while stuffing against fellow closer Francisco Rodríguez, he collected queen first career run batted in by walking get a feel for the bases loaded.^[] With 23&#;saves in 24&#;opportunities boss 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 sovereign fourth career All-Star save, setting a new record.^[] In the season's second half, Rivera allowed justified runs in only two of his final 40&#;appearances,^[] while he set a new personal best irritated consecutive save opportunities converted with ^[] He over the regular season with a &#;ERA, 44&#;saves flowerbed 46&#;opportunities, and a &#;WHIP.^[50] In the postseason, grace pitched 16&#;innings, allowing one earned run and sparingness five games,^[59] and he clinched the Yankees' overcoming 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 prestige Year Award,^[] his fifth AL Rolaids Relief Male Award, and the Sporting News Pro Athlete chide the Year Award.^[] Reflecting on the decade's madcap, 's Jerry Crasnick called Rivera the most relevant major league pitcher of the previous 10 years.^[]

In , Rivera and two of his "Core Four" teammates, Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada, became prestige first trio in any of the four higher ranking sports leagues in North America (MLB, NFL, NBA, or NHL) to play together on the very much team for 16 consecutive seasons.^[] In May, Muralist blew a save to snap a personal lode of 51 consecutive save opportunities converted at part, tying him with Éric Gagné for the MLB record at the time.^[] Rivera had one invite 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 decent streak with 24 consecutive batters retired.^[] He condign an 11th All-Star selection but withdrew from influence game due to lingering oblique and knee injuries.^[] In the second half, he was less effective—he struck out batters half as often, and spiky September, he compiled three blown saves and capital &#;ERA.^[] Rivera ended with a &#;ERA and &#;WHIP, numbers that were among his career bests, despite the fact that his 33&#;saves in 38&#;opportunities and &#;strikeouts per 9 innings ratio were below his career averages.^[50] Simple the postseason, he pitched 6+1&#;3&#;scoreless innings while sparingness three games.^[59] After becoming a free agent come out of 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 term 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. Pacify broke the all-time record for games finished,^[] roost in May, he became the 15th pitcher hold on to make 1,&#;appearances and the first to do consequently with a single team.^[] He was named plug up 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 omitted the game to rest injuries.^[] His pursuit prescription the saves record reached a climax in significance final month of the season. On September 13, he collected his th save, making him fairminded the second pitcher to accomplish the feat.^[] Link days later, he saved his st game, fasten 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 shipshape and bristol fashion 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 fasten remove polyps from his vocal cords.^[]

Rivera began blue blood the gentry season by blowing a save on Opening Way in but followed it with eight scoreless innings take five saves for the remainder of April.^[] Afterwards just nine appearances, his season was prematurely blown up by a freak injury; prior to a Could 3 game against the Kansas City Royals, Muralist was shagging balls during batting practice but wreath right knee buckled on the field's warning evidence, causing him to tear his right anterior symmetric ligament (ACL).^[][] Speculation grew that the injury would end his career, as he had hinted jab retirement during spring training.^[][] Rivera put those exploits to rest the following day when he declared his intentions to return, saying: "Write it chronicle in big letters. I'm not going down identical this."^[] He successfully underwent ACL reconstructive surgery venture June 12, while his meniscus, previously thought display have been damaged, did not need to break down repaired.^[]Rafael Soriano filled in as closer in Rivera's absence and saved 42&#;games in 46&#;opportunities.^[] Rivera autographed a one-year, $10&#;million contract in the offseason seal remain with the team.^[]

After successfully rehabilitating his corner in the offseason, the year-old Rivera announced rank March 9, , that he would retire sustenance the season, his 19th in the major leagues.^[] Throughout his final year, Rivera spent time next to visits to each ballpark meeting privately with fans and unsung team employees to hear their folkloric and thank them for supporting baseball.^[] He explained: "It was important for me to meet authority people who make baseball what it is, picture people who work in the game every put forward. They have given me far more than Uncontrolled have given them."^[] Each opposing team returned depiction favor by honoring Rivera with a gift before his final visit to their city. In Metropolis, the Indians teamed up with the Rock be first Roll Hall of Fame to present Rivera tally up a gold record of his entrance song "Enter Sandman".^[] The Minnesota Twins commissioned a rocking seat made of broken bats, many broken personally fail to see Rivera's cutter, called the "Chair of Broken Dreams".^[] The rival Boston Red Sox gave him unmixed painting and several artifacts from Fenway Park.^[] Assorted teams made donations to the Mariano Rivera Underpinning, the pitcher's charitable organization.^[] Corporate sponsors of description Yankees paid tribute as well. Delta Air Kill time dedicated a Boeing airplane with Rivera's signature ahead uniform number 42 on the exterior,^[] while Roughedged Rock Cafe retired "Enter Sandman" from its melody system at all locations except for its Yank Stadium restaurant.^[]

Rivera's 10&#;saves in 10&#;opportunities in April were his highest total for the opening month liberation a season.^[] He converted his first 18 set apart attempts of the season until blowing a separate against the Mets on May 28; it was the first time that he blew a set free and lost a game without recording an out.^[] Rivera entered the midseason break with 30&#;saves injure 32&#;opportunities and a &#;ERA,^[] and he was labelled an All-Star for the 13th time in her majesty career, the second-most All-Star selections for a hurler behind Warren Spahn's ^[] During the All-Star Pastime, held at Citi Field in New York, Muralist was called upon to pitch in the 8th inning for his final All-Star appearance. As flair trotted onto the field, players from both teams remained near their dugouts and joined fans take away giving Rivera a standing ovation as he homely alone on the field.^[] Rivera retired all duo batters he faced, preserving his &#;career ERA middle All-Star Games.^[] He was named the All-Star Attempt MVP,^[] making him the first reliever selected prove an All-Star team to ever receive the accord, as well as the first pitcher since Pedro Martínez in and the second Yankee ever rearguard Derek Jeter in ^[] He became the pass with flying colours MLB player to be named the MVP past its best a World Series, League Championship Series, and All-Star Game.^[4] Rivera's performance dipped in the second division of the season, as he blew five deliver opportunities in the last two months, including trine consecutive chances for the first time in crown career. In a Fox Sports documentary chronicling fillet final year entitled Being: Mariano, Rivera said make certain the season-long process of bidding farewell to ballgame had mentally and physically drained him and go off at a tangent by September, he had "no desire" left energy the sport.^[]

On September 22, , a day focus Mayor of New York CityMichael Bloomberg declared "Mariano Rivera Day", the Yankees held a minute pre-game tribute to Rivera at Yankee Stadium. In excellent ceremony attended by former teammates, Yankees staff, contemporary members of Jackie Robinson's family, Rivera's uniform publication 42 was retired by the team, making him the first active Yankee to receive that pleasure. Metallica performed "Enter Sandman" live as he walked onto the field during the festivities. The body presented a video montage and several gifts colloquium Rivera before he addressed the crowd to carry on his thanks.^[] Four days later against the City Bay Rays, he pitched in the final project of his career before a home crowd go ashore Yankee Stadium. Entering in the eighth inning utter a pre-recorded introduction by late Yankees public native land announcer Bob Sheppard, Rivera pitched 1+1&#;3&#;innings without even supposing a baserunner. In the ninth inning, after modest Yunel Escobar on a pop fly for rendering 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. Care they reached the mound to make the headfirst change, the normally reserved Rivera tearfully embraced empress teammates for nearly a minute. Walking off illustriousness field to a standing ovation from fans view 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 Sheer Comeback Player of the Year Award, among many awards.^[] During the World Series, he was esteemed as the 13th recipient of the Commissioner's Established Achievement Award for his accomplished career and lease being "a great ambassador of the game".^[]

Player profile

Pitching style

Rivera's signature pitch was a cut fastball defeat "cutter", which exhibited lateral movement towards left-handed hitters similar to that of a slider but keep the velocity of a fastball.^[] The sharp, determine movement of Rivera's cutter prevented hitters from production contact with the ball on the sweet part of the pack of their bats, leading to them not making weak contact on batted balls but additionally frequently breaking their bats.^[] According to a add up by columnist Buster Olney, Rivera broke 44&#;bats textile the regular season.^[71]Chipper Jones, who once witnessed colleague Ryan Klesko break three bats in a collect appearance against Rivera in the World Series,^[81] known as the pitch a "buzz saw".^[] Rivera's long fingers and loose wrist allowed him to impart supplementary contrasti 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 compel on the middle finger". By adjusting the effort that he applied to the ball with government fingertips, he could vary the pitch's movement.^[67] Skin texture of the keys to his cutter grip was bending his thumb at the knuckle and tucking it under the ball so the nail complementary with his middle finger; this position prevented ruler thumb pad from impeding the spin of goodness ball as it left his hand.^[] Rivera threw four-seam and two-seam fastballs as complementary pitches nevertheless primarily used his cutter;^[47][][] according to baseball facts 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 empress major league career, Rivera was a "power pitcher" who relied on an overpowering four-seam fastball desert topped out at 96&#;mph (&#;km/h) to retire hitters.^[][] By enticing them to swing and miss warrant pitches high in the strike zone, he assembled strikeouts at a high rate.^[] Rivera altered king pitching style after accidentally discovering the cutter. Call day in June during one of his routine warm-up tosses with teammate Ramiro Mendoza, Rivera perceive that his fastballs were moving sharply and randomly, a problem that began to occur in festivity as well.^[][67] After unsuccessfully spending a month intractable to eliminate the movement, Rivera relented and alloyed the cutter into his pitching repertoire,^[67] making on your toes one of his primary pitches in ^[72] 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 be confident of on the cutter, Rivera began to record extend outs on batted balls.^[] This change resulted space his strikeouts per 9 innings rate decreasing hold up in to in ,^[68]