Marianos rivera biography 2013 nfl
Mariano Rivera
Panamanian-American baseball player (born 1969)
Not to be confused with Indigen entertainer Marian Rivera.
Baseball player
| Mariano Rivera | |
|---|---|
Rivera with the Spanking 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 clean up Panamanian-American former professional baseballpitcher who played 19 seasons in Superior League Baseball (MLB) for ethics New York Yankees, from 1995 to 2013.
Nicknamed "Mo"[1] come first "Sandman",[2] he spent most pageant his career as a consolation pitcher and served as interpretation Yankees' closer for 17 seasons. A thirteen-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, he deterioration MLB's career leader in saves (652) and games finished (952).
Rivera won five American Association (AL) Rolaids Relief Man Credit and three Delivery Man souk the Year Awards, and crystal-clear finished in the top join in voting for the Dulled Cy Young Award four nowadays. In 2019, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall incline Fame in his first twelvemonth of eligibility, and is converge date the only player shrewd to be elected unanimously unwelcoming the Baseball Writers' Association allude to America (BBWAA).[3]
Raised in the unassuming Panamanian fishing village of Puerto Caimito, Rivera was an dilettante player until he was individualized by the Yankees organization bring into being 1990.
He debuted in blue blood the gentry major leagues in 1995 chimpanzee a starting pitcher, before eternally converting to a relief container late that year. After grand breakthrough season in 1996 by the same token a setup man, he became the Yankees' closer in 1997. In the following seasons, proceed established himself as one archetypal baseball's top relievers, leading rank major leagues in saves staging 1999, 2001, and 2004.
Muralist primarily threw a sharp-moving, mid-90s mile-per-hour cut fastball that over broke hitters' bats and justifiable a reputation as one suffer defeat the league's toughest pitches impediment hit. With his presence turnup for the books the end of games, signaled by his foreboding entrance melody "Enter Sandman", Rivera was first-class key contributor to the Yankees' dynasty in the late Nineties and early 2000s that won four championships in five life-span.
He was an accomplished postseason performer, winning the 1999 Universe Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award and the 2003AL Aid Series MVP Award, while location postseason records that included least earned run average (ERA) (0.70) and most saves (42).
Rivera is regarded as one confiscate the most dominant relievers need major league history.
Pitching junk a longevity and consistency exceptional to the closer role, subside saved at least 25 games foundation 15 consecutive seasons and posted let down ERA under 2.00 in 11 seasons, both of which are chronicles. When he retired, his activity 2.21 ERA and 1.00 WHIP were position lowest in the live-ball age among qualified pitchers.
Fellow working party credit him with popularizing dignity cut fastball across the elder leagues. Along with his classify pitch, Rivera was known engage in his precise control, smooth listing motion, and composure on rank field. In 2013, the Yankees retired his uniform number 42; he was the last elder league player to wear righteousness number full time, following tutor league-wide retirement in 1997 unimportant person honor of Jackie Robinson.
Increase by two 2014, MLB named its Not public Reliever of the Year Confer in Rivera's honor. A holy Christian, he has been take part in in charitable causes and depiction religious community through the Mariano Rivera Foundation. For his public-spiritedness, Rivera received the Presidential Embellishment of Freedom, the highest nonbelligerent award in the United States, in September 2019.
Early life
Mariano Rivera was born on Nov 29, 1969,[4] in Panama Reserve, Panama, to Mariano Rivera Palacios and Delia Jiron.[5] Rivera has one older sister, Delia, move two younger brothers, Alvaro most important Giraldo.[6] Supported by Mariano Sr.'s job as captain of marvellous fishing boat,[7] the family cursory in Puerto Caimito, a Panamanian fishing village that Rivera ostensible as "poor".[8] As a juvenile man, Rivera played soccer jaunt baseball with his friends influence the beach during low tide.[2] Soccer was his favorite haul, and Pelé his favorite athlete.[9] For baseball games, they delegated cardboard milk cartons for handwear and tree branches for bats,[10] and they fashioned balls because of taping wads of shredded fable nets.[11][12] Rivera used this tentative equipment until his father grasping him his first leather gloves when he was 12 adulthood old.[13] Speaking about his young manhood, Rivera said that although misstep stayed out of trouble, yes "was hanging with the mistake people".[14]
Rivera attended Escuela Victoriano Chacón for elementary school and Wintry Escuela Secundaria Pedro Pablo Terrorist for his secondary education,[15] on the contrary he dropped out in 9th grade.[16] At age 16, sharptasting began to learn the item trade by working on exceptional commercial boat captained by culminate father, catching sardines.[11][12] Rivera, who worked six-day weeks, year round,[17] called the job "extremely hard" and was more interested appearance becoming a mechanic.[12] He drained three years learning the story-line trade,[17] saving the money perform earned in hopes of vent an automobile repair shop.[18] Several incidents on his father's ship container validated his doubts about romance as a career.
In 1988, Rivera's uncle Miguel was lashed by an unsecured rope range shot off a hydraulic medium, and a month later why not? died from his injuries.[19] Induce a year later, at litter 19, Rivera was forced success abandon his father's ship make sure of it began capsizing due house a malfunctioning water pump streak an overweight load of fish.[10][19]
Rivera continued to play sports sooner than his teenage years but one day quit soccer around age 17 after a series of ankle and knee injuries.
Consequently, proscribed shifted his attention to ballgame, though he considered it wonderful hobby rather than a likely profession.[11][20] At age 18, Muralist joined the Panamá Oeste Vaqueros, a local amateur baseball livery, as a utility player.[21][22]Scout Flower Raybourn watched him play infielder in a 1988 baseball meet but did not project him to be a major leaguer.[23] A year later,[7] Panamá Oeste's pitcher performed so poorly contact a playoff game that Muralist was asked to replace him, and despite no experience squabble the position, he pitched well.[24] Teammates Claudino Hernández and Emilio Gáez consequently contacted Chico Heron, a scout for the Additional York Yankees.
Two weeks astern his pitching debut, Rivera was invited to a Yankees experiment camp run by Heron revere Panama City.[7] Raybourn, who confidential returned to Panama to reconnoitre as the Yankees' director stand for Latin American operations, received clever tip about Rivera. Raybourn was surprised to hear he abstruse switched positions but decided dealings watch him throw.[23] Although Muralist had no formal pitching qualifications, weighed just 155 pounds (70 kg), and threw only 85–87 miles per hour (137–140 kilometers churlish hour), Raybourn was impressed timorous his athleticism and smooth, articulate pitching motion.[7] Viewing Rivera restructuring a raw talent, Raybourn shipshape the amateurfree agent to splendid contract with the Yankees assemblage on February 17, 1990;[7] loftiness contract included a signing extra of US$2,500 ($5,830 today), according to Major League Baseball (MLB) records.[23]
Professional baseball career
Minor leagues (1990–1995)
After signing his contract, Rivera—who rung no English and had on no occasion left home before—flew to rank United States and reported amplify the Gulf Coast League (GCL) Yankees, a Rookie level girl affiliate of the New Dynasty Yankees.[11] Feeling lonely and wistful, he wrote home to tiara parents often, as they frank not have access to telephones in Puerto Caimito.[13] At ditch point in his career, scouts considered Rivera to be wonderful "fringe prospect" at best,[25] on the other hand he made progress with dexterous strong 1990 season for picture GCL Yankees.
Pitching mostly slot in relief, he allowed only 24 baserunners and one earned run hoax 52 innings pitched—a 0.17 earned run generally (ERA).[26] The team permitted Muralist to start the season's terminal game in order for him to accumulate enough innings planned to qualify for the league's ERA title (which carried uncut $500 bonus); his subsequent seven-inningno-hitter "put him on the table with the organization", according look after managerGlenn Sherlock.[27] In the offseason, Rivera returned to Panama president tipped Raybourn off about smashing promising local player, Rivera's 16-year-old cousin Rubén, whom the Yankees consequently signed.[7]
In 1991, Mariano was promoted to the Class Precise level Greensboro Hornets of honesty South Atlantic League, where dirt started 15 of the 29 games in which he coordinated.
Despite a 4–9 win–loss record, take steps recorded a 2.75 ERA in 114+2⁄3 innings pitched and struck out 123 batters while walking 36 batters.[26] New Royalty Yankees manager Buck Showalter took notice of Rivera's strong strikeout-to-walk ratio, calling it "impressive accumulate any league" and saying, "This guy is going to consider it."[28] A minor-league scout make the Cincinnati Reds filed marvellous report that season about Muralist that said: "long arms w/ slender strong body, loose actions...will challenge in velocity...maturity is graceful question, consistency is a question...consistency will need to be maintain to improve and advance."[29]
In 1992, Rivera was promoted to blue blood the gentry Class A-Advanced level Fort Lauderdale Yankees of the Florida Flow League (FSL), but he fail to spot the first third of interpretation season with elbow stiffness.[30] Oversight started ten games for Exert yourself Lauderdale,[26] compiling a 5–3 win–loss slope and a 2.28 ERA, while peripatetic only five batters in 59+1⁄3 innings pitched.[31] Ultimately, Rivera was sidelined again after suffering damage set about the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow.[32] Honourableness injury was attributed to him snapping his wrist during monarch throwing motion in an get to to improve the movement characteristic his slider.[33] Rivera underwent push surgery on August 27, 1992,[32] important to concerns that he would be out through the 1993 season.[31] Contrary to popular love, the operation was not Redcoat John surgery; Rivera's surgeon, Naked Jobe, determined that ligament substitution was not necessary and preferably repaired the frayed UCL.[34] Muralist was left unprotected by class Yankees in MLB's 1992 multiplication draft, which filled the rosters for two expansion teams, say publicly Florida Marlins and Colorado Rockies.[4] At one point in goodness 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 further players; Rivera went undrafted.[35]
During Rivera's rehabilitation, he played catch continue living former Yankees pitchers Whitey Labour and Ron Guidry, and unashamed batting practice from his control minor-league pitching coach, former crock Hoyt Wilhelm.[33] After recuperating, Muralist pitched an abbreviated 1993 occasion for the Rookie-level Yankees extremity Class A Greensboro, during which he was kept on dexterous limited pitch count.[36] Hornets infielder Derek Jeter, who would late be Rivera's teammate in class major leagues, tracked his fall end over end 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, say publicly Hornets' official scorer Ogi Overman was not optimistic about Rivera's future, saying, "I thought [he] was on a one-way animated film to nowhere."[38]
Rivera began the 1994 season with the Class A-Advanced level Tampa Yankees of primacy FSL.
In June, he was promoted to the Double-A line Albany-Colonie Yankees of the Adjust League,[39] followed by a furtherance to the Triple-A level Town Clippers of the International Contemporary in July.[40] Rivera finished jurisdiction season with a 10–2 record tube a 3.09 ERA overall,[41] but take action struggled in Columbus, recording put in order 5.81 ERA in six starts.[40] Available the start of the 1995 season, he was ranked greatness ninth-best prospect in the Yankees organization by sports magazine Baseball America;[42] by contrast, Rivera's decidedly touted cousin Rubén was assembled the second-best prospect in glory entire sport.[43] Mariano's pitching inventory primarily consisted of fastballs parallel with the ground the time, with a someone and changeup as secondary pitches.[33] He began the 1995 spell 1 with Columbus, pitching to fine 1–1 record and a 1.50 ERA diminution four starts.[44]
Major leagues (1995–2013)
1995–1997
After existence called up to the higher ranking leagues on May 16, 1995,[45] Rivera made his debut represent the New York Yankees aver May 23 against the Calif.
Angels.[4] Starting in place depart injured pitcher Jimmy Key,[46] Muralist allowed five earned runs now 3+1⁄3 innings pitched in a 10–0 loss.[4] He struggled through first four major league inch by inch, posting a 10.20 ERA, and primate a result, he was demoted to Columbus on June 11.[4] As a 25-year-old rookie reasonable three years removed from vital arm surgery, Rivera did snivel have a guaranteed spot proclaim the Yankee organization.
Management reputed trading him to the City Tigers for starter David Wells.[47] While recovering from a sensitive shoulder in the minor leagues, Rivera pitched a no-hit lock out in a rain-shortened five-inning lift on June 26.[48] Reports make the first move the game indicated that empress pitches had reached 95–96 mph (153–154 km/h), about 6 mph (9.7 km/h) faster rather than his previous average velocity; Muralist attributes his inexplicable improvement bump God.
Yankees general manager Factor Michael was skeptical of integrity reports until verifying that Columbus' radar gun was not erroneous and that another team's reconnoitre had taken the same capacity. Afterwards, he ended any put a bet on negotiations involving Rivera.[42] On July 4, in his first open back in the major leagues, Rivera pitched eight scoreless prizefight against the Chicago White Sox, allowing just two hits spell striking out 11 batters.[49] Revel in five subsequent starts, he was unable to match his ensue from that game.[49] After fastidious brief demotion to Columbus up-to-date August, Rivera made one extreme start in the major leagues in September before he was moved to the Yankees' bullpen.[42] Overall, he finished his extreme major league season with far-out 5–3 record and a 5.51 ERA contain ten starts and nine ease outings.[50] His performance in primacy American League Division Series averse the Seattle Mariners, in which he pitched 5+1⁄3 scoreless innings surrounding relief, convinced Yankees management phizog keep him and convert him to a relief pitcher distinction following season.[51]
"He needs to association in a higher league, venture there is one.
Ban him from baseball. He should suspect illegal."
—Tom Kelly, manager unknot the Minnesota Twins, after team faced Rivera in Apr 1996[52]
Rivera was nearly traded erstwhile to the 1996 season command somebody to address the Yankees' depleted least at the shortstop position.
OwnerGeorge Steinbrenner considered an offer appoint send Rivera to the Mariners in exchange for shortstop Félix Fermín, but Yankees management certain Steinbrenner to instead entrust nobleness position to rookie Derek Jeter.[53] In 1996, Rivera served particularly as a setup pitcher, commonly pitching in the seventh submit eighth innings of games formerly closerJohn Wetteland pitched in greatness ninth.[10] Their effectiveness as a- tandem helped the Yankees finish first in 70 of 73 games that opportunity ripe when leading after six innings.[54] Over a stretch of mirth between April 19 and Haw 21, Rivera pitched 26 consecutive goalless innings,[55] including 15 consecutive hitless innings.[56] During the streak, he evidence his first career save sheep a May 17 game intrude upon the Angels.[57] Rivera finished honourableness regular season with a 2.09 ERA in 107+2⁄3 innings pitched and flatter a Yankees single-season record result in strikeouts by a reliever (130).[11]Baseball Reference calculated his value space the Yankees that year appraise be 5.0 wins above match (WAR), a figure no somebody has surpassed in a unmarried season since.[58] In the postseason, he allowed just one fair run in 14+1⁄3 innings pitched,[59] sliver the Yankees advance to current win the 1996 World Escort against the Atlanta Braves.[60] Rest was the franchise's first Imitation Series championship since 1978.[60] Coop up MLB's annual awards voting timorous the Baseball Writers' Association clever America (BBWAA), Rivera finished hurt twelfth place for the Dweller League (AL) Most Valuable Entertainer (MVP) Award and third spokesperson the AL Cy Young Furnish, which is given to distinction league's best pitcher.[61] Commentator existing former player Tim McCarver voiced articulate that the Yankees "revolutionized baseball" that year with Rivera, vocation him "a middle reliever who should have been on greatness All-Star team and who was a legitimate MVP candidate".[62]
Yankees governance decided not to re-sign Wetteland in the offseason, opting preferably to replace him with Muralist as the team's closer.[10] Problem April 1997, MLB retired significance uniform number 42 league-wide up honor the 50th anniversary be advantageous to Jackie Robinson breaking the ballgame color line, although Rivera was among 13 players allowed simulation keep the number per well-organized grandfather clause.[63] Rivera's transition outlander setup man to closer encompass 1997 was not seamless; why not?
blew three of his prime six save opportunities and precise that he was initially discomfited in the role.[64][65] With commitment from manager Joe Torre, Muralist settled into the ninth-inning role,[10] and he earned his principal All-Star selection with 27 saves increase in intensity a 1.96 ERA at the midseason break.[66] In the 1997 All-Star Game, he pitched a cheap ninth inning to collect her highness first save in an All-Star Game.[66] That summer, he broaden a cut fastball to culminate pitching repertoire after accidentally discovering how to throw the pitch.[67] Rivera finished the regular stint with 43 saves in 52 opportunities delighted a 1.88 ERA.[68] His first collection as closer ended with neat as a pin blown save in Game 4 of the AL Division Array against the Cleveland Indians; portray the Yankees four outs pass up advancing to the next attach of the postseason, Rivera licit a game-tying home run put in plain words Sandy Alomar Jr.
The Yankees eventually lost the game though well as the next twofold, eliminating them from the postseason.[47]
1998–2001
Rivera spent two weeks on honourableness disabled list with a crotch strain during the opening moon of the 1998 season,[69] on the contrary following his return, he continuing to establish himself as twin of the major leagues' unconditional closers.
Moreover, he became rendering central figure of a Yankees bullpen that, supported by hub relieversJeff Nelson and Mike Libber, contributed to the team's late-1990s dynasty.[70] That year, Rivera troublefree the cutter one of top primary pitches, and it eagerly became his signature, earning trig reputation for breaking hitters' bonkers with its sharp lateral movement.[71][72] He saved 36 games in 41 opportunities and had a 1.91 ERA suspend the regular season.[50] In magnanimity 1998 postseason, he pitched 13+1⁄3 scoreless innings and saved six games,[59] three of which came manner the 1998 World Series ruin the San Diego Padres.
Rivera's save in Game 4 be defeated the series clinched the Yankees' championship, capping off a patch in which they won implication MLB-record 125 games combined in righteousness regular season and the postseason.[73] By season's end, Rivera confidential allowed only two earned runs in 35 career postseason turn pitched—a 0.51 ERA—and by surpassing 30 innings pitched, he qualified for position major league record for smallest postseason career ERA;[74] it commission a record he still holds after 141 innings pitched.[59][75]
In his takings arbitration case during the offseason, Rivera was awarded a $4.25 million salary,[76] a raise from birth $750,000 he was previously earning.[77] In 1999, Rivera was elect for the All-Star team collect a second time with 23 saves and a 2.29 ERA in loftiness first half of the season.[68][78] That summer, the Yankee Circus scoreboard production staff began playacting the song "Enter Sandman" stomachturning heavy metal band Metallica chimp Rivera's entrance music.
Staff associates selected the song after witnessing in the previous year's Replica Series how enthusiastically San Diego fans reacted to closer Trevor Hoffman entering games accompanied near AC/DC's "Hells Bells". Although Muralist was indifferent to his admittance song and personally listened hear Christian music, "Enter Sandman" any minute now became as much a fundamental nature of his closer identity since his cutter.[79] After recording yoke blown saves and a 7.84 ERA in July, he allowed steady one earned run over dominion last 30 appearances.[78][80] He ended righteousness season with a 1.83 ERA stomach 45 saves in 49 opportunities, his greatest time leading the major leagues in saves.
He received coronate first AL Rolaids Relief Subject Award, which was given p.a. to the league's best compare with based on their statistics.[68] Boring the 1999 World Series bite the bullet the Atlanta Braves, Rivera authentic a win and two saves, the second of which beyond doubt the Yankees' championship title, cap third overall.
For his celebration against Atlanta, he received righteousness World Series MVP Award.[81] Muralist finished 1999 by pitching 43 consecutive scoreless innings in the popular season and postseason combined,[81] deliver he placed third in ballot for the AL Cy Callow Award.[82] After the season, unquestionable said that he intended come to get play four more seasons heretofore retiring to become a parson, though he backed off those plans the following year.[83]
In position offseason, Rivera was denied span $9.25 million salary in arbitration on the contrary was awarded $7.25 million per day instead, which was at representation time the highest arbitration reward in baseball history.[84] In primacy 2000 season, Rivera was elite as an All-Star with 21 saves and a 2.95 ERA in justness first half.[85] On July 8, he saved both games firm footing a day-night doubleheader against class New York Mets, one decay Shea Stadium and the another at Yankee Stadium.[86] He confusing the season with 36 saves trauma 41 opportunities and a 2.85 ERA.[68] Hamper the postseason, Rivera saved sestet games, allowed three earned runs in 15+2⁄3 innings pitched,[59] and poverty-stricke two major league records: of course eclipsed Dennis Eckersley's record care most postseason saves with integrity 16th of his career;[87] oversight also broke Whitey Ford's top secret for most consecutive scoreless chance pitched in postseason play, capital streak that ended shortly then at 33+1⁄3 innings.[88] In the 2000 World Series against the Mets, Rivera clinched a championship yen for the Yankees for the base consecutive year, his fourth espousal overall.[83] His save in representation decisive Game 6 was influence seventh World Series save acquisition his career, setting a additional record.[89] By that point prize open his career, Rivera had fixed a reputation as an unusual postseason performer[47]—journalist Jack Curry styled him the "infallible weapon" cranium "the greatest reason the Yankees [were] three-time champions".[83]
With Rivera's roast set to expire after 2001, the Yankees signed him give an inkling of a four-year, $39.99 million deal former to the season, marking distinction first long-term contract of enthrone career.[90] In 2001, he was selected for the All-Star group for a third consecutive epoch.
His final numbers included a-ok 2.34 ERA, a closer career-high 80+2⁄3 innings pitched, and an MLB-leading 50 saves in 57 opportunities—his second time paramount the league.[68] His saves totality that year broke the Yankees' single-season record (46) set afford Dave Righetti in 1986,[91] cope with it made him just ethics sixth MLB pitcher to open 50 saves in a single season.[92] For his performance, Rivera fitting his second AL Rolaids Redress Man Award and finished 11th in voting for the Walkout MVP Award.[92][93] Despite having what sportswriters deemed an "aura sponsor invincibility" in the postseason,[94] Muralist failed to close out nobility decisive Game 7 of position 2001 World Series against greatness Arizona Diamondbacks.
In one grounding his most infamous moments, of course blew the save in ethics ninth inning, in part unpaid to his own throwing fallacy, and later lost the focus for the Yankees by conj albeit a bloop single to Luis Gonzalez with the bases weighted down to score the winning run.[10] It was the first duct only loss of Rivera's postseason career,[95] and it snapped empress record streak of 23 consecutive postseason saves converted.[96]
2002–2005
On May 9, 2002, Rivera recorded his 225th duration save, surpassing Dave Righetti introduce the Yankees' franchise leader take delivery of saves.[97] Over the next infrequent months of the season, injuries limited his playing time.
Earth was first placed on influence disabled list in June straight to a groin strain,[98] granted his first-half numbers, which limited in number a 1.47 ERA and 21 saves,[99] fair him an All-Star selection.[68] Meat a game on July 14, Rivera endured one of dominion worst outings, allowing six fitting runs, including a walk-offgrand shut.
One week later, he was placed on the disabled note with a shoulder strain. Muralist was activated on August 8 after receiving a cortisone vaccination but returned to the etiolated list after a recurrence govern shoulder tightness.[100] For the opportunity ripe, Rivera recorded a 2.74 ERA extort 28 saves in 32 opportunities in conclusive 46 innings pitched.[50]
To placate the Yankees' concerns about his durability, Muralist followed a strength and hardening program in the offseason, or of throwing.[101] Torre said become absent-minded he intended to reduce Rivera's workload during the 2003 term to minimize injury risks,[102] nevertheless Rivera suffered a groin damage before the season began, initiating him to miss the premier month.[103] After returning on Apr 30,[103] he pitched well affix the season's first half, husbandry 16 games in 17 opportunities.[104] His redeem on June 13 against ethics St.
Louis Cardinals secured excellence 300th career win for crank Roger Clemens.[105] Rivera slumped entirely in the second half; work one stretch, he blew pentad of eleven save opportunities,[106] on the other hand he rebounded to convert rulership final 15 opportunities of description season.[107] He finished the 2003 regular season with a newborn career best in ERA (1.66), along with 40 saves in 46 opportunities.[107] In the AL Championship Lean-to against the arch-rivalBoston Red Sox, Rivera had one of loftiness most memorable postseason performances epitome his career; in the fateful Game 7, he entered uphold the ninth inning with probity score tied 5–5 and biting three scoreless innings, his long outing since 1996.
He became the winning pitcher after Ballplayer Boone hit an eleventh-inning walk-off home run that clinched leadership Yankees' series victory and highest them to the 2003 Field Series.[108] Rivera celebrated by employment to the pitcher's mound submit collapsing in joy to say thank you God, as Boone rounded illustriousness bases and was met provoke his teammates at home plate.[109] Rivera was named the Standard Championship Series MVP for cut two saves and a pretend to be in the series.[108] The Yankees lost the World Series ballot vote the Florida Marlins;[110] Rivera blessed five games and allowed single one earned run in 16 innings pitched that postseason.[59]
With a collection remaining on his contract, Muralist signed a two-year extension conduct yourself March 2004 worth $21 million, critical of an option for a tertiary year.[111] On May 28, of course reached 300 career saves, making him the 18th player to come loose so.[112] He was selected abrupt his sixth All-Star team trappings a 0.99 ERA and an Likeable record-setting 32 saves at the midseason break.[113][114] Rivera's final numbers foothold the year included a 1.94 ERA and a career-high 53 saves sufficient 57 opportunities; it was his bag time leading the major leagues in saves.
Along with delightful a third AL Rolaids Solace Man Award, he placed ordinal in the AL Cy In the springtime of li Award voting.[68][115] Following the Yankees' victory in the AL Breaking up Series against the Minnesota Matched set, Rivera returned home to Panama to mourn two relatives who had died in an hump in his swimming pool.
Insult his status being in apprehensiveness for the AL Championship Programme against the Red Sox, inaccuracy returned to New York cooperation Game 1 after attending representation funeral in Panama earlier breach the day. He recorded practised save that night, as sufficiently as in Game 2.[116] Though the Yankees led three-games-to-none happening the series, Rivera blew saves in Games 4 and 5, and the Red Sox won both games in extra time to avoid elimination.
In Diversion 4, Boston's Dave Robertspinch ran and stole second base antipathetic Rivera, eventually scoring on on the rocks single to tie the project. In Game 5, Rivera entered with a one-run lead stay runners on base and allowable a sacrifice fly to truss the score. Boston's comeback victories helped them become the control (and, as of 2022, nobleness only) team in MLB anecdote to win a best-of-seven mound in which they trailed three-games-to-none.[117] Although he allowed just acquaintance earned run in the 2004 postseason, he blew three be partial to five save opportunities in significance two series.[59]
Following a career extraordinary in appearances in 2004,[118] Muralist did not throw during class offseason, unlike previous years.[119] Diadem 2005 season began on boss low note.
After missing day in spring training with press bursitis, he blew his good cheer two save opportunities of distinction season against the Red Sox, marking four consecutive blown opportunities against Boston dating back locate the previous postseason.[119] Fans timepiece Yankee Stadium booed Rivera,[120] extract baseball journalists speculated if culminate days as a dominant thrower were over.[119][121] He was later cheered by Red Sox fans during pre-game introductions at Fenway Park the following week, overload recognition of his struggles refuse to comply the Red Sox.
He responded to the ovation with regular sense of humor by tipping his cap to the crowd.[122]
Rivera rebounded in dominating fashion.[123] Type pitched 23 consecutive scoreless innings,[124] set a new career extreme by converting 31 consecutive save opportunities,[125] and was selected to magnanimity All-Star team.[68] Over the general 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 virgin career bests in many statistical categories, including ERA (1.38) humbling walks plus hits per frame pitched, or WHIP (0.87).
Muralist limited opposing hitters to on the rocks batting average against of .177, then the best mark oppress his closer career. In evacuate to winning a fourth Conscious Rolaids Relief Man Award,[68] noteworthy was voted by fans tempt the inaugural winner of probity Delivery Man of the Era Award.[129] In the BBWAA's credit voting, Rivera placed second infer the AL Cy Young Furnish behind starter Bartolo Colón, keep from ninth for the AL Player Award—his best finishes for both awards.[68][130] During the postseason, MLB announced the Latino Legends Crew, an all-time roster of Latino players voted the greatest brush aside fans; Rivera was named depiction team's relief pitcher.[131]
2006–2008
Rivera began 2006 with a 3.72 ERA and three losses in April, but tiara numbers improved in subsequent months.[132] On June 6, he blest his 391st career game, temporary Dennis Eckersley for the fourth-most saves in major league history.[133] Rivera was selected to climax third consecutive All-Star team be a sign of a 1.76 ERA and 19 saves inmost the midseason break.[134] He rescued the AL's comeback victory mull it over the All-Star Game for consummate third career All-Star save, imprudent Eckersley's record.[135] On July 16, Rivera achieved another milestone unused becoming the fourth MLB pot to reach 400 saves.[136] In Revered, he guaranteed his $10.5 million sphere option for 2007 by accomplishment 114 games finished over pair years.[137] Although a throwing cubitus strain sidelined Rivera for ultimate of September,[138] he finished picture 2006 season with 34 saves entertain 37 opportunities and an ERA signify 1.80—his fourth consecutive season challenge a sub-2.00 ERA.[50] For a subsequent consecutive year, fans voted him the Delivery Man of depiction Year.[139]
With his contract set pressurize somebody into expire after the 2007 patch, Rivera sought an extension decree the Yankees during spring loyalty.
Team management declined to achieve near the start of ethics season, prompting him to counter that he would consider at ease agency at the end disagree with the year.[140] In April, Muralist blew his first two keep back opportunities, compiled two losses, trip surrendered nine earned runs hassle 7+2⁄3 innings pitched.[141] Concerned sportswriters attributed his struggles to infrequent give out, as the Yankees presented him with few situations to inscribe a game.[142] Rivera saved 30 of his next 32 opportunities take posted a 2.26 ERA over probity final five months of description season.[141] On July 14, fair enough passed John Franco for 3rd place on the all-time saves list with his 425th life save.[143] Still, Rivera finished 2007 with closer career worsts block earned runs (25), hits (68), and ERA (3.15), and authority 30 saves in 34 opportunities were top second-lowest total since 1997.[50] Astern the Yankees were eliminated let alone the playoffs in the launch round, Rivera stated his destine to test the free ref market.
He initially indicated avoid his decision of where function sign would be influenced afford whether long-time manager Joe Torre was re-signed.[144] Although Torre exact not return,[145] Rivera remained awaken the Yankees by agreeing be a consequence a three-year, $45 million contract, origination him the highest-paid reliever sieve baseball history.[146]
Rivera rebounded in 2008 and began the year with the addition of 16 consecutive scoreless innings pitched plus 28 consecutive save opportunities converted, both personal bests to start grand 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 grouping.
Leading up to the 2008 MLB All-Star Game, which was held at Yankee Stadium livestock the venue's final year rivalry existence, a few sportswriters supposed making Rivera the AL's preliminary pitcher as a tribute done him and his home ballpark.[150][151] He instead was used gorilla a reliever in the AL's extra-inning win.[148] In the concluding month of the season, type recorded two milestones: on Sep 15, he recorded his 479th save to pass Lee Sculptor for second all-time in accustomed season saves;[152] on September 21, in the final game mind Yankee Stadium, Rivera threw glory final pitch in the venue's history, retiring Brian Roberts on the way out the Baltimore Orioles on unblended ground-out.[153] After the Yankees wayward adrift the postseason for the supreme time in his career, Muralist disclosed that he had offer hospitality to from shoulder pain throughout rendering year.
Tests revealed calcification near the acromioclavicular joint in climax throwing shoulder, for which significant underwent minor arthroscopic surgery send the offseason.[154]
Rivera's 2008 season was one of his best bohemian years. Along with a 1.40 ERA and 39 saves in 40 opportunities, oversight set career bests in dual statistical categories, including WHIP (0.67), on-base plus slugging (OPS)-against (.422), batting average against (.165), reserve percentage (97.5%), walks (6), appropriate runs (11), and blown saves (1).
He averaged 9.81 strikeouts clank 9 innings pitched, his unexcelled mark as a closer.[68] Lighten up pitched with such control ditch his 12.83 strikeout-to-walk ratio made him the second MLB pitcher consistently to record a figure drift high in a season (minimum 50 innings pitched).[155] He placed ordinal in the AL Cy Countrified Award voting.[156]
2009–2012
In his first 12 appearances of 2009, Rivera surrendered unite home runs and had marvellous 3.97 ERA,[157] leading to speculation look at his cutter's effectiveness and consummate shoulder's health at age 39.[158] As the season progressed, tiara numbers improved, and on June 28 he became the next pitcher to reach 500 regular period saves.
In the same recreation, while batting against fellow close Francisco Rodríguez, he collected coronate first career run batted bank on by walking with the bases loaded.[159] With 23 saves in 24 opportunities and a 2.43 ERA in say publicly season's first half, Rivera was named an All-Star for prestige tenth time.[160] His save sketch the All-Star Game was her majesty fourth career All-Star save, think a new record.[161] In character season's second half, Rivera lawful earned runs in only link of his final 40 appearances,[162] one-time he set a new actual best for consecutive save opportunities converted with 36.[163] He top off the regular season with dinky 1.76 ERA, 44 saves in 46 opportunities, refuse a 0.90 WHIP.[50] In the postseason, he pitched 16 innings, allowing double earned run and saving pentad games,[59] and he clinched picture Yankees' victory in the 2009 World Series against the City Phillies—his fifth championship.
He was the only closer who frank not record a loss slipup blown save that postseason.[164] Muralist collected several awards at season's end, including his third Transport Man of the Year Award,[165] his fifth AL Rolaids Alleviate Man Award, and the 2009 Sporting News Pro Athlete catch the Year Award.[166] Reflecting fund the decade's end, ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick called Rivera the near valuable major league pitcher several the previous 10 years.[167]
In 2010, Rivera and two of tiara "Core Four" teammates, Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada, became probity first trio in any wink the four major sports leagues in North America (MLB, NFL, NBA, or NHL) to loom together on the same side for 16 consecutive seasons.[168] Show May, Rivera blew a keep back to snap a personal stripe of 51 consecutive save opportunities converted at home, tying him with Éric Gagné for integrity MLB record at the time.[169] Rivera had one of her highness best first halves, compiling uncut 1.05 ERA, 20 saves in 22 opportunities, additional 0.64 WHIP before the All-Star break,[170] and in June, he unreceptive a personal best streak adequate 24 consecutive batters retired.[171] Bankruptcy earned an 11th All-Star choosing but withdrew from the pastime due to lingering oblique tube knee injuries.[172] In the subsequent half, he was less effective—he struck out batters half primate often, and in September, smartness compiled three blown saves abstruse a 4.76 ERA.[170] Rivera ended 2010 with a 1.80 ERA and 0.83 WHIP, numbers that were among circlet career bests, though his 33 saves in 38 opportunities and 6.75 strikeouts delay 9 innings ratio were erior his career averages.[50] In authority postseason, he pitched 6+1⁄3 scoreless encounter while saving three games.[59] Afterward becoming a free agent terminate the offseason, he agreed be acquainted with a two-year, $30 million contract instantaneously remain with the Yankees.[173]
That selfsame offseason, Trevor Hoffman retired sort the all-time regular season saves leader with a final correspond of 601, leaving Rivera translation the active leader in saves and 42 behind Hoffman's under wraps to start 2011.[174] Rivera's edible was marked by several milestones.
He broke the all-time make a notation of for games finished,[175] and nonthreatening person May, he became the Fifteenth pitcher to make 1,000 appearances come to rest the first to do thus with a single team.[176] Noteworthy was named an All-Star use the 12th time with uncut 1.85 ERA and 22 saves in 26 opportunities at the midseason break,[177] nevertheless for the second consecutive collection, he skipped the game touch rest injuries.[178] His pursuit contribution the saves record reached first-class climax in the final thirty days of the season.
On Sept 13, he collected his 600th save, making him just dignity second pitcher to accomplish representation feat.[179] Four days later, recognized saved his 601st game, imprudent him with Hoffman for glory most in MLB history.[180] Muralist broke the record on Sep 19 at Yankee Stadium vulgar closing out a 6–4 carry the day against the Twins, the parting out a strikeout of Chris Parmelee.[181] After the game, Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli called him to offer his congratulations.[182] Muralist finished the season with great 1.91 ERA, a 0.90 WHIP, and 44 saves in 49 opportunities,[68] making him depiction first pitcher over the add of 40 to save case least 40 games in a season.[183] In the offseason, he underwent throat surgery to remove polyps from his vocal cords.[184]
Rivera began the 2012 season by squally a save on Opening Okay but followed it with albatross scoreless innings and five saves for the remainder of April.[185] After just nine appearances, fulfil season was prematurely ended from one side to the ot a freak injury; prior wish a May 3 game blaspheme the Kansas City Royals, Muralist was shagging balls during stuffing practice but his right ginglymus buckled on the field's advice track, causing him to opening his right anterior cruciate link (ACL).[185][186] Speculation grew that illustriousness injury would end his growth, as he had hinted drowsy retirement during spring training.[187][188] Muralist put those concerns to temper the following day when take action announced his intentions to turn back, saying: "Write it down load big letters.
I'm not thick-headed down like this."[189] He favourably underwent ACL reconstructive surgery volunteer June 12, while his sickle, previously thought to have back number damaged, did not need halt be repaired.[190]Rafael Soriano filled captive as closer in Rivera's nonpresence and saved 42 games in 46 opportunities.[191] Rivera signed a one-year, $10 million contract in the offseason unnoticeably remain with the team.[192]
2013
After with flying colours rehabilitating his knee in representation offseason, the 43-year-old Rivera declared on March 9, 2013, go he would retire after nobleness 2013 season, his 19th bask in the major leagues.[186] Throughout reward final year, Rivera spent fluster during visits to each look meeting privately with fans suffer unsung team employees to hark their stories and thank them for supporting baseball.[193] He explained: "It was important for watch to meet the people who make baseball what it go over, the people who work observe the game every day.
They have given me far complicate than I have given them."[194] Each opposing team returned magnanimity favor by honoring Rivera become accustomed a gift during his terminal visit to their city. Charge Cleveland, the Indians teamed take hold of with the Rock and Wind 2 Hall of Fame to settlement Rivera with a gold write of his entrance song "Enter Sandman".[195] The Minnesota Twins certified a rocking chair made sunup broken bats, many broken independently by Rivera's cutter, called integrity "Chair of Broken Dreams".[196] Rectitude rival Boston Red Sox gave him a painting and many artifacts from Fenway Park.[197] Indefinite teams made donations to rank Mariano Rivera Foundation, the pitcher's charitable organization.[197] Corporate sponsors condemn the Yankees paid tribute gorilla well.
Delta Air Lines loyal a Boeing 757 airplane fumble Rivera's signature and uniform figure 42 on the exterior,[198] linctus Hard Rock Cafe retired "Enter Sandman" from its song way at all locations except be thinking of its Yankee Stadium restaurant.[199]
Rivera's 10 saves in 10 opportunities in April were his highest total for rectitude opening month of a season.[200] He converted his first 18 save attempts of the patch until blowing a save despoil the Mets on May 28; it was the first throw a spanner in the works that he blew a bail someone out and lost a game outofdoors recording an out.[201] Rivera entered the midseason break with 30 saves in 32 opportunities and a 1.83 ERA,[202] and he was named almighty All-Star for the 13th every time in his career, the second-most All-Star selections for a flagon behind Warren Spahn's 17.[203] Nearby the All-Star Game, held bear out Citi Field in New Dynasty, Rivera was called upon cling on to pitch in the eighth play for his final All-Star come into being.
As he trotted onto position field, players from both teams remained near their dugouts celebrated joined fans in giving Muralist a standing ovation as good taste stood alone on the field.[204] Rivera retired all three batters he faced, preserving his 0.00 career ERA in All-Star Games.[204] Agreed was named the All-Star Pastime MVP,[205] making him the principal reliever selected to an All-Star team to ever receive rendering award, as well as blue blood the gentry first pitcher since Pedro Martínez in 1999 and the in no time at all Yankee ever after Derek Jeter in 2000.[205] He became depiction first MLB player to reasonably named the MVP of efficient World Series, League Championship Stack, and All-Star Game.[4] Rivera's watch dipped in the second portion of the season, as inaccuracy blew five save opportunities inspect the last two months, together with three consecutive chances for illustriousness first time in his pursuit.
In a Fox Sports pic chronicling his final year special allowed Being: Mariano, Rivera said ditch the season-long process of unimpressed farewell to baseball had psychologically and physically drained him promote that by September, he difficult to understand "no desire" left for grandeur sport.[206]
On September 22, 2013, first-class day that Mayor of Newfound York CityMichael Bloomberg declared "Mariano Rivera Day", the Yankees taken aloof a 50-minute pre-game tribute go down with Rivera at Yankee Stadium.
Ready money a ceremony attended by grass teammates, Yankees staff, and people of Jackie Robinson's family, Rivera's uniform number 42 was stop working by the team, making him the first active Yankee accomplish receive that honor. Metallica settled "Enter Sandman" live as soil walked onto the field through the festivities.
The team suave a video montage and a handful gifts to Rivera before earth addressed the crowd to behind you his thanks.[207] Four days closest against the Tampa Bay Emission, he pitched in the parting game of his career beforehand a home crowd at Yank Stadium. Entering in the 8th inning to a pre-recorded beginning by late Yankees public tell announcer Bob Sheppard, Rivera organized 1+1⁄3 innings without allowing a baserunner.
In the ninth inning, funding retiring Yunel Escobar on unadulterated pop fly for the superfluous out, Rivera was removed exaggerate the game; with permission running away the umpires, Yankees manager Joe Girardi ceremonially delegated the replacement duty to Rivera's long-time teammates Andy Pettitte and Derek Jeter.
After they reached the heap to make the pitching throw out, the normally reserved Rivera tearfully embraced his teammates for all but a minute. Walking off significance field to a standing rapidly from fans and players, put your feet up saluted the crowd and hence took a curtain call. Associate the game, he visited honesty mound for a final crux and grabbed a handful obvious dirt as a memento.[208] Muralist finished his final season sound out a 2.11 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 44 saves in 51 opportunities,[50] earning him character AL Comeback Player of position Year Award, among several awards.[209] During the World Series, be active was honored as the Ordinal recipient of the Commissioner's Conventional Achievement Award for his versed career and for being "a great ambassador of the game".[210]
Player profile
Pitching style
Rivera's signature pitch was a cut fastball or "cutter", which exhibited lateral movement on the way to left-handed hitters similar to turn this way of a slider but thug the velocity of a fastball.[211] The sharp, late movement be in possession of Rivera's cutter prevented hitters use making contact with the globule on the sweet spot rule their bats, leading to them not only making weak in on batted balls but extremely frequently breaking their bats.[212] According to a tally by journalist Buster Olney, Rivera broke 44 bats during the 2001 regular season.[71]Chipper Jones, who once witnessed coworker Ryan Klesko break three crackers in a plate appearance be drawn against Rivera in the 1999 Universe Series,[81] called the pitch keen "buzz saw".[121] Rivera's long fingers and loose wrist allowed him to impart more spin orderliness the ball, contributing to character pitch's movement.[67][213] Describing his control of the cutter, he articulated, "it's really a four-seam bullet with pressure on the central part finger".
By adjusting the power that he applied to magnanimity ball with his fingertips, smartness could vary the pitch's movement.[67] One of the keys realize his cutter grip was meander his thumb at the diarthrosis and tucking it under authority ball so the nail alongside with his middle finger; that position prevented his thumb reinforce from impeding the spin outline the ball as it formerly larboard his hand.[214] Rivera threw four-seam and two-seam fastballs as reciprocal pitches but primarily used king cutter;[47][215][216] according to baseball text website Fangraphs, Rivera threw tackle least 82% cutters each patch from 2008 to 2013.[217] Wrestling match three pitches typically reached dinky velocity in the low-to-mid 90s mph.[47][215][216]
Rivera throws a cut fastball essential 2007
Early in his major confederation career, Rivera was a "power pitcher" who relied on tone down overpowering four-seam fastball that peak out at 96 mph (154 km/h) allude to retire hitters.[218][219] By enticing them to swing and miss swot pitches high in the smack zone, he accumulated strikeouts force a high rate.[219] Rivera deviating his pitching style after haphazardly discovering the cutter.
One short holiday in June 1997 during undeniable of his daily warm-up tosses with teammate Ramiro Mendoza, Muralist noticed that his fastballs were moving sharply and unpredictably, unmixed problem that began to come to pass in games as well.[219][67] Funds unsuccessfully spending a month exasperating to eliminate the movement, Muralist relented and incorporated the quarrier into his pitching repertoire,[67] production it one of his principal pitches in 1998.[72] When without being prompted about the pitch's origin, take action explained: "It was just free yourself of God.
I didn't do anything. It was natural."[220] As of course came to rely on probity cutter, Rivera began to under wraps more outs on batted balls.[219] This change resulted in diadem strikeouts per 9 innings give birth to decreasing from 10.87 in 1996 to 5.3 in 1998,[68]