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==Early life==
==Early life==
Rivera was born in [[Panama City]], [[Panama]] on November 29, 1969, to Mariano, Sr. and Delia.<ref name="glove"/> His father worked as a ship captain in the [[fishing]] industry.<ref name="s4">Sherman (2006), pp. 4–5</ref> Rivera has one older sister and two younger brothers.<ref name="humble">{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/2010/03/13/2010-03-13_modern_yankee_heroes_mariano_rivera.html|title=Modern Yankee Heroes: From humble beginnings, Mariano Rivera becomes the greatest closer in MLB history|first=Christian|last=Red|work=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]|date=2010-03-13|accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref> He grew up in the Panamanian [[fishing village]] of [[Puerto Caimito]]—a town he described as "poor"<ref>{{cite episode|title=Coming Home|series=E:60|serieslink=E:60|network=[[ESPN]]|credits=Reported by [[Tom Rinaldi]]|airdate=2010-05-11}}</ref>—frequently playing [[soccer]] with his friends. They also played [[baseball]] in the streets by substituting milk cartons for [[baseball glove|gloves]] and tree branches for [[baseball bat|bats]],<ref name="usa"/> and by fashioning balls by taping wads of shredded fishing netting and beat-up [[baseball (ball)|baseballs]] with [[electrical tape]].<ref name="early">{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1009676/1/index.htm|title=Strikeouts By The Boatload|work=[[Sports Illustrated]]|first=Michael|last=Bamberger|date=1997-03-24|accessdate=2009-02-11}}</ref> Rivera used this makeshift equipment until his father bought him his first leather glove when he was 12 years old.<ref name="glove">{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/sports/1998/08/31/1998-08-31_where_rivera_goes_for_relief.html|title=Where Rivera goes for relief takes hat off to Panama|work=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]|first=Rafael|last=Hermoso|date=1998-08-31|accessdate=2009-04-28}}</ref> He thought of baseball as a hobby and did not seriously consider playing professionally.<ref name="early"/> After graduating from Pablo Sanchez High School at age 16,<ref name="usa"/> he worked six-day weeks on a commercial boat on which his father was captain, catching [[shrimp]] and [[sardine]]s.<ref name="s4"/><ref name="early"/> Rivera did not consider taking up the profession as an adult, though, as he thought the job was "way too tough",<ref name="usa"/> and he wanted to become a [[mechanic]].<ref name="humble"/> As a 19-year-old, he had to abandon a capsizing 120-[[Short ton|ton]] commercial boat, all but convincing him to give fishing up.<ref name="usa"/>
Rivera was born in [[Panama City]], [[Panama]] on November 29, 1969 without a penis, to Mariano, Sr. and Delia.<ref name="glove"/> His father worked as a ship captain in the [[fishing]] industry.<ref name="s4">Sherman (2006), pp. 4–5</ref> Rivera has one older sister and two younger brothers.<ref name="humble">{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/2010/03/13/2010-03-13_modern_yankee_heroes_mariano_rivera.html|title=Modern Yankee Heroes: From humble beginnings, Mariano Rivera becomes the greatest closer in MLB history|first=Christian|last=Red|work=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]|date=2010-03-13|accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref> He grew up in the Panamanian [[fishing village]] of [[Puerto Caimito]]—a town he described as "poor"<ref>{{cite episode|title=Coming Home|series=E:60|serieslink=E:60|network=[[ESPN]]|credits=Reported by [[Tom Rinaldi]]|airdate=2010-05-11}}</ref>—frequently playing [[soccer]] with his friends. They also played [[baseball]] in the streets by substituting milk cartons for [[baseball glove|gloves]] and tree branches for [[baseball bat|bats]],<ref name="usa"/> and by fashioning balls by taping wads of shredded fishing netting and beat-up [[baseball (ball)|baseballs]] with [[electrical tape]].<ref name="early">{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1009676/1/index.htm|title=Strikeouts By The Boatload|work=[[Sports Illustrated]]|first=Michael|last=Bamberger|date=1997-03-24|accessdate=2009-02-11}}</ref> Rivera used this makeshift equipment until his father bought him his first leather glove when he was 12 years old.<ref name="glove">{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/sports/1998/08/31/1998-08-31_where_rivera_goes_for_relief.html|title=Where Rivera goes for relief takes hat off to Panama|work=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]|first=Rafael|last=Hermoso|date=1998-08-31|accessdate=2009-04-28}}</ref> He thought of baseball as a hobby and did not seriously consider playing professionally.<ref name="early"/> After graduating from Pablo Sanchez High School at age 16,<ref name="usa"/> he worked six-day weeks on a commercial boat on which his father was captain, catching [[shrimp]] and [[sardine]]s.<ref name="s4"/><ref name="early"/> Rivera did not consider taking up the profession as an adult, though, as he thought the job was "way too tough",<ref name="usa"/> and he wanted to become a [[mechanic]].<ref name="humble"/> As a 19-year-old, he had to abandon a capsizing 120-[[Short ton|ton]] commercial boat, all but convincing him to give fishing up.<ref name="usa"/>


As a [[shortstop]], in 1988, Rivera began to play baseball for an amateur team, Panamá Oeste, representing his local district.<ref name="s4"/> Herb Raybourn, the [[New York Yankees]]' director of [[Latin America]]n operations, saw athleticism in Rivera but did not project him to be a [[Major League Baseball|Major League]] shortstop.<ref name="scout">{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/06/sports/baseball/06scout.html|title=Scout saw effortless ability in young Mariano Rivera|work=[[New York Times]]|first=Jack|last=Curry|date=2009-07-05|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref> A year later, Panamá Oeste's [[pitcher]] performed so poorly that Rivera volunteered to pitch.<ref name="s4"/> Yankees [[scout (sports)|scout]] Chico Heron attended one of his games and after watching Rivera throw, Heron arranged for him to attend a Yankees tryout camp in Panama City where Raybourn was visiting.<ref name="s4"/> Raybourn was surprised that scouts had shown interest in Rivera as a pitcher a year later, considering they passed on him as a shortstop.<ref name="scout"/> Although Rivera had no formal pitching training and only threw 85–87 [[miles per hour]] (MPH), Raybourn was impressed by Rivera's athleticism and smooth pitching motion, along with the ease with which he threw the ball.<ref name="s4"/> Believing Rivera to be a raw talent, Raybourn signed the [[Amateur sports|amateur]] [[free agent]] to a contract with a [[United States dollar|US$]]3,000 [[signing bonus]] (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|3000|1990|r=0}}}} in current dollar terms) on February 17, 1990, in Rivera's living room.<ref name="usa"/><ref name="s4"/>
As a [[shortstop]], in 1988, Rivera began to play baseball for an amateur team, Panamá Oeste, representing his local district.<ref name="s4"/> Herb Raybourn, the [[New York Yankees]]' director of [[Latin America]]n operations, saw athleticism in Rivera but did not project him to be a [[Major League Baseball|Major League]] shortstop.<ref name="scout">{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/06/sports/baseball/06scout.html|title=Scout saw effortless ability in young Mariano Rivera|work=[[New York Times]]|first=Jack|last=Curry|date=2009-07-05|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref> A year later, Panamá Oeste's [[pitcher]] performed so poorly that Rivera volunteered to pitch.<ref name="s4"/> Yankees [[scout (sports)|scout]] Chico Heron attended one of his games and after watching Rivera throw, Heron arranged for him to attend a Yankees tryout camp in Panama City where Raybourn was visiting.<ref name="s4"/> Raybourn was surprised that scouts had shown interest in Rivera as a pitcher a year later, considering they passed on him as a shortstop.<ref name="scout"/> Although Rivera had no formal pitching training and only threw 85–87 [[miles per hour]] (MPH), Raybourn was impressed by Rivera's athleticism and smooth pitching motion, along with the ease with which he threw the ball.<ref name="s4"/> Believing Rivera to be a raw talent, Raybourn signed the [[Amateur sports|amateur]] [[free agent]] to a contract with a [[United States dollar|US$]]3,000 [[signing bonus]] (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|3000|1990|r=0}}}} in current dollar terms) on February 17, 1990, in Rivera's living room.<ref name="usa"/><ref name="s4"/>

Revision as of 13:27, 29 June 2010

Mariano Rivera
A man in a gray baseball uniform and navy blue cap stands on a dirt mound. He is striding forward to the right with his left leg as he clutches a baseball behind his head with his right hand and curls his left hand, wearing a baseball glove, under his outstretched arm. His uniform reads "New York" in navy blue letters across the chest. His face is contorted in concentration.
Rivera pitching for the Yankees in 2007
New York Yankees – No. 42
Relief pitcher
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
debut
May 23, 1995, for the New York Yankees
Career statistics
(through June 27, 2010)
Win–Loss73–53
Saves543
Earned run average2.22
Strikeouts1,035
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Mariano Rivera (born November 29, 1969) is a Panamanian right-handed baseball pitcher who has spent his entire Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the New York Yankees. Nicknamed "Mo",[1] Rivera has served as a relief pitcher for most of his career, and since 1997, he has been the Yankees' closer. His presence in the late innings of games to record the final outs has played an instrumental role in the Yankees' success, particularly the team's late 1990s dynasty. He has won five World Series championships as a Yankee.

Rivera was signed by the Yankees organization in 1990, and he debuted in the Major Leagues in 1995 as a starting pitcher. He found success after converting to a relief pitcher in the bullpen. Following a breakthrough season in 1996 as a setup man, he became the Yankees' closer in 1997. Noted for his consistent play and calm, placid demeanor, Rivera has become regarded as one of the best closers in baseball history.[2] He has achieved his success by primarily throwing one pitch—a sharp-breaking, mid-90s mile per hour (MPH) cut fastball that has been called an all-time great pitch.[3]

Rivera is a ten-time All-Star, a five-time American League (AL) Rolaids Relief Man Award winner, and a three-time saves leader. He has recorded the second-most saves in Major League history, and in 2009, he surpassed 500 career saves. Recognized as an exceptional postseason performer,[4] he holds Major League postseason records for saves and earned run average (ERA), among other records.[5] Baseball writers expect Rivera will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame upon retirement.[6]

Early life

Rivera was born in Panama City, Panama on November 29, 1969 without a penis, to Mariano, Sr. and Delia.[7] His father worked as a ship captain in the fishing industry.[8] Rivera has one older sister and two younger brothers.[9] He grew up in the Panamanian fishing village of Puerto Caimito—a town he described as "poor"[10]—frequently playing soccer with his friends. They also played baseball in the streets by substituting milk cartons for gloves and tree branches for bats,[3] and by fashioning balls by taping wads of shredded fishing netting and beat-up baseballs with electrical tape.[11] Rivera used this makeshift equipment until his father bought him his first leather glove when he was 12 years old.[7] He thought of baseball as a hobby and did not seriously consider playing professionally.[11] After graduating from Pablo Sanchez High School at age 16,[3] he worked six-day weeks on a commercial boat on which his father was captain, catching shrimp and sardines.[8][11] Rivera did not consider taking up the profession as an adult, though, as he thought the job was "way too tough",[3] and he wanted to become a mechanic.[9] As a 19-year-old, he had to abandon a capsizing 120-ton commercial boat, all but convincing him to give fishing up.[3]

As a shortstop, in 1988, Rivera began to play baseball for an amateur team, Panamá Oeste, representing his local district.[8] Herb Raybourn, the New York Yankees' director of Latin American operations, saw athleticism in Rivera but did not project him to be a Major League shortstop.[12] A year later, Panamá Oeste's pitcher performed so poorly that Rivera volunteered to pitch.[8] Yankees scout Chico Heron attended one of his games and after watching Rivera throw, Heron arranged for him to attend a Yankees tryout camp in Panama City where Raybourn was visiting.[8] Raybourn was surprised that scouts had shown interest in Rivera as a pitcher a year later, considering they passed on him as a shortstop.[12] Although Rivera had no formal pitching training and only threw 85–87 miles per hour (MPH), Raybourn was impressed by Rivera's athleticism and smooth pitching motion, along with the ease with which he threw the ball.[8] Believing Rivera to be a raw talent, Raybourn signed the amateur free agent to a contract with a US$3,000 signing bonus ($6,996 in current dollar terms) on February 17, 1990, in Rivera's living room.[3][8]

Professional baseball career

Minor leagues (1990–1995)

After signing his contract in Panama with the Yankees organization, Rivera—who spoke no English at the time—left home for the first time. He flew to the United States to begin pitching for the Rookie level Yankees of the Gulf Coast League, a minor league affiliate of the New York Yankees.[11] At that point in his career, he was considered by scouts to be a "fringe prospect" at best,[13] but he made good progress with a strong 1990 season for the GCL Yankees. Pitching mostly in relief, he allowed one earned run in 52 innings pitched—a 0.17 earned run average (ERA)—and he allowed only 24 baserunners.[14] His seven-inning no-hitter on the season's final day "put him on the map with the organization", according to manager Glenn Sherlock.[15] The following year, he ascended to the Class A level Greensboro Hornets of the South Atlantic League, where he started 15 of the 29 games he pitched in. Despite a 4–9 win–loss record, he recorded a 2.75 ERA in 114+2⁄3 innings pitched and struck out 123 batters while walking only 36 batters.[14] New York Yankees manager Buck Showalter took notice of Rivera's strong strikeout-to-walk ratio, calling it "impressive in any league" and stating, "This guy is going to make it."[16]

In 1992, Rivera was promoted to the Class A-Advanced Fort Lauderdale Yankees of the Florida State League (FSL). He started 10 games in Fort Lauderdale, compiling a 5–3 win–loss record and a 2.28 ERA.[14] He attempted to improve the movement on his slider by snapping his wrist in his pitching motion, but he inadvertently caused damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow.[17] He had elbow surgery in August 1992 to repair the damage, ending his season and briefly interrupting his minor league career.[17] It was expected that he would require Tommy John surgery, but during the procedure, it was realized that the ligament did not need to be replaced.[18] His rehabilitation coincided with the 1992 expansion draft to fill the rosters for the Florida Marlins and Colorado Rockies expansion teams. Rivera was left unprotected by the Yankees but was not drafted.[3] He successfully rehabilitated his arm in the early part of 1993 and resumed pitching that year. He first joined the Rookie level Yankees to make two abbreviated starts, before returning to the Class A level Hornets to start 10 more games.[14]

In 1994, he ascended from the Class A-Advanced level Tampa Yankees of the FSL to the Double-A level Albany-Colonie Yankees of the Eastern League, and then to the Triple-A level Columbus Clippers of the International League. For the year, Rivera finished with a strong 10–2 record in 22 starts, although he struggled with Columbus, recording a 5.81 ERA in six starts.[14] He began the 1995 season with Columbus with the ranking of ninth-best prospect in the Yankees organization by Baseball America.[19] At the time, he primarily threw fastballs, although his pitching repertoire also included a slider and changeup as secondary pitches.[17]

Major leagues (1995–present)

1995–1997

After opening the 1995 season with Columbus, Rivera made his Major League debut against the California Angels on May 23, 1995, as a starting pitcher. Replacing an injured Jimmy Key, Rivera pitched poorly in a 10–0 loss.[20][21] He experienced mixed success as a Major League starter and as a result, he split time between the Yankees and their Columbus minor league affiliate.[19] As a 25-year-old rookie with prior major arm surgery, Rivera's role on the team was not guaranteed. Management once considered trading him to the Detroit Tigers for David Wells, but Yankees general manager Gene Michael quickly called off negotiations when he learned that Rivera began to throw at 95–96 MPH in one of his starts, six MPH faster than his previous average velocity. Rivera attributes his inexplicable improvement to God.[22] He also participated in a two-hit shutout of the Chicago White Sox on July 4, when he recorded a career-high 11 strikeouts.[19] Overall, he finished his first season in the Major Leagues with a 5–3 record and a 5.51 ERA.[23] His improvement during the year and his success in the 1995 American League Division Series, in which he pitched 5+1⁄3 scoreless innings of relief,[24] convinced Yankees management to keep him and move him into the bullpen the following season as a full-time relief pitcher.[25]

"He needs to pitch in a higher league, if there is one. Ban him from baseball. He should be illegal."

—Tom Kelly, manager of Minnesota Twins, after his team faced Rivera in April 1996[26]

In 1996, Rivera served primarily as a setup pitcher for closer John Wetteland, typically pitching in the seventh and eighth innings before Wetteland pitched in the ninth.[3] Their effectiveness gave the Yankees a 70–3 win–loss record that season when leading after six innings, essentially shortening the games for their opponents by three innings.[27] Across games between April 15 and May 21, Rivera pitched 26 consecutive scoreless innings, including 15 consecutive hit-less innings.[28] He played an important role in the Yankees advancing to and winning the 1996 World Series against the Atlanta Braves for the franchise's first World Series championship since 1978. In the regular season, Rivera finished with a 2.09 ERA in 107+2⁄3 innings pitched, recorded a league-leading 26 holds,[29] and set a Yankees single-season record for strikeouts by a reliever (130).[28] In the postseason, he allowed just one earned run in 14+1⁄3 innings pitched.[30] He finished third in the voting for the American League (AL) Cy Young Award, given annually to the league's best pitcher based on voting by baseball writers.[31]

Rivera impressed Yankees management enough that they chose not to re-sign Wetteland, an offseason free agent. They subsequently installed Rivera in the role of the Yankees' closer for the 1997 season to typically pitch the ninth innings of games.[3] In April, MLB retired the uniform number 42 league-wide to honor Jackie Robinson, although Rivera was one of a dozen players allowed to continue wearing the number per a grandfather clause.[32] Rivera's transition from setup man to closer was not seamless; he blew three of his first six save opportunities,[2] and he indicated that he was initially uncomfortable in the role.[33] Eventually, he settled into his new duties, accidentally discovering how to throw a cut fastball,[34] earning his first All-Star selection, and recording 43 saves in 52 opportunities and a 1.88 ERA in the regular season.[23] However, Rivera was not as successful in the postseason. In the 1997 American League Division Series against the Cleveland Indians, he blew a save in Game 4 by allowing a game-tying home run to Sandy Alomar, Jr., with the Yankees four outs from advancing to the next round.[22] The Yankees eventually lost that game and the next, eliminating them from the playoffs.

1998–2001

Members of the Yankees coaching staff were concerned that the disappointment of the previous season's end would affect Rivera's performance in the future.[3] He put any such concerns to rest in the following seasons, as he became one of the best closers in the Major Leagues. He began regularly throwing a sharp-breaking cutter, which quickly became his signature pitch and earned a reputation for breaking hitters' bats.[22] In 1998, he saved 36 games in 41 opportunities and finished with a 1.91 ERA.[23] Along with his success and cutter, Rivera's entrance music became part of his identity as a closer; the song "Enter Sandman" by heavy metal band Metallica was selected for him by Yankee Stadium public address staff, as he was indifferent about his entrance music.[35] Rivera became the centerpiece of a reliable bullpen that aided in the Yankees' late 1990s success, with relievers Jeff Nelson, Mike Stanton, and Ramiro Mendoza providing solid middle relief.[36] In the 1998 postseason, Rivera saved six games and pitched 13+1⁄3 scoreless innings,[30] and he clinched the Yankees' sweep of the San Diego Padres in the 1998 World Series, capping off a season in which the Yankees won a Major League record-125 wins between the regular season and the postseason.

In 1999, Rivera was voted to the All-Star team, and he recorded a 1.83 ERA while leading the Major Leagues with 45 saves in 49 opportunities.[37] This performance won him his first AL Rolaids Relief Man Award,[23] an annual award for the league's best closer based on their statistical performance. He was also given the World Series MVP Award for earning two saves and a win against the Braves in the 1999 World Series, in which he closed out the team's championship title, his third. He finished 1999 by pitching 43 consecutive scoreless innings between the regular season and postseason,[38] and he finished third in voting for the AL Cy Young Award.[39] In the offseason, he lost his arbitration case, in which he requested an annual salary of $9.25 million, but the $7.25 million salary that the arbitrators awarded him instead set a baseball record for the highest arbitration award.[40] In the 2000 season, Rivera was again selected as an All-Star, and he ended the season with 36 saves in 41 opportunities and a 2.85 ERA.[23] In the postseason, he saved six games and allowed three earned runs in 15+2⁄3 innings.[30] He helped the Yankees defeat the New York Mets in the 2000 World Series by closing out a World Series championship for his team for the third consecutive year. It was his fourth championship title overall.

Rivera's postseason success during the Yankees' titles run earned him a reputation as an exceptional postseason performer.[22] Through 1998, he had allowed only two earned runs in 35 postseason innings—a 0.51 ERA[30]—qualifying him for the Major League's record for lowest career postseason ERA; it is a record he still holds through 133+1⁄3 postseason innings.[20] From 1998 to 2001, he converted 23 consecutive postseason saves,[41] and from 1998 to 2000, he pitched 34+1⁄3 consecutive scoreless innings in the postseason;[41][42] both feats are also Major League records.

Prior to the 2001 season, with one year left on his contract, Rivera signed the first long-term deal of his career, agreeing to a four-year, $39.99 million contract.[43] That season, Rivera was voted onto the All-Star team for a third consecutive year. He finished the season with a 2.34 ERA, a closer career-high 80+2⁄3 innings pitched,[23] and an MLB-leading 50 saves in 57 opportunities—the second time he led the Majors in saves.[37] This earned him his second AL Rolaids Relief Man Award.[3] However, his year ended with one of his most infamous moments; in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, he blew a save in the bottom of the ninth inning, in part due to his own throwing error. He lost the Series later in the inning by allowing Luis Gonzalez's bloop single with the bases loaded to score the winning run.[3]

2002–2005

Injuries limited Rivera's playing time in 2002. He was placed on the disabled list three times for groin and shoulder strains,[44] and he pitched only 46 innings while accumulating just 28 saves in 32 opportunities.[23] Rivera also missed the first month of the 2003 season with another groin injury.[45] Despite concerns by sports writers about his reliability,[46] Rivera quickly returned to form after re-assuming his closer role on May 1.[45] He recorded 40 saves in 46 opportunities with a 1.66 ERA in 64 games in the 2003 regular season.[23]

In the 2003 American League Championship Series against the arch-rival Boston Red Sox, Rivera delivered one of the best postseason performances of his career. In Game 7, he entered in the ninth inning with the score tied 5–5 and pitched three scoreless innings, en route to becoming the game's winning pitcher. Though Aaron Boone's eleventh-inning walk-off home run clinched the Yankees' World Series berth, Rivera was named the series' MVP for recording two saves and a win.[47] He celebrated by running out to the mound and collapsing in joy and exhaustion to thank God, as Boone rounded the bases and was mobbed by his teammates at home plate.[47] The Yankees lost in the 2003 World Series to the Florida Marlins; Rivera allowed only one earned run in 16 innings pitched that postseason.[30]

Prior to the 2004 season, with a year left on his contract, he signed a two-year extension worth $21 million, with an option for a third year in 2007.[48] The 2004 season was another stellar year for Rivera. In addition to becoming the 17th pitcher in MLB history to record 300 saves,[49] he made the All-Star team with 32 saves at the break, then an American League record.[50] Rivera finished the season with a 1.94 ERA, and he led the majors in saves for a third time with a career-best 53 saves in 57 opportunities.[23][37] He won his third AL Rolaids Relief Man Award and finished third in voting for the AL Cy Young Award.[51]

Following the Yankees' victory in the 2004 American League Division Series against the Twins, Rivera returned home to Panama after two of his relatives had been killed in a swimming accident at his home.[4] Despite his status being in doubt for the American League Championship Series against the Red Sox, he returned to New York for Game 1 on the same day the funeral was held in Panama. He recorded a save later that night, as well as in Game 2.[3] Although the Yankees led three-games-to-none in the series, Rivera blew saves in Games 4 and 5, and the Red Sox won both games in extra innings to avoid elimination. In Game 4, pinch runner Dave Roberts stole second base off Rivera and scored on a base hit to tie the game.[52] In Game 5, Rivera entered with a one-run lead with runners on base and allowed a sacrifice fly to tie the score.[52] Although he only allowed one earned run in the 2004 postseason,[30] the Red Sox' comeback victories helped them become the first team in Major League history to win a best-of-seven series in which they trailed three-games-to-none.[52] They eventually won the 2004 World Series and broke the so-called "Curse of the Bambino".

Unlike previous years, Rivera did not throw during the winter in the offseason,[53] leading to speculation that he needed more time to recover from the 2004 season, in which he made the most appearances of his closing career. His 2005 season began on a low note. After missing time in spring training with elbow bursitis, he blew his first two saves of the season against the Red Sox, marking four consecutive blown opportunities against Boston, dating back to the previous postseason.[54] Fans at Yankee Stadium booed Rivera,[55] and baseball journalists speculated if his days as a dominant pitcher were over.[53][54][56] He was subsequently cheered by Red Sox fans during pre-game introductions at Fenway Park the following week, as recognition for his subpar performances against the Red Sox. He took the ovation with a good sense of humor and tipped his cap to the crowd.[57]

Rivera responded in dominating fashion and his 2005 season turned out to be, at that point in his career, statistically his greatest year.[58] He made the All-Star team and finished the season with 43 saves in 47 opportunities, along with a career-low 1.38 ERA.[23] He posted then-career bests in many statistical categories, highlighted by his converting 31 consecutive save opportunities and allowing an average of 0.87 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP).[23] Opposing batters hit for a batting average of only .177 against him (see batting average against), then a closer career-best.[23] Along with winning his fourth AL Rolaids Relief Man Award, Rivera finished second in the voting for the AL Cy Young Award to starter Bartolo Colón and ninth for the AL Most Valuable Player Award—his highest finishes in voting for both awards.[59]

2006–2008

A man in a gray baseball uniform and navy blue cap stands on a dirt mound. He is striding forward to the left with his left leg as he clutches a baseball behind his head with his right hand and curls his left hand, wearing a baseball glove, under his outstretched arm. The back of his uniform reads "42" in navy blue numbers. His face is contorted in concentration.
Rivera pitching in 2007

Prior to the 2006 season, a minor controversy occurred in New York City when Yankees fans objected to new Mets closer Billy Wagner using "Enter Sandman" as his entrance music, as they believed he had encroached on Rivera's territory in New York; many were unaware Wagner had previously used the song before joining the Mets.[35] In the regular season, despite a subpar April, Rivera made his third consecutive All-Star team, with a 1.76 ERA and 19 saves entering the All-Star break.[60] He saved the 2006 MLB All-Star Game, tying a record for three All-Star Game saves.[61] That summer, on July 16, he reached another milestone, becoming the fourth pitcher in Major League history to record 400 saves.[62] He was sidelined for most of September with a strain in his throwing elbow,[63] but he finished the 2006 season with 34 saves in 37 opportunities and an ERA of 1.80—the fourth consecutive season he posted a sub-2.00 ERA.[23] For a second consecutive season, he earned the DHL Delivery Man of the Year Award, voted on annually by fans.[64]

Before the 2007 season, Rivera attempted to extend his contract, which expired at the end of the year. Yankees management refused to negotiate near the start of the season, prompting him to respond that he would consider free agency after the season.[65] Rivera had an uncharacteristically poor month in April, blowing his first two save opportunities, compiling two losses, and surrendering nine earned runs in 7+2⁄3 innings.[66] Concerned baseball journalists attributed his struggles to infrequent use, as the Yankees presented him with few opportunities to enter a game.[67] Rivera recovered, saving 30 of his next 32 opportunities and posting a 2.26 ERA over the final five months of the season.[66] He also passed John Franco for third place on the all-time saves list by recording his 425th career save.[68] Still, 2007 was his weakest statistical regular season as a closer, as he recorded closer career worsts in earned runs (25), hits (68), and ERA (3.15). His 30 saves in 34 opportunities were his second-lowest total since 1997.[23] After the Yankees were eliminated from the playoffs in the opening round, he stated his intentions to test the free agent market,[69] as he was unhappy that long-time Yankees manager Joe Torre was not re-signed and that the team's ownership was transitioning from George Steinbrenner to his sons.[70] Speculation that Rivera would sign elsewhere ended when he agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract with the Yankees, making him the highest paid reliever in baseball history.[71]

A man in a white pinstriped baseball uniform and navy blue cap stands on a dirt mound. He is striding forward to the left with his left leg as he clutches a baseball behind his head with his right hand and curls his left hand, wearing a baseball glove, under his outstretched arm. The back of his uniform reads "42" in navy blue numbers.
Rivera throws against the Seattle Mariners in 2008

Rivera rebounded in 2008, starting the year by pitching 16 scoreless innings and converting his first 28 saves, both personal bests to start a season.[20] His first-half performance, highlighted by a 1.06 ERA and 23 saves in as many opportunities, earned him his ninth All-Star selection.[72] With the 2008 MLB All-Star Game being held at Yankee Stadium in the venue's final year of existence, a few sports writers proposed making Rivera the American League starting pitcher,[73][74] although he appeared for the AL as a reliever.[20] Despite struggling in non-save situations in the second-half of the season,[20] he finished the season well and recorded two milestones in September: on September 15, he recorded his 479th save to pass Lee Smith for second all-time in regular season saves;[75] on September 21, in the final game in Yankee Stadium history, Rivera threw the final pitch, retiring the Baltimore Orioles' Brian Roberts on a ground-out.[76] After the Yankees missed the postseason for the first time in his career, Rivera mentioned that he had suffered from shoulder pain throughout the year. Tests revealed calcification of the acromioclavicular joint in his throwing shoulder, for which he underwent minor arthroscopic surgery in the offseason.[77]

Rivera finished 2008 with perhaps the best individual season of his career. Along with a 1.40 ERA and 39 saves in 40 opportunities, he set career bests in multiple statistical categories, including WHIP (0.67), on-base plus slugging (OPS)-against (.422), batting average-against (.165), save conversion rate (97.5%), walks (6), earned runs (11), and blown saves (1). He averaged 9.81 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched, his best mark as a closer.[23][78] He had a historical season in terms of his control, as his strikeout-to-walk ratio of 12.83 made him the second pitcher since 1900 to record a figure that high in a season.[20] He placed fifth in the AL Cy Young Award voting.[79]

2009–present

A man wearing a dark pea coat and gray scarf smiles while holding a red, white, and blue flag with his left hand. He stands in front of a red, white, and blue logo that reads "Yankees".
Rivera during the 2009 World Series victory parade

Rivera struggled early in 2009, allowing home runs on a more frequent basis, which led to speculation about his cutter's effectiveness and his shoulder's health at age 39.[80] As the season progressed, he pitched better, and he reached a historic milestone on June 28 by becoming the second pitcher to earn 500 regular season saves. In the same game, he recorded his first career run batted in by drawing a walk with the bases loaded against fellow closer Francisco Rodríguez.[81] Rivera earned a tenth All-Star selection with 23 saves in 24 opportunities and a 2.43 ERA in the first half.[82] At the 2009 MLB All-Star Game, he set a record by saving his fourth All-Star Game.[83] He dominated in the season's second-half, allowing earned runs in only two of his final 40 appearances,[84] while setting a new personal best for consecutive save opportunities converted with 36.[85] Rivera finished the regular season with a 1.76 ERA, 44 saves in 46 opportunities, and a 0.90 WHIP.[23] In the postseason, he pitched 16 innings, allowing one earned run and saving five games,[30] and he was on the mound to clinch the Yankees' victory in the 2009 World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies—his fifth championship.[86] He was the only closer among postseason teams that did not record a loss or blown save.[87] He earned several awards for his 2009 performance, including his third DHL Delivery Man Award,[88] his fifth AL Rolaids Relief Man Award, and the 2009 Sporting News Pro Athlete of the Year Award.[89] ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick called Rivera the most valuable Major League pitcher of the 2000s decade.[90]

In 2010, Rivera and teammates Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada became the first trio in any of the four North American major sports leagues to play together on the same team in 16 consecutive seasons.[91] Rivera has pitched well in the first-half, and his June streak of 24 consecutive batters retired was a personal best.[92]

Pitching style

Rivera's signature pitch is his cut fastball or "cutter". The pitch breaks sharply towards left-handed hitters, exhibiting late movement similar to a slider, but with the velocity of a fastball. He almost exclusively throws cutters, occasionally mixing in a four-seam and two-seam fastball,[93] and he throws all three pitches in the low-to-mid 90s MPH.[22][93][94][95] He varies the movement on his cutter by adjusting the pressure he puts on the ball with his fingertips.[34]

Rivera discovered the cutter accidentally while playing catch with Ramiro Mendoza in June 1997, finding that the fastballs he threw in the bullpen were moving sharply and unpredictably. After failing to straighten out the pitch and prevent the movement altogether, he accepted it and began to use the pitch in games,[34] prominently featuring it beginning in 1998. When asked where his ability to throw the pitch came from, he explained, "It was just from God. I didn't do anything. It was natural."[93][96]

"You know what's coming, but you know what's coming in horror movies too. It still gets you."

—Mike Sweeney, referring to hitters' inability to hit Rivera's cutter despite expecting it[34]

Rivera's cut fastball is a respected pitch among Major League hitters.[3][94] It frequently breaks the bats of hitters—Chipper Jones compared it to a "buzzsaw" after witnessing teammate Ryan Klesko break three bats in one plate appearance against Rivera in the 1999 World Series.[56][21] Jim Thome called it "the single best pitch ever in the game".[97] In 2004, ESPN.com ranked his cutter as the best "out pitch" in baseball.[98] Buster Olney described his cut fastball as "the most dominant pitch of a generation".[99] Although switch-hitters usually bat left-handed against right-handed pitchers to better see the ball's release point, many switch-hitters bat right-handed when facing the right-handed Rivera to avoid being jammed on their hands by his cutter.[100][101]

Since Rivera relies on variations of a fastball, all of similar speed, much of his success is attributed to his impeccable control and ability to consistently throw strikes.[102] His 3.95 career strikeout-to-walk ratio in the regular season ranks fourth-best in Major League history.[103] He has achieved his success with a smooth, "fluid" pitching delivery,[93] as an easily repeatable throwing motion allows a pitcher to yield consistent results.[34]

Legacy

"You know when you come to New York, you're going to get Mariano. It's not just before the game. I start thinking about him on the plane ride up. I know he's there waiting, and he'll be out there, and I will have to see him with the game on the line. So I start getting ready for him. I start thinking, 'What am I going to do to try to hit Mariano?'"

Rivera is considered by many baseball experts to be the greatest closer in baseball history,[2][22][104] despite many of them unfavorably comparing modern closers to those who pitched between the 1960s and 1980s.[105] The role of the modern closer has received criticism for becoming too specialized and easy; closers in past decades often entered games in the middle of innings with runners on base and had to pitch multiple innings, whereas modern closers are usually called upon to start the ninth inning with no runners on base.[105][106] Despite being utilized like a modern closer,[105] Rivera has achieved a reputation as an all-time great reliever. Hall of Fame starter-turned-closer Dennis Eckersley calls him "the best ever, no doubt",[21] while Trevor Hoffman—the only closer with more saves than Rivera—says he "will go down as the best reliever in the game in history".[22] Buster Olney said, "No other player can instill calm in his team's fans as reliably as Mariano Rivera, the game's dominant closer and arguably the best relief pitcher of all time."[22] Joe Torre, who managed Rivera for most of his career, said, "He's the best I've ever been around. Not only the ability to pitch and perform under pressure, but the calm he puts over the clubhouse."[48] Based on his career performance, many baseball journalists consider Rivera to be the most valuable Yankees player from the team's late 1990s championship years.[58][107] Although voters have historically been reluctant to allow relievers into the Baseball Hall of Fame, sports writers and baseball experts anticipate he will be voted into the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, five years after retirement.[2][6][107][108]

"I respect Mo more than anybody in the game. The guy goes out there, gets three outs and shakes (Jorge) Posada's hand. You appreciate someone who respects the game like he does, respects the people he plays with and against, and obviously his results speak for themselves."

Rivera is well-known for his composure and calm, placid demeanor,[22] which contrasts with the rough-edged, emotional, and demonstrative nature of many other closers.[105] Derek Jeter called him the "most mentally tough teammate [he's] ever played with".[58] On his ability to quickly forget bad performances, Rivera explains, "it doesn't matter what the results are in the game. You win or lose, you have to forget about it. Right on the spot. (...) Because you have to play tomorrow, and the game that you're going to play tomorrow is not going to be the same game that you just played."[110] He is well-respected among his peers for his professionalism. Fellow closer Joe Nathan said, "I look up to how he's handled himself on and off the field. (...) You never see him show up anyone and he respects the game. I've always looked up to him and it's always a compliment to be just mentioned in the same sentence as him."[111] Despite the closer role being characterized by volatility and turnover,[67] Rivera has been a consistent performer.[3] His tenure as the Yankees' closer has exceeded the ordinary lifetime of a closer, as he has the longest active tenure for a closer by more than six years.[67][112] His 16-year tenure with the Yankees is tied for the longest of any active pitcher.[113] He has been one of the most successful pitchers at closing games, converting 89.60% of his save opportunities—the second-best percentage among relievers with at least 200 save opportunities.[20] He ranks highly in many statistical categories amongst both starting and relief pitchers; he has the lowest career WHIP (1.00) and ERA (2.22) of any pitcher in the live-ball era, making him one of the top pitchers since 1920 in preventing runners from reaching base and scoring.[114][115] Rivera also has MLB history's best adjusted ERA+ (205), meaning his career ERA is half of the league average, adjusted for the pitcher's ballpark.[116]

Rivera is also considered one of the best relief pitchers in postseason history.[2][4][6] Torre said, "Let's face it. The regular season for Mo is great, but that's the cupcakes and the ice cream. What separates him from everybody else is what he's done in the postseason."[34] Rivera has a postseason win–loss record of 8–1 and WHIP of 0.77, and he holds numerous postseason records, including lowest ERA (0.74),[20] most saves (39),[5] most consecutive scoreless innings pitched (34+1⁄3),[41][42] most consecutive save opportunities converted (23),[41] and most appearances (88).[5] No pitcher has half as many postseason saves as he does. His dominance in postseason games has often led to him being utilized for two-inning appearances,[6] as he has recorded a record-14 saves of this variety.[117] Between 1998 and 2008, he recorded 26 postseason saves of four or more outs; the second-highest total by any other pitcher is four such saves, and the rest of baseball combined had 33.[34] Life recognized his postseason success by naming him one of the 16 most "clutch" professional athletes.[118] In a 2009 ESPN.com poll, Rivera was voted as one of the top five postseason players in MLB history.[119]

Rivera will be the last MLB player to wear the uniform number 42 on a regular basis, as he is the only active player still wearing the number after its retirement in 1997 in honor of Jackie Robinson.[107]

Personal life

Rivera married his wife Clara on November 9, 1991. They have three sons: Mariano Jr., Jafet, and Jaziel.[20] Rivera is a cousin of former Yankee Rubén Rivera.[20]

Over the course of his professional career, Rivera learned English. He is now a proponent of Latino players learning English and of American press members learning Spanish, in order to bridge the cultural gap.[120]

Rivera is a devout Christian. He maintains that God has a reason for everything that happens. For example, he found his failure in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series easier to deal with when he learned of the consequences it had on a teammate. Had the Yankees won Game 7 and the World Series, Enrique Wilson would have flown home to the Dominican Republic and been aboard the deadly American Airlines Flight 587. "I am glad we lost the World Series," Rivera told Wilson, "because it means that I still have a friend."[121] Rivera's pitching glove is inscribed "Phil. 4:13", in reference to the Bible verse Philippians 4:13 ("I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me").[122]

Rivera is a partner in a restaurant in New Rochelle, New York, called "Mo's New York Grill".[1] He is also involved with philanthropic contributions in his native Panama, which include building an elementary school and a church, providing Christmas gifts to children, and developing a program that provides computer access and adult mentors to youths.[20]

Rivera is signed to endorsement deals with Nike sports apparel[123] and Canali, a premium men's clothing company. He is the first athlete Canali has used in a marketing campaign.[124]

Career highlights

Awards and honors

Award/Honor Time(s) Date(s)
American League All-Star[78] 10 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009
American League Championship Series MVP Award[78] 1[nb 1] 2003
American League Player of the Week[125][126] 2 May 26–June 1, 2008; June 22–28, 2009
American League Rolaids Relief Man Award[78] 5[nb 2] 1999, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2009
Babe Ruth Award[78] 1 1999
DHL Delivery Man of the Year Award[88] 3[nb 3] 2005, 2006, 2009
DHL Delivery Man of the Month Award[127][128] 2 April 2008, July 2009
Sporting News Pro Athlete of the Year Award[89] 1 2009
Sporting News Reliever of the Year Award[129] 6[nb 3] 1997, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2009
This Year in Baseball's Closer of the Year Award[130] 4[nb 3] 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009
Thurman Munson Award[20] 1 2003
World Series MVP Award[78] 1[nb 1] 1999
World Series champion[78] 5 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2009
  1. ^ a b Only reliever to win both a League Championship Series MVP Award and World Series MVP Award[131]
  2. ^ Tied for most times won
  3. ^ a b c Most times won

Records

  1. ^ a b Tied for most times

Other accomplishments

Rivera has accomplished other feats in his career (as of 2009):

  • One of two pitchers to record at least 30 saves in twelve separate seasons[20]
  • One of two pitchers to record at least 40 saves in seven separate seasons[148]
  • One of two pitchers to record at least 50 saves in two separate seasons[148]
  • Fourth pitcher to record 300 regular season saves with one team,[149] and second pitcher to record 400 and 500 regular season saves with one team[81]
  • One of nine pitchers to record at least 50 saves in a season[148]
  • Named the relief pitcher on Major League Baseball's Latino Legends Team[150]

See also

References

Footnotes
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  2. ^ a b c d e O'Dwyer, Kieran (2006-07-27). "A cutter above". Sporting News. Retrieved 2006-08-09.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Antonen, Mel (2006-10-09). "Yanks' Rivera continues to learn". USA Today. Retrieved 2006-08-20.
  4. ^ a b c Associated Press (2004-11-11). "Rivera says he will be back for Game 1". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved 2009-04-24.
  5. ^ a b c d e f "Career Pitching Postseason Leaders". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved 2006-08-10.
  6. ^ a b c d Verducci, Tom (2004-06-01). "Gotta get to Mo". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2010-06-05.
  7. ^ a b Hermoso, Rafael (1998-08-31). "Where Rivera goes for relief takes hat off to Panama". Daily News. Retrieved 2009-04-28.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g Sherman (2006), pp. 4–5
  9. ^ a b Red, Christian (2010-03-13). "Modern Yankee Heroes: From humble beginnings, Mariano Rivera becomes the greatest closer in MLB history". Daily News. Retrieved 2010-03-15.
  10. ^ Reported by Tom Rinaldi (2010-05-11). "Coming Home". E:60. ESPN. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ a b c d Bamberger, Michael (1997-03-24). "Strikeouts By The Boatload". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2009-02-11.
  12. ^ a b Curry, Jack (2009-07-05). "Scout saw effortless ability in young Mariano Rivera". New York Times. Retrieved 2009-07-06.
  13. ^ Sherman (2006), p. 7
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  15. ^ Sherman (2006), pp. 68–69
  16. ^ Sherman (2006), pp. 13–14
  17. ^ a b c Sherman (2006), pp. 17–18
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  19. ^ a b c Sherman (2006), pp. 18–19
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  54. ^ a b Shaughnessy, Dan (2005-04-07). "Opening series almost too much for us to take". Boston Globe. Retrieved 2006-08-18.
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  61. ^ Associated Press (2006-07-11). "Young's two-run triple in ninth lifts AL All-Stars". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved 2006-08-10.
  62. ^ a b Mink, Ryan (2006-07-16). "Rivera notches save No. 400". MLB.com. Retrieved 2007-07-29.
  63. ^ Associated Press (2006-08-31). "Rivera's MRI shows mild muscle strain". Sporting News. Retrieved 2007-07-28.
  64. ^ Feinsand, Mark (2006-10-24). "Rivera is DHL Delivery Man of the Year". MLB.com. Retrieved 2009-04-27.
  65. ^ Associated Press (2007-02-14). "Rivera says he'll consider offers from other teams". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved 2009-05-11.
  66. ^ a b "Mariano Rivera Stats – 2007 Pitching Splits". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved 2008-05-23.
  67. ^ a b c White, Paul (2007-05-30). "Confidence game as closer has few winners". USA Today. Retrieved 2008-05-20.
  68. ^ Associated Press (2007-07-14). "Abreu's HR, 5 RBIs steer Wang, Yankees by Rays". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved 2009-06-18.
  69. ^ ESPN.com News Services (2007-10-09). "Exit Sandman?". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved 2007-10-09.
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  75. ^ Associated Press (2008-09-15). "New York begins probable final week at Yankee Stadium with win over ChiSox". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved 2008-09-29.
  76. ^ Associated Press (2008-09-21). "For final game at Yankee Stadium, Yanks win to prevent playoff elimination". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved 2008-09-22.
  77. ^ Associated Press (2008-09-29). "Yanks' Rivera to undergo offseason surgery, should be ready for spring". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved 2008-09-29.
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  111. ^ Rodriguez, Justin (2009-07-14). "All-Starry-eyed Nathan". Times Herald-Record. Retrieved 2010-05-19.
  112. ^ Trevor Hoffman, the only other pitcher with a longer closer tenure, became a Brewer in 2009, ending his long tenure as closer with the Padres.
  113. ^ Stark, Jayson (2009-01-09). "Three Strikes: End of Two Eras Edition". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved 2009-05-19. Reference not updated to include 2010.
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  115. ^ "Career Leaders & Records for Earned Run Average". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved 2009-05-12.
  116. ^ a b "Career Leaders & Records for Adjusted ERA+". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved 2008-10-24.
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  123. ^ Fish, Mike (2007-07-06). "Advertisers are riding the Hispanic wave". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved 2010-06-26.
  124. ^ Araton, Harvey (2010-04-25). "The Understated Elegance of the Yankees' Rivera". New York Times. Retrieved 2010-04-27.
  125. ^ "Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees named Bank of America presents the American League Player of the Week". MLB.com. 2008-06-02. Retrieved 2009-08-12.
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  127. ^ Hoch, Bryan (2008-05-07). "Mariano is DHL's Delivery Man for April". MLB.com. Retrieved 2008-07-16.
  128. ^ Singer, Tom (2009-08-06). "Rivera named Delivery Man for July". MLB.com. Retrieved 2009-08-07.
  129. ^ "Fireman of the Year / Reliever of the Year Award by The Sporting News". Baseball Almanac. Retrieved 2009-06-19.
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  131. ^ Dennis Eckersley, Rob Dibble, and Randy Myers are the only other relievers to win a LCS MVP Award and none won the World Series MVP.
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  133. ^ "Historical Player Stats". MLB.com. Retrieved 2009-12-26.
  134. ^ Puma, Mike (2009-07-19). "Yankees' closer secures one Mo 25-save season". New York Post. Retrieved 2009-07-19.
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Bibliography
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