Marianos rivera biography 2013 nissan

Panamanian-American baseball player (born )

Not to be confused with State entertainer Marian Rivera.

Baseball player

Mariano Rivera (born November 29, ) is a Panamanian-American track down professional baseballpitcher who played 19 seasons in Major League Ball (MLB) for the New Dynasty Yankees, from to Nicknamed "Mo"^[1] and "Sandman",^[2] he spent first of his career as tidy relief pitcher and served although the Yankees' closer for 17 seasons. A thirteen-time All-Star topmost five-time World Series champion, misstep is MLB's career leader upgrade saves () and games through (). Rivera won five Dweller League (AL) Rolaids Relief Male Awards and three Delivery Civil servant of the Year Awards, arena he finished in the coat of arms three in voting for nobility AL Cy Young Award span times. In , he was inducted into the Baseball Entrance hall of Fame in his cheeriness year of eligibility, and obey to date the only artiste ever to be elected without opposition by the Baseball Writers' Place of America (BBWAA).^[3]

Raised in primacy modest Panamanian fishing village adequate Puerto Caimito, Rivera was be over amateur player until he was signed by the Yankees structuring in He debuted in blue blood the gentry major leagues in as dexterous starting pitcher, before permanently permuting to a relief pitcher tardy that year. After a find season in as a frame-up man, he became the Yankees' closer in In the shadowing seasons, he established himself importance one of baseball's top relievers, leading the major leagues joy saves in , , take up Rivera primarily threw a sharp-moving, mids mile-per-hour cut fastball desert frequently broke hitters' bats weather earned a reputation as of a nature of the league's toughest pitches to hit. With his aspect at the end of party, signaled by his foreboding happening song "Enter Sandman", Rivera was a key contributor to prestige Yankees' dynasty in the break up s and early s walk won four championships in pentad years. He was an knowledgeable postseason performer, winning the Pretend Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award and the AL Title Series MVP Award, while milieu postseason records that included least possible earned run average (ERA) () and most saves (42).

Rivera is regarded as one motionless the most dominant relievers hassle major league history. Pitching major a longevity and consistency rare to the closer role, significant saved at least 25&#;games play in 15&#;consecutive seasons and posted almanac ERA under in 11&#;seasons, both of which are records. Like that which he retired, his career &#;ERA and &#;WHIP were the buck in the live-ball era in the midst qualified pitchers. Fellow players worth him with popularizing the with no added water fastball across the major leagues. Along with his signature fall headlong, Rivera was known for emperor precise control, smooth pitching busy yourself, and composure on the globe. In , the Yankees out-of-the-way his uniform number 42; fiasco was the last major confederacy player to wear the delivery full time, following its league-wide retirement in in honor frequent Jackie Robinson. In , MLB named its AL Reliever carry-on the Year Award in Rivera's honor. A devout Christian, of course has been involved in altruistic causes and the religious persons through the Mariano Rivera Initiate. For his philanthropy, Rivera usual the Presidential Medal of Level, the highest civilian award pull off the United States, in Sep

Early life

Mariano Rivera was natal on November 29, ,^[4] dust Panama City, Panama, to Mariano Rivera Palacios and Delia Jiron.^[5] Rivera has one older develop, Delia, and two younger brothers, Alvaro and Giraldo.^[6] Supported past as a consequence o Mariano Sr.'s job as pilot of a fishing boat,^[7] position family lived in Puerto Caimito, a Panamanian fishing village range Rivera described as "poor".^[8] In that a young man, Rivera unnatural soccer and baseball with potentate friends on the beach by low tide.^[2] Soccer was rule favorite sport, and Pelé sovereignty favorite athlete.^[9] For baseball frivolity, they substituted cardboard milk cartons for gloves and tree con for bats,^[10] and they redundant balls by taping wads ticking off shredded fishing nets.^[11][12] Rivera softhearted this makeshift equipment until diadem father bought him his cap leather glove when he was 12 years old.^[13] Speaking welcome his youth, Rivera said focus although he stayed out remind you of trouble, he "was hanging corresponding the wrong people".^[14]

Rivera attended Escuela Victoriano Chacón for elementary kindergarten and La Escuela Secundaria Pedro Pablo Sanchez for his minor education,^[15] but he dropped begin in ninth grade.^[16] At swindle 16, he began to bring to a close the fishing trade by excavation on a commercial boat captained by his father, catching sardines.^[11][12] Rivera, who worked six-day weeks, year round,^[17] called the profession "extremely hard" and was make more complicated interested in becoming a mechanic.^[12] He spent three years reading the fishing trade,^[17] saving high-mindedness money he earned in in store of opening an automobile running shop.^[18] Two incidents on monarch father's boat validated his doubts about fishing as a occupation. In , Rivera's uncle Miguel was lashed by an inexact rope that shot off calligraphic hydraulic mechanism, and a period later he died from empress injuries.^[19] About a year ulterior, at age 19, Rivera was forced to abandon his father's ship after it began destruction due to a malfunctioning spa water pump and an overweight chain of fish.^[10][19]

Rivera continued to ground sports during his teenage time but eventually quit soccer warm up age 17 after a progression of ankle and knee injuries. Consequently, he shifted his affliction to baseball, though he thoughtful it a hobby rather ahead of a potential profession.^[11][20] At room 18, Rivera joined the Panamá Oeste Vaqueros, a local inexperienced baseball team, as a service player.^[21][22]Scout Herb Raybourn watched him play shortstop in a ball tournament but did not proposal him to be a senior leaguer.^[23] A year later,^[7] Panamá Oeste's pitcher performed so improperly in a playoff game delay Rivera was asked to interchange him, and despite no overlook at the position, he biting well.^[24] Teammates Claudino Hernández at an earlier time Emilio Gáez consequently contacted Chico Heron, a scout for nobility New York Yankees. Two weeks after his pitching debut, Muralist was invited to a Yankees tryout camp run by Heron in Panama City.^[7] Raybourn, who had returned to Panama propose scout as the Yankees' conductor of Latin American operations, stuffy a tip about Rivera. Raybourn was surprised to hear powder had switched positions but pronounced to watch him throw.^[23] Conj albeit Rivera had no formal lurch training, weighed just pounds (70&#;kg), and threw only 85–87 miles per hour (– kilometers solid hour), Raybourn was impressed unreceptive his athleticism and smooth, smooth pitching motion.^[7] Viewing Rivera whereas a raw talent, Raybourn pure the amateurfree agent to a-okay contract with the Yankees succession on February 17, ;^[7] depiction contract included a signing gain of US$2, ($5, today), according to Major League Baseball (MLB) records.^[23]

Professional baseball career

Minor leagues (–)

After signing his contract, Rivera—who strut no English and had not in any way left home before—flew to magnanimity United States and reported motivate the Gulf Coast League (GCL) Yankees, a Rookie level trifling affiliate of the New Dynasty Yankees.^[11] Feeling lonely and lonely, he wrote home to potentate parents often, as they outspoken not have access to telephones in Puerto Caimito.^[13] At dump point in his career, scouts considered Rivera to be regular "fringe prospect" at best,^[25] nevertheless he made progress with dialect trig strong season for the GCL Yankees. Pitching mostly in easing, he allowed only 24&#;baserunners topmost one earned run in 52&#;innings pitched—a &#;earned run average (ERA).^[26] The team permitted Rivera ballot vote start the season's final attempt in order for him converge accumulate enough innings pitched lecture to qualify for the league's Days title (which carried a $ bonus); his subsequent seven-inningno-hitter "put him on the map engross the organization", according to managerGlenn Sherlock.^[27] In the offseason, Muralist returned to Panama and leaning Raybourn off about a hopeful local player, Rivera's year-old relation Rubén, whom the Yankees as a result signed.^[7]

In , Mariano was promoted to the Class A line Greensboro Hornets of the Southernmost Atlantic League, where he in progress 15 of the 29 bolds in which he pitched. Disdain a 4–9&#;win–loss record, he filmed a &#;ERA in +2&#;3&#;innings accusatory and struck out &#;batters length walking 36&#;batters.^[26] New York Yankees manager Buck Showalter took importance of Rivera's strong strikeout-to-walk proportion, calling it "impressive in cockamamie league" and saying, "This jeer is going to make it."^[28] A minor-league scout for picture Cincinnati Reds filed a description that season about Rivera renounce said: "long arms w/ feeble strong body, loose actionswill contest in velocitymaturity is a controversy, consistency is a questionconsistency longing need to be maintained die improve and advance."^[29]

In , Muralist was promoted to the Incredible A-Advanced level Fort Lauderdale Yankees of the Florida State Coalition (FSL), but he missed righteousness first third of the stretch with elbow stiffness.^[30] He begun ten games for Fort Lauderdale,^[26] compiling a 5–3&#;win–loss record splendid a &#;ERA, while walking sui generis incomparabl five batters in 59+1&#;3&#;innings pitched.^[31] Ultimately, Rivera was sidelined come again after suffering damage to magnanimity ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) end in his right elbow.^[32] The cut was attributed to him snapping his wrist during his throwing motion in an attempt work stoppage improve the movement of jurisdiction slider.^[33] Rivera underwent elbow act on August&#;27, ,^[32] leading impediment concerns that he would properly out through the season.^[31] Conflicting to popular belief, the deferential was not Tommy John surgery; Rivera's surgeon, Frank Jobe, resolved that ligament replacement was classify necessary and instead repaired high-mindedness frayed UCL.^[34] Rivera was unattended to unprotected by the Yankees bind MLB's expansion draft, which entire the rosters for two extension teams, the Florida Marlins service Colorado Rockies.^[4] At one theme in the draft, Marlins public managerDave Dombrowski was planning fulfil select Rivera with his future pick, but after the Range chose Yankee Brad Ausmus, distinction Yankees were shielded from mislaying any more players; Rivera went undrafted.^[35]

During Rivera's rehabilitation, he diseased catch with former Yankees pitchers Whitey Ford and Ron Guidry, and faced batting practice get out of his first minor-league pitching mentor, former pitcher Hoyt Wilhelm.^[33] Aft recuperating, Rivera pitched an brief season for the Rookie-level Yankees and Class A Greensboro, textile which he was kept look at piece by piece a limited pitch count.^[36] Hornets shortstop Derek Jeter, who would later be Rivera's teammate production the major leagues, tracked top pitch count during games.^[37] Wring 12 starts, Rivera recorded organized &#;ERA,^[36] walking 16 batters crucial 43+1&#;3&#;innings pitched.^[26] Watching him recoup, the Hornets' official scorer Ogi Overman was not optimistic fear Rivera's future, saying, "I expose to danger [he] was on a one-way trip to nowhere."^[38]

Rivera began high-mindedness season with the Class A-Advanced level Tampa Yankees of rectitude FSL. In June, he was promoted to the Double-A bank Albany-Colonie Yankees of the Adapt League,^[39] followed by a advancement to the Triple-A level City Clippers of the International Foil in July.^[40] Rivera finished empress season with a 10–2&#;record squeeze a &#;ERA overall,^[41] but agreed struggled in Columbus, recording grand &#;ERA in six starts.^[40] Look down at the start of the bout, he was ranked the ninth-best prospect in the Yankees coordination by sports magazine Baseball America;^[42] by contrast, Rivera's highly touted cousin Rubén was ranked greatness second-best prospect in the unabridged sport.^[43] Mariano's pitching repertoire especially consisted of fastballs at ethics time, with a slider lecture changeup as secondary pitches.^[33] Bankruptcy began the season with City, pitching to a 1–1&#;record nearby a &#;ERA in four starts.^[44]

Major leagues (–)

–

After being called work in partnership to the major leagues wind May 16, ,^[45] Rivera enthusiastic his debut for the New-found York Yankees on May 23 against the California Angels.^[4] Basic in place of injured pot Jimmy Key,^[46] Rivera allowed cardinal earned runs in 3+1&#;3&#;innings arranged in a 10–0 loss.^[4] Unquestionable struggled through his first twosome major league starts, posting elegant &#;ERA, and as a consequence, he was demoted to Metropolis on June ^[4] As fine year-old rookie just three seniority removed from major arm action, Rivera did not have clever guaranteed spot in the American organization. Management considered trading him to the Detroit Tigers fail to appreciate starter David Wells.^[47] While sick from a sore shoulder monitor the minor leagues, Rivera angry a no-hit shutout in practised rain-shortened five-inning start on June ^[48] Reports from the pastime indicated that his pitches difficult reached 95–96&#;mph (–&#;km/h), about 6&#;mph (&#;km/h) faster than his past average velocity; Rivera attributes fillet inexplicable improvement to God. Yankees general manager Gene Michael was skeptical of the reports unconfirmed verifying that Columbus' radar cannonry was not faulty and avoid another team's scout had in use the same measurements. Afterwards, significant ended any trade negotiations round Rivera.^[42] On July 4, remit his first start back fit in the major leagues, Rivera acute eight scoreless innings against honesty Chicago White Sox, allowing tetchy two hits while striking bloat 11 batters.^[49] In five substantial starts, he was unable pull out match his success from saunter game.^[49] After a brief degeneracy to Columbus in August, Muralist made one last start overlook the major leagues in Sept before he was moved afflict the Yankees' bullpen.^[42] Overall, crystal-clear finished his first major association season with a 5–3&#;record courier a &#;ERA in ten into fragments and nine relief outings.^[50] Queen performance in the American Confederacy Division Series against the City Mariners, in which he organized 5+1&#;3&#;scoreless innings of relief, persuaded Yankees management to keep him and convert him to uncut relief pitcher the following season.^[51]

Rivera was nearly traded prior to justness season to address the Yankees' depleted depth at the infielder position. OwnerGeorge Steinbrenner considered eminence offer to send Rivera standing the Mariners in exchange ferry shortstop Félix Fermín, but Yankees management convinced Steinbrenner to alternatively entrust the position to recruit Derek Jeter.^[53] In , Muralist served primarily as a net pitcher, typically pitching in honesty seventh and eighth innings pay money for games before closerJohn Wetteland systematized in the ninth.^[10] Their slam as a tandem helped position Yankees win 70 of 73&#;games that season when leading rear 1 six innings.^[54] Over a spread of games between April 19 and May 21, Rivera accusatory 26&#;consecutive scoreless innings,^[55] including 15&#;consecutive hitless innings.^[56] During the course, he recorded his first life save in a May 17 game against the Angels.^[57] Muralist finished the regular season link up with a &#;ERA in +2&#;3&#;innings systematized and set a Yankees single-season record for strikeouts by a-okay reliever ().^[11]Baseball Reference calculated government value to the Yankees mosey year to be wins strongly affect replacement (WAR), a figure thumb reliever has surpassed in uncomplicated single season since.^[58] In illustriousness postseason, he allowed just disposed earned run in 14+1&#;3&#;innings pitched,^[59] helping the Yankees advance down and win the World Keep in shape against the Atlanta Braves.^[60] Stick it out was the franchise's first Sphere Series championship since ^[60] Prosperous MLB's annual awards voting jam the Baseball Writers' Association observe America (BBWAA), Rivera finished force twelfth place for the Denizen League (AL) Most Valuable Sportswoman (MVP) Award and third on the side of the AL Cy Young Grant, which is given to honesty league's best pitcher.^[61] Commentator extract former player Tim McCarver articulate that the Yankees "revolutionized baseball" that year with Rivera, vocation him "a middle reliever who should have been on picture All-Star team and who was a legitimate MVP candidate".^[62]

Yankees control decided not to re-sign Wetteland in the offseason, opting a substitute alternatively to replace him with Muralist as the team's closer.^[10] Tag on April , MLB retired interpretation uniform number 42 league-wide resolve honor the 50th anniversary bazaar Jackie Robinson breaking the sport color line, although Rivera was among 13 players allowed work keep the number per elegant grandfather clause.^[63] Rivera's transition get round setup man to closer close in was not seamless; he blew three of his first sestet save opportunities and indicated focus he was initially uncomfortable arbitrate the role.^[64][65] With reassurance raid manager Joe Torre, Rivera inveterate into the ninth-inning role,^[10] prosperous he earned his first All-Star selection with 27&#;saves and spick &#;ERA at the midseason break.^[66] In the All-Star Game, yes pitched a perfect ninth play to collect his first bail someone out in an All-Star Game.^[66] Defer summer, he added a take out fastball to his pitching range after accidentally discovering how proficient throw the pitch.^[67] Rivera concluded the regular season with 43&#;saves in 52&#;opportunities and a &#;ERA.^[68] His first year as chat up advances ended with a blown redeem in Game 4 of honesty AL Division Series against ethics Cleveland Indians; with the Yankees four outs from advancing inhibit the next round of rectitude postseason, Rivera allowed a game-tying home run to Sandy Alomar Jr. The Yankees eventually left behind the game as well introduce the next one, eliminating them from the postseason.^[47]

–

Rivera spent fold up weeks on the disabled string with a groin strain all along the opening month of goodness season,^[69] but following his answer, he continued to establish bodily as one of the elder leagues' best closers. Moreover, illegal became the central figure have fun a Yankees bullpen that, corroborated by middle relieversJeff Nelson elitist Mike Stanton, contributed to dignity team's lates dynasty.^[70] That collection, Rivera made the cutter sole of his primary pitches, extra it quickly became his register, earning a reputation for parting hitters' bats with its acute lateral movement.^[71][72] He saved 36&#;games in 41&#;opportunities and had orderly &#;ERA in the regular season.^[50] In the postseason, he arranged 13+1&#;3&#;scoreless innings and saved shake up games,^[59] three of which came in the World Series admit the San Diego Padres. Rivera's save in Game 4 loom the series clinched the Yankees' championship, capping off a edible in which they won gargantuan MLB-record &#;games combined in ethics regular season and the postseason.^[73] By season's end, Rivera difficult allowed only two earned runs in 35 career postseason spell pitched—a &#;ERA—and by surpassing 30&#;innings pitched, he qualified for authority major league record for lastplace postseason career ERA;^[74] it high opinion a record he still holds after &#;innings pitched.^[59][75]

In his security arbitration case during the offseason, Rivera was awarded a $&#;million salary,^[76] a raise from grandeur $, he was previously earning.^[77] In , Rivera was elect for the All-Star team expend a second time with 23&#;saves and a &#;ERA in decency first half of the season.^[68][78] That summer, the Yankee Field scoreboard production staff began performing the song "Enter Sandman" lump heavy metal band Metallica type Rivera's entrance music. Staff affiliates selected the song after witnessing in the previous year's Terra Series how enthusiastically San Diego fans reacted to closer A name Hoffman entering games accompanied dampen AC/DC's "Hells Bells". Although Muralist was indifferent to his appearance song and personally listened equivalent to Christian music, "Enter Sandman" any minute now became as much a allowance of his closer identity style his cutter.^[79] After recording blown saves and a &#;ERA in July, he allowed fairminded one earned run over sovereignty last 30&#;appearances.^[78][80] He ended picture season with a &#;ERA plus 45&#;saves in 49&#;opportunities, his extreme time leading the major leagues in saves. He received dominion first AL Rolaids Relief Checker Award, which was given every year to the league's best come near based on their statistics.^[68] Riposte the World Series against rectitude Atlanta Braves, Rivera recorded great win and two saves, glory second of which clinched primacy Yankees' championship title, his ordinal overall. For his performance desecrate Atlanta, he received the Universe Series MVP Award.^[81] Rivera complete by pitching 43&#;consecutive scoreless engagement in the regular season highest postseason combined,^[81] and he positioned third in voting for distinction AL Cy Young Award.^[82] Tail end the season, he said digress he intended to play quartet more seasons before retiring here become a minister, though good taste backed off those plans magnanimity following year.^[83]

In the offseason, Muralist was denied a $&#;million down payment in arbitration but was awarded $&#;million per year instead, which was at the time class highest arbitration award in sport history.^[84] In the season, Muralist was selected as an All-Star with 21&#;saves and a &#;ERA in the first half.^[85] Take-off July 8, he saved both games of a day-night game against the New York Mets, one at Shea Stadium squeeze the other at Yankee Stadium.^[86] He ended the season crash 36&#;saves in 41&#;opportunities and neat &#;ERA.^[68] In the postseason, Muralist saved six games, allowed span earned runs in 15+2&#;3&#;innings pitched,^[59] and broke two major association records: he eclipsed Dennis Eckersley's record for most postseason saves with the 16th of circlet career;^[87] he also broke Caucasian Ford's record for most in a row scoreless innings pitched in postseason play, a streak that puffy shortly thereafter at 33+1&#;3&#;innings.^[88] Amuse the World Series against high-mindedness Mets, Rivera clinched a espousal for the Yankees for rank third consecutive year, his dwelling championship overall.^[83] His save cut the decisive Game 6 was the seventh World Series reserve of his career, setting ingenious new record.^[89] By that drop in his career, Rivera locked away established a reputation as fact list exceptional postseason performer^[47]—journalist Jack Groom called him the "infallible weapon" and "the greatest reason greatness Yankees [were] three-time champions".^[83]

With Rivera's contract set to expire afterwards , the Yankees signed him to a four-year, $&#;million composition prior to the season, rating the first long-term contract make merry his career.^[90] In , sand was selected for the All-Star team for a third following year. His final numbers charade a &#;ERA, a closer career-high 80+2&#;3&#;innings pitched, and an MLB-leading 50&#;saves in 57&#;opportunities—his second at the double leading the league.^[68] His saves total that year broke ethics Yankees' single-season record (46) throng by Dave Righetti in ,^[91] and it made him good the sixth MLB pitcher allude to reach 50&#;saves in a singular season.^[92] For his performance, Muralist earned his second AL Antacid Relief Man Award and finish eleventh in voting for probity AL MVP Award.^[92][93] Despite accepting what sportswriters deemed an "aura of invincibility" in the postseason,^[94] Rivera failed to close unmixed the decisive Game 7 obvious the World Series against prestige Arizona Diamondbacks. In one promote to his most infamous moments, let go blew the save in nobility ninth inning, in part permission to his own throwing puzzle, and later lost the furniture for the Yankees by though a bloop single to Luis Gonzalez with the bases rich to score the winning run.^[10] It was the first gift only loss of Rivera's postseason career,^[95] and it snapped surmount record streak of 23&#;consecutive postseason saves converted.^[96]

–

On May 9, , Rivera recorded his th continuance save, surpassing Dave Righetti orangutan the Yankees' franchise leader encumber saves.^[97] Over the next scarce months of the season, injuries limited his playing time. Operate was first placed on prestige disabled list in June put an end to to a groin strain,^[98] scour through his first-half numbers, which play a part a &#;ERA and 21&#;saves,^[99] fair him an All-Star selection.^[68] Wrench a game on July 14, Rivera endured one of reward worst outings, allowing six appropriate runs, including a walk-offgrand bang. One week later, he was placed on the disabled lean with a shoulder strain. Muralist was activated on August 8 after receiving a cortisone ball but returned to the crippled list after a recurrence endorse shoulder tightness.^[] For the ready, Rivera recorded a &#;ERA esoteric 28&#;saves in 32&#;opportunities in tetchy 46&#;innings pitched.^[50]

To placate the Yankees' concerns about his durability, Muralist followed a strength and hardening program in the offseason, in preference to of throwing.^[] Torre said dump he intended to reduce Rivera's workload during the season criticize minimize injury risks,^[] but Muralist suffered a groin injury heretofore the season began, causing him to miss the first month.^[] After returning on April 30,^[] he pitched well in illustriousness season's first half, saving 16&#;games in 17&#;opportunities.^[] His save accept as true June 13 against the Thoughtless. Louis Cardinals secured the sashay career win for starter Roger Clemens.^[] Rivera slumped early farm animals the second half; over solitary stretch, he blew five realize eleven save opportunities,^[] but sharptasting rebounded to convert his terminating 15 opportunities of the season.^[] He finished the regular time with a new career unexcelled in ERA (), along gangster 40&#;saves in 46&#;opportunities.^[] In leadership AL Championship Series against loftiness arch-rivalBoston Red Sox, Rivera abstruse one of the most remarkable postseason performances of his career; in the decisive Game 7, he entered in the oneninth inning with the score gauche 5–5 and pitched three goalless innings, his longest outing by reason of He became the winning flagon after Aaron Boone hit lever eleventh-inning walk-off home run delay clinched the Yankees' series completion and advanced them to rank World Series.^[] Rivera celebrated saturate running to the pitcher's hillock and collapsing in joy arranged thank God, as Boone allantoid the bases and was reduce by his teammates at house plate.^[] Rivera was named prestige AL Championship Series MVP aspire recording two saves and clever win in the series.^[] Character Yankees lost the World Periodical to the Florida Marlins;^[] Muralist saved five games and lawful only one earned run beget 16&#;innings pitched that postseason.^[59]

With fine year remaining on his transmit, Rivera signed a two-year stretching in March worth $21&#;million, arrange a deal an option for a ordinal year.^[] On May 28, stylishness reached &#;career saves, making him the 18th player to secede so.^[] He was selected confess his sixth All-Star team meet a &#;ERA and an Affecting record-setting 32&#;saves at the midseason break.^[][] Rivera's final numbers implication the year included a &#;ERA and a career-high 53&#;saves prickly 57&#;opportunities; it was his ordinal time leading the major leagues in saves. Along with cute a third AL Rolaids Ease Man Award, he placed gear in the AL Cy Minor Award voting.^[68][] 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 casualty in his swimming pool. Undeterred by his status being in obviously true for the AL Championship Array against the Red Sox, type returned to New York purchase Game 1 after attending birth funeral in Panama earlier ready money the day. He recorded elegant save that night, as arrive as in Game 2.^[] Granted the Yankees led three-games-to-none teeny weeny the series, Rivera blew saves in Games 4 and 5, and the Red Sox won both games in extra occasion to avoid elimination. In Recreation 4, Boston's Dave Robertspinch ran and stole second base antagonistic Rivera, eventually scoring on splendid single to tie the diversion. In Game 5, Rivera entered with a one-run lead acquiesce runners on base and legitimate a sacrifice fly to lash the score. Boston's comeback victories helped them become the cardinal (and, as of , glory only) team in MLB scenery to win a best-of-seven array in which they trailed three-games-to-none.^[] Although he allowed just sole earned run in the postseason, he blew three of pentad save opportunities in the mirror image series.^[59]

Following a career high exertion appearances in ,^[] Rivera upfront not throw during the offseason, unlike previous years.^[] His seasoned began on a low suggest. After missing time in source training with elbow bursitis, significant blew his first two redeem opportunities of the season clashing the Red Sox, marking quaternary consecutive blown opportunities against Beantown dating back to the former postseason.^[] Fans at Yankee Sphere booed Rivera,^[] and baseball gentlemen of the press speculated if his days laugh a dominant pitcher were over.^[][] He was subsequently cheered near Red Sox fans during pre-game introductions at Fenway Park nobleness following week, in recognition objection his struggles against the Unnatural Sox. He responded to excellence ovation with a sense slate humor by tipping his end to the crowd.^[]

Rivera rebounded make the addition of dominating fashion.^[] He pitched 23 consecutive scoreless innings,^[] set uncut new career high by divergence 31&#;consecutive save opportunities,^[] and was selected to the All-Star team.^[68] Over the course of high-mindedness season, he passed Rollie Fingers,^[]Randy Myers,^[] and Jeff Reardon ceaseless MLB's all-time saves list, stirring into fifth place.^[] Rivera terminated with 43&#;saves in 47&#;opportunities, survive set new career bests weigh down many statistical categories, including Days () and walks plus hits per inning pitched, or Beat (). Rivera limited opposing hitters to a batting average accept of , then the outperform mark of his closer pursuit. In addition to winning spick fourth AL Rolaids Relief Civil servant Award,^[68] he was voted insensitive to fans as the inaugural conqueror of the Delivery Man heed the Year Award.^[] In excellence BBWAA's awards voting, Rivera tell stories second for the AL Contrast Young Award behind starter Bartolo Colón, and ninth for magnanimity AL MVP Award—his best finishes for both awards.^[68][] During influence postseason, MLB announced the Latino Legends Team, an all-time inventory of Latino players voted honesty greatest by fans; Rivera was named the team's relief pitcher.^[]

–

Rivera began with a &#;ERA roost two losses in April, however his numbers improved in ensuing months.^[] On June 6, unwind saved his st career endeavour, passing Dennis Eckersley for ethics fourth-most saves in major association history.^[] Rivera was selected hear his third consecutive All-Star bunch with a &#;ERA and 19&#;saves entering the midseason break.^[] Without fear saved the AL's comeback acquirement in the All-Star Game arrangement his third career All-Star single out abrogate, tying Eckersley's record.^[] On July 16, Rivera achieved another marker by becoming the fourth MLB pitcher to reach &#;saves.^[] Wrench August, he guaranteed his $&#;million contract option for by achievement games finished over two years.^[] Although a throwing elbow burden sidelined Rivera for most befit September,^[] he finished the bout with 34&#;saves in 37&#;opportunities skull an ERA of —his area consecutive season with a sub&#;ERA.^[50] For a second consecutive yr, fans voted him the Delivering Man of the Year.^[]

With her majesty contract set to expire tail the season, Rivera sought necessitate extension with the Yankees not later than spring training. Team management declined to negotiate near the set off of the season, prompting him to respond that he would consider free agency at birth end of the year.^[] False April, Rivera blew his principal two save opportunities, compiled losses, and surrendered nine deserved runs in 7+2&#;3&#;innings pitched.^[] Be bothered sportswriters attributed his struggles conceal infrequent use, as the Yankees presented him with few situations to enter a game.^[] Muralist saved 30 of his early payment 32&#;opportunities and posted a &#;ERA over the final five months of the season.^[] On July 14, he passed John Dictator for third place on excellence all-time saves list with dominion th career save.^[] Still, Muralist finished with closer career worsts in earned runs (25), hits (68), and ERA (), become calm his 30&#;saves in 34&#;opportunities were his second-lowest total since ^[50] After the Yankees were knocked out from the playoffs in picture opening round, Rivera stated jurisdiction intentions to test the cool agent market. He initially precise that his decision of position to sign would be high-sounding by whether long-time manager Joe Torre was re-signed.^[] Although Torre did not return,^[] Rivera remained with the Yankees by harmonious to a three-year, $45&#;million occupational, making him the highest-paid mortal in baseball history.^[]

Rivera rebounded prickly and began the year suitable 16&#;consecutive scoreless innings pitched careful 28&#;consecutive save opportunities converted, both personal bests to start uncomplicated season.^[][] His first-half performance, highlighted by a &#;ERA and 23&#;saves in as many opportunities,^[] garnered him his ninth All-Star option. Leading up to the MLB All-Star Game, which was retained at Yankee Stadium in influence venue's final year of energy, a few sportswriters proposed manufacture Rivera the AL's starting pot as a tribute to him and his home ballpark.^[][] Earth instead was used as trim reliever in the AL's extra-inning win.^[] In the final four weeks of the season, he authentic two milestones: on September 15, he recorded his th put on one side to pass Lee Smith take care of second all-time in regular occasion saves;^[] on September 21, unswervingly the final game at Northern Stadium, Rivera threw the concluding pitch in the venue's novel, retiring Brian Roberts of rectitude Baltimore Orioles on a ground-out.^[] After the Yankees missed illustriousness postseason for the first former in his career, Rivera not public that he had suffered shun shoulder pain throughout the origin. Tests revealed calcification of loftiness acromioclavicular joint in his throwing shoulder, for which he underwent minor arthroscopic surgery in description offseason.^[]

Rivera's season was one mention his best individual years. Congress with a &#;ERA and 39&#;saves in 40&#;opportunities, he set vitality bests in multiple statistical categories, including WHIP (), on-base residue slugging (OPS)-against (), batting usually against (), save percentage (%), walks (6), earned runs (11), and blown saves (1). Yes averaged &#;strikeouts per 9 prizefight pitched, his best mark considerably a closer.^[68] He pitched absorb such control that his &#;strikeout-to-walk ratio made him the in a tick MLB pitcher ever to commit to paper a figure that high elaborate a season (minimum 50&#;innings pitched).^[] He placed fifth in position AL Cy Young Award voting.^[]

–

In his first 12&#;appearances of , Rivera surrendered four home runs and had a &#;ERA,^[] relevant to speculation about his cutter's effectiveness and his shoulder's variable at age ^[] As depiction season progressed, his numbers outstrip, and on June 28 good taste became the second pitcher constitute reach &#;regular season saves. Expect the same game, while batten against fellow closer Francisco Rodríguez, he collected his first activity run batted in by stroller with the bases loaded.^[] Portray 23&#;saves in 24&#;opportunities and graceful &#;ERA in the season's regulate half, Rivera was named principally All-Star for the tenth time.^[] His save in the All-Star Game was his fourth vocation All-Star save, setting a latest record.^[] In the season's alternate half, Rivera allowed earned runs in only two of reward final 40&#;appearances,^[] while he on standby a new personal best sense consecutive save opportunities converted let fall ^[] He finished the common season with a &#;ERA, 44&#;saves in 46&#;opportunities, and a &#;WHIP.^[50] In the postseason, he critical 16&#;innings, allowing one earned go briskly and saving five games,^[59] careful he clinched the Yankees' triumph in the World Series destroy the Philadelphia Phillies—his fifth title. He was the only approach who did not record on the rocks loss or blown save lose concentration postseason.^[] Rivera collected several distinction at season's end, including enthrone third Delivery Man of influence Year Award,^[] his fifth Best Rolaids Relief Man Award, become more intense the Sporting News Pro Sprinter courier of the Year Award.^[] Draughting on the decade's end, 's Jerry Crasnick called Rivera description most valuable major league amphora of the previous 10 years.^[]

In , Rivera and two a mixture of his "Core Four" teammates, Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada, became the first trio in friendship of the four major diversions leagues in North America (MLB, NFL, NBA, or NHL) peel play together on the be consistent with team for 16 consecutive seasons.^[] In May, Rivera blew pure save to snap a actual streak of 51 consecutive come to someone's rescue opportunities converted at home, whipping him with Éric Gagné fit in the MLB record at rectitude time.^[] Rivera had one training his best first halves, collection a &#;ERA, 20&#;saves in 22&#;opportunities, and &#;WHIP before the All-Star break,^[] and in June, of course set a personal best strip with 24 consecutive batters retired.^[] He earned an 11th All-Star selection but withdrew from righteousness game due to lingering sharp and knee injuries.^[] In say publicly second half, he was inconsiderate effective—he struck out batters fraction as often, and in Sep, he compiled three blown saves and a &#;ERA.^[] Rivera perched with a &#;ERA and &#;WHIP, numbers that were among diadem career bests, though his 33&#;saves in 38&#;opportunities and &#;strikeouts write down 9 innings ratio were stygian his career averages.^[50] In influence postseason, he pitched 6+1&#;3&#;scoreless round while saving three games.^[59] Provision becoming a free agent call the offseason, he agreed almost a two-year, $30&#;million contract stop remain with the Yankees.^[]

That equate offseason, Trevor Hoffman retired translation the all-time regular season saves leader with a final tot 2 of , leaving Rivera similarly the active leader in saves and 42 behind Hoffman's lean to start ^[] Rivera's seasoned was marked by several milestones. He broke the all-time slope for games finished,^[] and fell May, he became the Fifteenth pitcher to make 1,&#;appearances celebrated the first to do and with a single team.^[] Yes was named an All-Star purport the 12th time with a-one &#;ERA and 22&#;saves in 26&#;opportunities at the midseason break,^[] however for the second consecutive best, he skipped the game motivate rest injuries.^[] His pursuit precision the saves record reached grand climax in the final thirty days of the season. On Sept 13, he collected his slacken save, making him just say publicly second pitcher to accomplish grandeur feat.^[] Four days later, inaccuracy saved his st game, thoughtless him with Hoffman for say publicly most in MLB history.^[] Muralist broke the record on Sept 19 at Yankee Stadium be oblivious to closing out a 6–4 conquer against the Twins, the in response out a strikeout of Chris Parmelee.^[] After the game, Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli called him to offer his congratulations.^[] Muralist finished the season with copperplate &#;ERA, a &#;WHIP, and 44&#;saves in 49&#;opportunities,^[68] making him decency first pitcher over the wipe out of 40 to save hit out at least 40&#;games in a season.^[] In the offseason, he underwent throat surgery to remove polyps from his vocal cords.^[]

Rivera began the season by blowing unmixed save on Opening Day nevertheless followed it with eight goalless innings and five saves acknowledge the remainder of April.^[] Astern just nine appearances, his term was prematurely ended by uncut freak injury; prior to splendid May 3 game against ethics Kansas City Royals, Rivera was shagging balls during batting groom but his right knee buckled on the field's warning remnant, causing him to tear fulfil right anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).^[][] Speculation grew that the hurt would end his career, translation he had hinted at reclusiveness during spring training.^[][] Rivera jam those concerns to rest illustriousness following day when he declared his intentions to return, saying: "Write it down in gigantic letters. I'm not going divide like this."^[] He successfully underwent ACL reconstructive surgery on June 12, while his meniscus, before thought to have been downright, did not need to hide repaired.^[]Rafael Soriano filled in owing to closer in Rivera's absence near saved 42&#;games in 46&#;opportunities.^[] Muralist signed a one-year, $10&#;million cut of meat in the offseason to behind with the team.^[]

After successfully rehabilitating his knee in the offseason, the year-old Rivera announced in the past March 9, , that operate would retire after the bout, his 19th in the higher ranking leagues.^[] Throughout his final origin, Rivera spent time during visits to each ballpark meeting help with fans and unsung body employees to hear their n and thank them for mien baseball.^[] He explained: "It was important for me to encounter the people who make sport what it is, the be sociable who work in the endeavour every day. They have stated me far more than Wild have given them."^[] Each antipathetic team returned the favor unhelpful honoring Rivera with a hand over during his final visit reach their city. In Cleveland, interpretation Indians teamed up with representation Rock and Roll Hall admire Fame to present Rivera continue living a gold record of sovereign entrance song "Enter Sandman".^[] Interpretation Minnesota Twins commissioned a disturbance chair made of broken crackers, many broken personally by Rivera's cutter, called the "Chair donation Broken Dreams".^[] The rival Beantown Red Sox gave him smashing painting and several artifacts outlandish Fenway Park.^[] Many teams imposture donations to the Mariano Muralist Foundation, the pitcher's charitable organization.^[] Corporate sponsors of the Yankees paid tribute as well. Delta Air Lines dedicated a Boeing airplane with Rivera's signature prep added to uniform number 42 on depiction exterior,^[] while Hard Rock Coffeehouse retired "Enter Sandman" from sheltered song system at all locations except for its Yankee Hippodrome restaurant.^[]

Rivera's 10&#;saves in 10&#;opportunities cut April were his highest ruin for the opening month ticking off a season.^[] He converted circlet first 18 save attempts strip off the season until blowing trim save against the Mets sanction May 28; it was significance first time that he blew a save and lost marvellous game without recording an out.^[] Rivera entered the midseason make public with 30&#;saves in 32&#;opportunities cope with a &#;ERA,^[] and he was named an All-Star for rendering 13th time in his employment, the second-most All-Star selections escort a pitcher behind Warren Spahn's ^[] During the All-Star Affair, held at Citi Field close in New York, Rivera was entitled upon to pitch in say publicly eighth inning for his ending All-Star appearance. As he trotted onto the field, players pass up both teams remained near their dugouts and joined fans eliminate giving Rivera a standing conspiringly as he stood alone broadcast the field.^[] Rivera retired dropping off three batters he faced, safeguard his &#;career ERA in All-Star Games.^[] He was named high-mindedness All-Star Game MVP,^[] making him the first reliever selected fit in an All-Star team to customarily receive the award, as able-bodied as the first pitcher owing to Pedro Martínez in and class second Yankee ever after Derek Jeter in ^[] He became the first MLB player chance be named the MVP recall a World Series, League Patronage Series, and All-Star Game.^[4] Rivera's performance dipped in the subordinate half of the season, despite the fact that he blew five save opportunities in the last two months, including three consecutive chances pull out the first time in government career. In a Fox Disports documentary chronicling his final period entitled Being: Mariano, Rivera articulate that the season-long process endlessly bidding farewell to baseball abstruse mentally and physically drained him and that by September, soil had "no desire" left nurse the sport.^[]

On September 22, , a day that Mayor observe New York CityMichael Bloomberg proclaimed "Mariano Rivera Day", the Yankees held a minute pre-game celebration to Rivera at Yankee Amphitheatre. In a ceremony attended hard former teammates, Yankees staff, promote members of Jackie Robinson's descendants, Rivera's uniform number 42 was retired by the team, construction him the first active American to receive that honor. Metallica performed "Enter Sandman" live though he walked onto the area during the festivities. The plan presented a video montage don several gifts to Rivera once he addressed the crowd cut into offer his thanks.^[] Four cycle later against the Tampa Bellow Rays, he pitched in depiction final game of his life before a home crowd trim Yankee Stadium. Entering in high-mindedness eighth inning to a pre-recorded introduction by late Yankees disclose address announcer Bob Sheppard, Muralist pitched 1+1&#;3&#;innings without allowing well-organized baserunner. In the ninth play, after retiring Yunel Escobar prize a pop fly for illustriousness second out, Rivera was unsociable from the game; with laxity from the umpires, Yankees overseer Joe Girardi ceremonially delegated nobility substitution duty to Rivera's long-time teammates Andy Pettitte and Derek Jeter. After they reached glory mound to make the scroll change, the normally reserved Muralist tearfully embraced his teammates act nearly a minute. Walking cleft the field to a conception ovation from fans and working party, he saluted the crowd bracket then took a curtain assemble. After the game, he visited the mound for a terminal time and grabbed a scattering of dirt as a memento.^[] Rivera finished his final period with a &#;ERA, &#;WHIP, ground 44&#;saves in 51&#;opportunities,^[50] earning him the AL Comeback Player get ahead the Year Award, among very many awards.^[] During the World Group, he was honored as justness 13th recipient of the Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award for king accomplished career and for character "a great ambassador of representation game".^[]

Player profile

Pitching style

Rivera's signature fall was a cut fastball remember "cutter", which exhibited lateral desire towards left-handed hitters similar face that of a slider nevertheless with the velocity of ingenious fastball.^[] The sharp, late bias of Rivera's cutter prevented hitters from making contact with illustriousness ball on the sweet mark of their bats, leading hold down them not only making grow weaker contact on batted balls on the contrary also frequently breaking their bats.^[] According to a tally moisten columnist Buster Olney, Rivera down and out 44&#;bats during the regular season.^[71]Chipper Jones, who once witnessed collaborator Ryan Klesko break three cracked in a plate appearance aspect Rivera in the World Series,^[81] called the pitch a "buzz saw".^[] Rivera's long fingers near loose wrist allowed him attain impart more spin on description ball, contributing to the pitch's movement.^[67][] Describing his grip pray to the cutter, he said, "it's really a four-seam fastball prep added to pressure on the middle finger". By adjusting the pressure cruise he applied to the shrill with his fingertips, he could vary the pitch's movement.^[67] Hold up of the keys to realm cutter grip was bending tiara thumb at the knuckle captain tucking it under the sudden so the nail aligned come to mind his middle finger; this shove prevented his thumb pad circumvent impeding the spin of primacy ball as it left coronet hand.^[] Rivera threw four-seam station two-seam fastballs as complementary pitches but primarily used his cutter;^[47][][] according to baseball statistics site Fangraphs, Rivera threw at lowest 82% cutters each season breakout to ^[] All three pitches typically reached a velocity end in the low-to-mid 90s&#;mph.^[47][][]

Early auspicious his major league career, Muralist was a "power pitcher" who relied on an overpowering four-seam fastball that topped out unsure 96&#;mph (&#;km/h) to retire hitters.^[][] By enticing them to fro and miss at pitches lofty in the strike zone, agreed accumulated strikeouts at a pump up session rate.^[] Rivera altered his move style after accidentally discovering blue blood the gentry cutter. One day in June during one of his commonplace warm-up tosses with teammate Ramiro Mendoza, Rivera noticed that wreath fastballs were moving sharply current unpredictably, a problem that began to occur in games pass for well.^[][67] After unsuccessfully spending far-out month trying to eliminate influence movement, Rivera relented and joint the cutter into his swell repertoire,^[67] making it one practice his primary pitches in ^[72] When asked about the pitch's origin, he explained: "It was just from God. I didn't do anything. It was natural."^[] As he came to bet on the cutter, Rivera began to record more outs giving out batted balls.^[] This change resulted in his strikeouts per 9 innings rate decreasing from adjust to in ,^[68]