Panamanian baseball pitcher widely regarded as the greatest closer of all time, with MLB record 652 saves and five World Series championships with Yankees
Mariano Rivera is the greatest relief pitcher in baseball history, the New York Yankees' legendary closer whose cut fastball was virtually unhittable. The only player unanimously elected to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 2019, Rivera's 652 saves and 0.70 ERA in the postseason are the most remarkable numbers in baseball history. His delivery was so consistent and his cutter so devastating that he dominated despite opponents knowing exactly what was coming.
Greatest closer in baseball history, legendary cut fastball
How They Played
Dominant closer with devastating cut fastball, exceptional clutch performance
Lasting Impact
Widely regarded as the best relief pitcher ever, revolutionized the closer role
Career Honours
- World Series Champion 1996
- World Series Champion 1998
- World Series Champion 1999
- World Series Champion 2000
- World Series Champion 2009
- World Series MVP 1999
- AL Championship Series MVP 2003
- MLB All-Star Selection 1997
- MLB All-Star Selection 1999
- MLB All-Star Selection 2000
- MLB All-Star Selection 2001
- MLB All-Star Selection 2002
- MLB All-Star Selection 2004
- MLB All-Star Selection 2005
- MLB All-Star Selection 2006
- MLB All-Star Selection 2008
- MLB All-Star Selection 2009
- MLB All-Star Selection 2010
- MLB All-Star Selection 2011
- MLB All-Star Selection 2013
- Trevor Hoffman Reliever of the Year Award 2005
- Trevor Hoffman Reliever of the Year Award 2006
- Trevor Hoffman Reliever of the Year Award 2009
- Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee 2019 (unanimous selection)
- Roberto Clemente Award 2013
- All-Time MLB Saves Leader (652 career saves)
| Team | Period | Games | Jersey |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Yankees | 1995–2013 | 1283 | #42 |