Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Schatz
There’s a certain magic to the name Mariano Rivera. It’s a name synonymous with perfection and excellence. As the all-time saves leader and a cornerstone of the New York Yankees dynasty, Rivera’s career is full of unforgettable moments.
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So turn up Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” and sit back and relive the thrills and chills of the Rivera era with us.
The All-Time Career Saves Holder
If Mariano Rivera was coming out of the bullpen in the ninth inning there was a very good chance the game would be over shortly. Rivera saved games better than anyone, and on September 19, 2011, he secured his 602nd save, passing Trevor Hoffman for the most saves in MLB history.
When his Hall of Fame career came to an end, Rivera had saved 652 games. It remains the all-time record and will most likely never be broken.
1999 World Series MVP
It’s extremely rare for a closer to win an MVP award, but Rivera did just that during the 1999 World Series. In the Yankees’ sweep of the Atlanta Braves, Rivera pitched 4.2 innings in his three appearances, giving up just 3 hits and no runs. He earned the win in Game Three to go along with his 2 saves. This performance cemented him as one of the all-time great postseason performers.
The ’03 ALCS MVP
The 2003 ALCS was one of the most epic postseason series ever. It had everything. Drama. Walkoffs. Tension. And it featured two of the most storied franchises in baseball – and bitter rivals – the Yankees and Red Sox.
In the seven-game series, Mariano Rivera played a crucial role in helping the Yanks bring home the pennant. He appeared in 4 games, winning one and saving two, with that win coming in Game Seven. In total, he threw 8 innings, gave up 5 hits, 1 run, 6Ks and took home one MVP award.
5-Time World Series Champion
Mariano Rivera was an integral part of the Yankees dynasty in the late ’90s. He and his teammates won it all in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2009, making Rivera one of the most decorated closers in baseball history.
The Best of The Best: 13-Time All-Star Selections
In addition to his postseason heroics, Mariano Rivera was a fan favorite for the entirety of his 19 seasons. In 1997 he earned his first of 13 All-Star Game appearances. His 13 are a record for closers – just another Rivera record that will stand for eternity.
The Signature Cut Fastball
You can’t talk about Mariano Rivera without also mentioning the cut fastball. Rivera made the pitch famous – and baffled hitters along the way. The modest 91-93 mph pitch never overpowered hitters, but instead, shattered hundreds of bats with its sharp movement.
Right, left, switch hitters, it didn’t matter. Rivera could even tell you it was coming and you’d still hit a weak ground ball to second base. When added with Rivera’s already pinpoint accuracy, the cut fastball made him nearly unhittable.
First Unanimous Hall of Fame Inductee
Capping his illustrious career, Mariano Rivera made history yet again in 2019 by becoming the first-ever unanimous inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame. This unprecedented achievement underscored not just his talent on the mound, but also the respect and admiration he’d garnered throughout his career.
Owning October: Career Postseason ERA of 0.70
Simply put, Mariano Rivera dominated the postseason. He appeared in 96 games and threw 141 innings. He was 8-1 with 42 saves, 110 strikeouts and a ridiculous 0.70 ERA.
If that’s not impressive enough, he was even better during the World Series, where he saw his ERA drop to an absurd 0.56.
October’s Best Closer
Rivera’s 42 postseason saves are the most in the history of baseball. Those 42 are more than double the next closest reliever on the list.
Yankees Retired His Number 42
On September 22, 2013, the New York Yankees retired Rivera’s Number 42, cementing his legacy and capping the end of his 19-year career with the Yankees. Because Rivera was so revered amongst his peers, he was allowed to continue wearing #42 even after MLB retired it league-wide in honor of Jackie Robinson.
It seems only fitting that Mariano Rivera, the epitome of class, would be the last to wear the number.
Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2019, Mariano Rivera was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. It was an acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to American sports and society, spotlighting his status not only as an enduring sports icon but also as an influential figure in American life.