For New York Yankees closing pitcher Mariano Rivera it has been an awesome ride. Rivera began his Major League Baseball career in 1995 as a starting pitcher for The Yankees. Rivera wasn’t overwhelmingly good as a starter as he could only give then Yankees manager Buck Showalter one or two quality innings. By 1996, Showalter was no longer the manager of The Yankees as he was replaced by Joe Torre. Torre then made Rivera the setup man to John Wetteland. Rivera’s earned run average in 1996 was 2.09 as he helped The Yankees win their first World Series Championship since 1978. Wetteland left after the 1996 season as Rivera assumed the role of closer and he hasn’t looked back since.
Rivera has five World Series Championships to his credit along with 624 career saves which is by far the most in MLB history as the closest active player is Texas Rangers closing pitcher Joe Nathan with 309 saves. Along with a career earned run average of 2.21, Rivera is a lock for Cooperstown and The Baseball Hall of Fame on his first try. Barring a few self righteous voters, Rivera deserves 100% of the votes when he becomes eligible.
At 43-years of age, Rivera is not showing any signs of slowing down. Rivera’s 16 saves on the season currently lead The American League as batters have yet to figure out his cut fastball. There was concern for The Yankees last season when Rivera suffered a freakish injury. While doing drills near the outfield wall prior to a game against The Kansas City Royals, Rivera suffered an ACL injury to his right knee that prematurely ended his season last May. Being the competitor that he is Rivera vowed to return in 2013 and he is back with a vengeance.
After tonight’s 4-3 victory by The Yankees over The Seattle Mariners, Rivera now has an earned run average of 1.56 as he looks like he could pitch for at least another five years. Rivera is 16-for-16 in save opportunities this season and he has only surrendered three earned runs. In a season in which The Yankees have seen a slew of injuries not allow All-Star caliber players such as shortstop Derek Jeter to compete, it is nice to see Rivera up to his old tricks. The Yankees find themselves in familiar territory in The AL East as they are currently in first place. Rivera is a big part of it as he continues to put fear into the opposition once they hear Mettalica’s “Enter Sandman”.
Baseball-reference.com
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