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Mariano Rivera

New York Yankees — No. 42
Closer
Born: November 29, 1969 (1969-11-29) (age 38)
Panama City, Panama
Bats: Right Throws: Right 
Major League Baseball debut
May 23, 1995 for the New York Yankees
Selected MLB statistics
(through June 8, 2008)
Win-Loss     64–45
Saves     459
Earned Run Average     2. In Baseball, a closing pitcher, more frequently referred to as a closer (abbreviated CL) is a Relief pitcher who specializes in closing out Events 1777 - San Jose California, is founded as el Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe Year 1969 ( MCMLXIX) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Panama City (Ciudad de Panamá is the Capital and largest city of the Republic of Panama. Panama, officially the Republic of Panama (República de Panamá) is the southernmost country of Central America. Events 1430 - Siege of Compiègne: Joan of Arc is captured by the Burgundians while leading an army to relieve Compiègne Year 1995 ( MCMXCV) was a Common year starting on Sunday. Events of 1995 A win is a Statistic in Major League Baseball credited to the Pitcher for the winning team who was in the game when his team last took the lead In Baseball, a save (abbreviated SV or S) is credited to a Pitcher who finishes a game for the winning team under certain prescribed circumstances In Baseball statistics, earned run average ( ERA) is the Mean of Earned runs given up by a Pitcher per nine Innings pitched 30
Strikeouts     884
Teams
Highlights and awards

Mariano Rivera (born November 29, 1969, in Panama City, Panama) is a professional baseball player. In Baseball or Softball, a strikeout or strike out (denoted by SO or K) occurs when a batter receives three strikes The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the borough of The Bronx, in New York City, New York. Champions Major League Baseball World Series: Atlanta Braves over Cleveland Indians (4-2 Tom Glavine, MVP The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League ( AL) is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in In Major League Baseball, the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award, first awarded in, is a distinction given to the top Relief pitcher in each league at the end of Champions Major League Baseball World Series: New York Yankees over Atlanta Braves (4-0 Mariano Rivera, MVP Champions Major League Baseball Regular Season Champions Other champions Caribbean World Series: Headline events of the year The Boston Red Sox win their first World Series since, ending the Curse of the Bambino. 2005 Major League Baseball season Headline events of the year Chicago White Sox swept the Houston Astros to win the World Series Champions Major League Baseball World Series: New York Yankees over Atlanta Braves (4-0 Mariano Rivera, MVP The World Series MVP Award is given to the player who most contributes to his team's success in the World Series - the Most Valuable Player. Headline event of the year The Florida Marlins become World Series champions holding off a dynastic New York Yankees team 4 games to Events 1777 - San Jose California, is founded as el Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe Year 1969 ( MCMLXIX) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Panama City (Ciudad de Panamá is the Capital and largest city of the Republic of Panama. Panama, officially the Republic of Panama (República de Panamá) is the southernmost country of Central America. Baseball is a team sport which is played by several professional leagues throughout the world He is a relief pitcher for Major League Baseball's New York Yankees. A relief pitcher or reliever is a Baseball or Softball Pitcher who enters the game after the Starting pitcher is removed due to injury The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the borough of The Bronx, in New York City, New York. He throws and bats right-handed. Someone who is right-handed will prefer to use this hand for everyday activities such as writing, maintaining personal hygiene, Cooking and so forth Nicknamed "Mo,"[2] Rivera originally began his Major League career as a starting pitcher in 1995, but it was after he was moved to the bullpen and converted to closer that he found success. In Baseball or Softball, a starting pitcher, often abbreviated as starter, is the Pitcher who pitches the first pitch to the first batter of Champions Major League Baseball World Series: Atlanta Braves over Cleveland Indians (4-2 Tom Glavine, MVP In Baseball, the bullpen (or simply the pen) is the area where relief Pitchers warm-up before entering a game In Baseball, a closing pitcher, more frequently referred to as a closer (abbreviated CL) is a Relief pitcher who specializes in closing out [3] He has subsequently become one of the premier closers in the majors.

Many people within baseball argue that Rivera is the greatest postseason relief pitcher[4][5] and the greatest closer in baseball history. [6][7][8][9] Along with having the third-most career regular season saves in Major League history,[10] Rivera is the Major League's all-time postseason leader in saves[11] and ERA. In an organised Sports league, a season is the portion of one Year in which regulated Games of the sport are in session In Baseball, a save (abbreviated SV or S) is credited to a Pitcher who finishes a game for the winning team under certain prescribed circumstances In an organised Sports league, a season is the portion of one Year in which regulated Games of the sport are in session In Baseball statistics, earned run average ( ERA) is the Mean of Earned runs given up by a Pitcher per nine Innings pitched [12] In his career with the Yankees, Rivera has won 4 World Series titles. For other events named "World Series" see World Series (disambiguation.

Rivera is well-known for his signature pitch, a sharp-breaking cut fastball. In Baseball, a cutter, or cut fastball, is a type of Fastball which breaks slightly as it reaches Home plate. [7] He is the last active MLB player to wear the uniform number 42, which was retired throughout baseball in 1997 in honor of Jackie Robinson. Major League baseball has retired various Uniform numbers in its history ensuring that they will always be associated with one player of note Champions Major League Baseball World Series: Florida Marlins over Cleveland Indians (4-3 Liván Hernández, Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson (January 31 1919 – October 24 1972 was a Baseball player for the Brooklyn Dodgers. [13]

Contents

Early life

Rivera grew up in Panama frequently playing baseball with his friends, substituting milk cartons for gloves and tree branches for bats. [3] Although his father was a fisherman, Rivera never dreamed of taking up the profession, calling the job "way too tough. " As a 19-year old, Mariano had to abandon a capsizing 120-ton commercial boat he had been aboard, all but convincing him to give the job up. [3]

Baseball career

Minor leagues (1990–1994)

In 1990, a 20 year-old Rivera, then a shortstop, volunteered to pitch for his Panamá Oeste team. A scout for the New York Yankees, Herb Raybourn was in attendance at one of his games. Although Rivera had no formal pitching training, he was throwing 85–87 MPH with a smooth delivery, prompting Raybourn to sign Rivera to a contract with a $3,000 signing bonus. [3] Rivera rewarded Raybourn's faith by posting ERAs of 2. In Baseball statistics, earned run average ( ERA) is the Mean of Earned runs given up by a Pitcher per nine Innings pitched 75 (with Greensboro) and 2. The Greensboro Grasshoppers (formerly the Greensboro Bats and the Greensboro Hornets are a Minor league baseball team in Greensboro North Carolina, USA 28 (with Ft. Lauderdale) in 1991 and 1992, respectively. [14]

Rivera's minor league career was interrupted when he had Tommy John surgery in 1992 to fix nerve damage in his elbow. Tommy John surgery known by doctors as ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (or UCL) is a surgical procedure in which a Ligament in the His rehabilitation coincided with the 1992 expansion draft for the Florida Marlins and Colorado Rockies; Rivera was left unprotected but was not drafted. The 1992 MLB Expansion Draft was held November 17, 1992. This Expansion draft was conducted by Major League Baseball to stock the major league The Florida Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami Gardens Florida. The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Rivera successfully rehabilitated his arm in 1993 and resumed pitching that year. In 1994, he ascended from Class A to AA and then AAA, striking out 89 batters while issuing only 20 walks over the course of the year. Part of the History of baseball series Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of Professional baseball leagues in North Part of the History of baseball series Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of Professional baseball leagues in North [15]

Call-up to major leagues (1995)

Rivera's rookie year in the Major Leagues was 1995, initially as a starting pitcher. Champions Major League Baseball World Series: Atlanta Braves over Cleveland Indians (4-2 Tom Glavine, MVP [3] He found mixed success, posting a 5–3 record and 5. 51 ERA that year. [16] As a result, he split time between the Yankees and their AAA affiliate in Columbus. The Columbus Clippers are a Minor league baseball team based in Columbus, Ohio. [17] As a 25 year-old rookie with major arm surgery in his past, Rivera's role on the team was not guaranteed. The Yankees considered trading Rivera to the Detroit Tigers for David Wells. The Detroit Tigers are a professional baseball team based in Detroit, Michigan, USA David Lee Wells (born May 20, 1963 in Torrance California) is a former Major League Baseball Starting pitcher. [9] However, a surprise improvement prompted a change of heart. In one minor league start, Rivera suddenly began throwing 95–96 MPH. [9] Rivera's sudden improvement and his success in the 1995 American League Division Series, in which be pitched 5. The American League Division Series ( ALDS) the opening round of the 1995 American League playoffs began on Tuesday October 3, and ended on 1 scoreless innings of relief,[18] convinced Yankees' management to keep him and move him into the bullpen the following season. [17]

Set-up man (1996)

In 1996, Rivera served primarily as a set-up man for the closer John Wetteland. Champions Major League Baseball World Series: New York Yankees over Atlanta Braves (4-2 John Wetteland, MVP In Baseball, a setup pitcher (or set-up pitcher, sometimes called the setup man) is a Relief pitcher who regularly pitches before the closer In Baseball, a closing pitcher, more frequently referred to as a closer (abbreviated CL) is a Relief pitcher who specializes in closing out John Karl Wetteland (born August 21, 1966 in San Mateo California) is a former Major League Baseball Pitcher, who pitched as a [3] Rivera typically would pitch the 7th and 8th innings, before Wetteland pitched in the 9th. Their effectiveness as a tandem essentially shortened their games to 6 innings, as the Yankees had a 70–3 record that season when leading after the 6th inning. [19] The Yankees utilized a "6-2-1" strategy by aiming for six innings from the starting pitcher, two from Rivera, and one from Wetteland. In Baseball or Softball, a starting pitcher, often abbreviated as starter, is the Pitcher who pitches the first pitch to the first batter of The Yankees won 29 of 31 games in which the pair appeared. [20] Rivera played an important role in the Yankees winning the World Series that year (their first championship since 1978). Champions Major League Baseball World Series: New York Yankees over Los Angeles Dodgers (4-2 Bucky Dent, MVP In 107 2/3 innings pitched that season, Rivera only allowed one home run. At one point, Rivera pitched 26 consecutive scoreless innings, including 15 consecutive hitless innings. [21] Setting a Yankee record for strikeouts by a reliever in a season (130),[17] Rivera came in third for the Cy Young Award voting, behind twenty-game winners Pat Hentgen and teammate Andy Pettitte, respectively. In Baseball or Softball, a strikeout or strike out (denoted by SO or K) occurs when a batter receives three strikes In Baseball, the Cy Young Award is an honor given annually to the best Pitcher in Major League Baseball (one each for American and National Patrick George Hentgen (born November 13, 1968 in Detroit, Michigan) is a former Major League Baseball player Andrew Eugene Pettitte (born June 15 1972 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana) is an American Left-handed Starting pitcher who plays for the

Closer career (1997–present)

1997–2002

When Wetteland left the team as a free agent the following season, Rivera inherited the role of Yankees' closer for the 1997 season. Champions Major League Baseball World Series: Florida Marlins over Cleveland Indians (4-3 Liván Hernández, [3] It would not be a seamless transition from set-up man to closer, as he blew 3 of his first 6 save opportunities. In Baseball, a save (abbreviated SV or S) is credited to a Pitcher who finishes a game for the winning team under certain prescribed circumstances [7] Eventually, Rivera settled into the role, recording 43 saves and a 1. 88 ERA in the 1997 regular season;[16] it was also that year that Rivera began to enter to Metallica's "Enter Sandman",[22] as well throw a cut fastball, which quickly became his signature pitch. Metallica is an American heavy metal band that formed in 1981 in. " Enter Sandman " is a song by American heavy metal band Metallica, featured as the Opening track and lead single from their [9] Rivera's 1997 postseason was not as successful as his regular season. He blew a save in Game 4 of the ALDS against the Cleveland Indians by allowing a game-tying home run to Sandy Alomar, Jr.,[17] with the Yankees four outs from advancing to the American League Championship Series. The American League Division Series ( ALDS) the opening round of the 1997 American League playoffs began on Tuesday September 30, and ended The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. Santos "Sandy" Alomar Jr, or in the Spanish naming system Santos Alomar Velázquez (born June 18, 1966 in Salinas Puerto Rico The 1997 American League Championship Series pitted the Cleveland Indians, who won coming back against the defending World Series champion The Yankees eventually lost that game and the next and were eliminated from the playoffs.

Many were concerned that the disappointment of the previous season's end would affect Rivera's performance in the future,[6] but he put any such concerns to rest. In the following seasons, Rivera became one of the best closers in the Major Leagues. Rivera saved 36 games in 1998 and finished with a 1. Headline events of the year Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Ken Griffey Jr 91 ERA, helping the Yankees win 125 total games and another World Series. [16] In 1999, Rivera lead the American League with 45 saves and won the World Series MVP Award in winning a third championship title. Champions Major League Baseball World Series: New York Yankees over Atlanta Braves (4-0 Mariano Rivera, MVP The World Series MVP Award is given to the player who most contributes to his team's success in the World Series - the Most Valuable Player. Two years later, he once again lead the American League in saves with 50. [3]

Rivera's success in the postseason has been key in each of the Yankees' four recent World Series titles (in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000). The 1996 World Series matched the defending champion Atlanta Braves against the New York Yankees, with the Yankees winning in six games to capture their first The 1998 World Series matched the New York Yankees against the San Diego Padres. The 1999 World Series matched the defending champion New York Yankees against the Atlanta Braves, with the Yankees sweeping the Series in four games The 2000 World Series featured a crosstown matchup between the two-time defending champion New York Yankees and the New York Mets, with the Yankees winning 4 [9] His 34 postseason saves and 0. 77 lifetime postseason ERA are both Major League records;[11][12] no pitcher has half as many postseason saves as Rivera. From 1998 to 2001, Rivera converted 23 consecutive postseason saves,[23] and from 1998 to 2000, he pitched 34 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings in the postseason;[24] both feats are also Major League records. Champions Major League Baseball Regular Season Champions Other champions Caribbean World Series: Champions Major League Baseball Regular Season Champions Other champions Caribbean World Series: Rivera has a record of 8–1 in the postseason with a 0. 75 WHIP. In Baseball statistics, Walks plus hits per inning pitched ( WHIP) is a sabermetric measurement of the number of baserunners a Pitcher He is often called upon to convert two-inning saves in the postseason, recording twelve of this variety. [25] Additionally, he has recorded a 0. 00 ERA in seventeen separate postseason series. [1]

Rivera's consistency is such that many fans remember his missteps more so than his successes. Rivera's most disappointing moment came in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series. The 2001 World Series (the "November Series") took place between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the New York Yankees. [3] After pitching a shutout eighth inning, Rivera was two outs from winning a fourth consecutive World Series title when he blew the save and Series in the bottom of the 9th inning, eventually allowing Luis Gonzalez's "bloop" single with the bases loaded to score the winning run. Luis Emilio Gonzalez (born September 3, 1967 in Tampa Florida) nicknamed " Gonzo ", is a Major League Baseball Outfielder

In 2002, injuries limited Rivera to just 46 innings and 28 saves. Champions Major League Baseball Regular Season Champions Other champions Caribbean World Series: He was placed on the disabled list three times for a groin pull and a right shoulder strain. [26]

2003–2004

Rivera missed the first month of the 2003 season while he was on the disabled list with a groin injury. Headline event of the year The Florida Marlins become World Series champions holding off a dynastic New York Yankees team 4 games to Juan Acevedo took over closing duties while Rivera healed. Juan Carlos Acevedo (born May 5, 1970 in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico) is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League [27] Despite going six-for-six in save opportunities as closer, Acevedo pitched very poorly for the Yankees, yielding a 7. 71 ERA, and he was soon released. [28] Rivera debuted on May 1 and quickly returned to form. [29] During the 2003 season, he appeared in 64 regular season games and posted 40 saves and a 1. 66 ERA. In the postseason, Rivera threw 16 2/3 innings while allowing only one run, which lowered his lifetime postseason ERA to 0. 75. [30]

In the 2003 American League Championship Series against the wild-card Red Sox, he recorded two key two-inning saves in Games 3 and 5. The 2003 American League Championship Series was played between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees from October 8 to In Game 7, Rivera delivered one of the best postseason performances of his career. He entered the game in the 9th inning with the score tied and pitched three scoreless innings en route to becoming the game's winning pitcher; it was the first time he had pitched that many innings in a game since 1996. Though Aaron Boone’s 11th-inning homer ended the game and clinched the Yankees' World Series berth, Rivera was named the series' MVP for recording two saves and a win. Aaron John Boone (born March 9, 1973 in La Mesa, California) is a major league infielder currently with the Washington Nationals The most memorable image of Rivera from that game was his celebration following Boone's home run; he ran out to the mound and collapsed in joy and exhaustion to thank God, as Boone rounded the bases and was mobbed by his teammates at home plate. [31] Rivera was carried on the shoulders of his teammates during the celebration.

Prior to the 2004 season, with a year left on his contract, Rivera signed a two-year contract extension. The deal also included an option of a third year (for 2007) if Rivera finished enough games. [32]

The 2004 season was another stellar year for Rivera. Headline events of the year The Boston Red Sox win their first World Series since, ending the Curse of the Bambino. In addition to becoming the seventeenth pitcher in MLB history to record 300 saves,[33] he won his third Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award and finished third in voting for the Cy Young Award,[34] posting a 1. In Major League Baseball, the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award, first awarded in, is a distinction given to the top Relief pitcher in each league at the end of 94 ERA and a career best 53 saves. [16]

The Yankees won their seventh straight American League East championship. The American League East Division is one of Major League Baseball's six divisions In the 2004 ALDS, Mariano appeared in all four games and allowed no earned runs, despite blowing a save. The American League Division Series ( ALDS) the opening round of the 2004 American League playoffs began on Tuesday October 5, and ended on [35] However, following the ALDS, joy turned to mourning for Rivera. He learned that two of his relatives in Panama had been killed at his home when electrified guard wire fell into the pool they were in. Rivera immediately flew home, and his status for the upcoming ALCS was in doubt. The American League Championship Series was a Major League Baseball playoff series played between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees Although the funeral in Panama was held on the same day as Game 1 against the Boston Red Sox, Rivera flew 2,200 miles back to New York and arrived at Yankee Stadium in the 5th inning to a standing ovation. [3] Having suffered through a very emotional day, Rivera was able to record a save later that night, as well as in Game 2.

With the Yankees up 3–0 in the series, Rivera blew saves in Games 4 and 5, allowing the Red Sox to avoid elimination. In Game 4, protecting a 4–3 lead in the 9th inning, Rivera walked lead-off hitter Kevin Millar. Kevin Charles Millar (born September 24, 1971, in Los Angeles, California) is a professional First baseman who plays for the Pinch runner Dave Roberts stole second base and scored on a single by Bill Mueller to tie the game. David Ray Roberts (born May 31, 1972 in Okinawa, Japan) is a Major League Baseball Outfielder for the San Francisco In Baseball, a stolen base occurs when a Baserunner successfully advances to the next base while the Pitcher is delivering the ball to Home plate William Richard Mueller (ˈmɪlɚ born March 17, 1971) is a former Major League Baseball Third baseman. The Red Sox eventually won in extra innings. The following night, with the Yankees staked to 4–3 lead in the 8th inning, Rivera entered the game with runners on 1st and 3rd base and no outs. He allowed only a sacrifice fly to Jason Varitek, but it tied the score. Jason Andrew Varitek (ˈvɛɹɨˌtɛk born April 11 1972 in) is an American Baseball player Like the night before, the Red Sox would win in extra innings. Rivera only allowed one earned run in the entire 2004 post-season,[36] but the comeback wins in Games 4 and 5 allowed Boston to survive and begin its historic comeback; they would win the series in seven games.

2005–2006

Unlike previous years, Rivera did not throw during the winter in the offseason. [37] This led many to believe he needed more rest to recover from the 2004 season, in which he saw the most activity of his reliever career. Although Rivera missed nine days during Spring Training with elbow bursitis, he was ready to play for Opening Day. [37] The 2005 season started out on a low note for Rivera, as he blew his first two saves of the season against the Red Sox (marking four consecutive blown saves against Boston, dating back to the previous postseason). 2005 Major League Baseball season Headline events of the year Chicago White Sox swept the Houston Astros to win the World Series [38] The stretch prompted many people in the baseball world to question whether Rivera was a dominant pitcher anymore. [37][38][39] Rivera was subsequently cheered by Red Sox fans during pre-game introductions at Fenway Park the following week, as recognition for his subpar performance against the Red Sox. Rivera took the ovation with a good sense of humor and tipped his cap to the crowd. [40]

Rivera would have the last laugh, though, as 2005 proved to be the greatest year of his career. [41] He converted a career-best 31 consecutive save opportunities en route to recording a total of 43 saves in 47 opportunities. His 1. 38 ERA was a career low, as was his 0. 87 WHIP. His batting average against was . In Baseball statistics, opponents' batting average (denoted by O-AVG or O-BA) also referred to as batting average against ( BAA) 177 (the second-best mark of his career), his OPS against was . On-base plus slugging (OPS is a baseball statistic calculated as the sum of a player's On-base percentage and Slugging percentage. 465 (a career low), and his K/9 was 9. In Baseball statistics, strikeouts per 9 innings pitched ( K/9IP or K/9) is the Mean of Strikeouts, (or K's) by a 19 (then, the second-best mark of his closer career). [16] Rivera finished second in the race for the AL Cy Young Award to Bartolo Colón and ninth in the AL Most Valuable Player voting. Bartolo Colón (born May 24 1973 in Altamira, Dominican Republic) is a Major League Baseball Starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox The Most Valuable Player Award (commonly known as the MVP award is an annual award given to one outstanding player in each league of Major League Baseball. [42] He also notched the save in the 2005 All-Star Game. The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also popularly known as the "Midsummer Classic" is an annual Baseball game between players from the National League

Rivera's delivery, clockwise, starting from top left.
Rivera's delivery, clockwise, starting from top left.

In 2006, despite a rough April, Rivera made his third consecutive All-Star Team, with a 1. 2006 Major League Baseball season|2006 Nippon Professional Baseball season Headline Event of the Year The 2006 World Baseball Classic is a surprise success 76 ERA, 19 saves in 21 opportunities, and a 0. 91 WHIP going into the All-Star Break. Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillén announced in advance that he would use Rivera to close the All-Star Game, a compliment considering Guillen's closer for the White Sox, Bobby Jenks, also made the team. The Chicago White Sox are a professional Baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois. Oswaldo José Guillén Barrios (born January 20, 1964 in Ocumare del Tuy, Miranda State, Venezuela) well known as Ozzie Guillén Robert Scott "Bobby" Jenks (born March 14, 1981 in Mission Hills, California) is a Major League Baseball Closing [43] Mariano ended up saving the game for the American League in a comeback victory against National League closer Trevor Hoffman, the only active player with more saves than Rivera. Trevor William Hoffman ( October 13, 1967 in Bellflower California) is a closer in Major League Baseball who has played for the The save was Rivera's third in an All-Star Game, making him and Dennis Eckersley the only two pitchers to reach the milestone. Dennis Lee Eckersley (born October 3 1954 nicknamed "Eck" is a former American Major League Baseball player [44]

On June 20, 2006, Rivera had his first career regular season at-bat, during which he struck out. Events 451 - Battle of Chalons: Flavius Aetius ' defeats Attila the Hun. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. [45]

On July 16, 2006, Rivera became the fourth pitcher in Major League history to record 400 saves, converting a two-inning save against the White Sox. Events 622 - The beginning of the Islamic calendar. 1054 - Three Roman legates fractured relations between the Western and Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. [46]

At the beginning of September 2006, Rivera was sidelined with an elbow strain in his throwing arm. [47] With the Yankees leading the Red Sox in the AL East divisional race by a large margin, the team decided to rest him for most of September. [48] Rivera 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. [16] Although he was well-rested for the postseason for the first time in years, the Yankees were unable to advance past the first round. He pitched just one inning against Detroit, in a non-save situation.

During the regular season, Rivera finished enough games to earn the option for a third year on his contract, which expired after the 2007 season. His performance in 2006 also won him the DHL Delivery Man of the Year Award for a 2nd consecutive season,[49] and MLB. com's Closer of the Year Award for the 3rd consecutive season. [50]

2007–2008

Prior to the 2007 season, Rivera attempted to extend his contract past the end of the season. Champions Major League Baseball Regular Season Champions Other champions Minor League Baseball The Yankees were reluctant to negotiate a deal, due to the proximity of the negotiations to the start of the season. Rivera made headlines by responding if he did not receive an extension from the Yankees, he would pursue free agency.

On April 15, 2007, players around the league wore uniform number 42 in honor of the 60th Anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier. Events 1450 - Battle of Formigny: Toward the end of the Hundred Years' War, the French attack and nearly annihilate English Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson (January 31 1919 – October 24 1972 was a Baseball player for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Rivera took part in the festivities by wearing the number as usual. For his entire career, Rivera has worn number 42, which has been retired by all Major League Baseball teams since 1997 in honor of Robinson. Rivera is permitted to use the number due to a grandfather clause allowing active players to retain it if they had worn the number prior to its league-wide retirement. A grandfather clause is a term used in US English for an exception that allows an old rule to continue to apply to some existing situations when a new rule will apply to all future situations As the only remaining player covered by the clause, Rivera will be the last Major League player to wear the number full-time. [13]

Despite a sparkling spring training, Rivera had an uncharacteristically bad month in April. He blew his first two save opportunities, compiled two losses, and gave up 9 earned runs in 7. 2 innings. [51] Rivera saved one game that month and his performance prompted writers to question whether something was wrong. [52] Many attributed his struggles early in the year to infrequent use, as the Yankees presented him with few opportunities to enter a game. [53] Rivera responded by saving 30 of his next 32 opportunities and posting a 2. 22 ERA over the final five months of the season. Still, the 2007 regular season was Rivera's weakest statistical season as a closer, in many respects. He gave up career highs in earned runs (25) and hits (68) as a closer, and his 3. 15 ERA was his highest mark as a reliever. His 30 saves in 34 opportunities were his second-lowest total as a closer. He did, however, set a career best for K/9 as a closer (9. 34) and he was fourth in the American League with 58 games finished. [16]

On July 14, 2007, Rivera passed John Franco for third place on the all-time saves list by recording his 425th career save in a game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. John Anthony Franco (born September 17 1960 in Brooklyn, New York) is a former left-handed Relief pitcher in Major League Baseball The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball franchise based in St Rivera only trails Lee Smith and Trevor Hoffman on that list. Lee Arthur Smith (born December 4 1957 is a retired American right-handed Relief pitcher who played for eight teams in Major League Baseball from 1980 [10]

In the 2007 postseason, Rivera appeared in three games and pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings, all in non-save situations. He lowered his all-time best postseason ERA to 0. 77. Still, the Yankees failed to advance past the first round for the third consecutive year. The day after the Yankees were eliminated from the playoffs, Rivera stated that he intended to test the free agent market. [54] Rivera eventually agreed to a 3-year, $45 million contract to remain a New York Yankee. [55] This contract, averaging $15 million per year, will make him the highest paid reliever in baseball history.

Rivera started the 2008 season on a hot streak. Calendar Major League Baseball See also 2008 Major League Baseball season Postseason October 1 – ALDS and Within the first two weeks of the 2008 season, Rivera matched his save total (four) through the first two months of the 2007 season. Rivera finished April eight-for-eight in save opportunities, allowing four baserunners and no walks or earned runs in 11 innings that entire month. His performance earned him the DHL Presents the Delivery Man of the Month Award for April. Rivera set a personal best by pitching 16 consecutive scoreless innings to start the season. On June 2, 2008, Rivera was named the American League Player of the Week for pitching five scoreless innings and converting three saves the previous week. [56]

The cutter

Rivera's signature pitch is his cut fastball or "cutter". In Baseball, a cutter, or cut fastball, is a type of Fastball which breaks slightly as it reaches Home plate. He mixes this pitch with both a four-seam and two-seam fastball. A four-seam fastball, also called a rising fastball or a cross-seam fastball, is a pitch in Baseball. A two-seam fastball is a pitch in Baseball and a variant of the straight Fastball. He throws all three between 91 and 97 MPH, usually at 92–95 MPH. [57] The origin of the cutter is in question: Rivera explained to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Bergen Record that he discovered the cutter accidentally while playing catch with Ramiro Mendoza. The Record (colloquially called The Bergen Record or The Record of Hackensack) has the second largest circulation of New Jersey 's daily Ramiro Mendoza (born June 15, 1972 in Panama City Panama) is a former Major League Baseball Pitcher. He told Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated, "It was just from God. Tom Verducci is an American Sportswriter who is currently writing for Sports Illustrated and its online magazine Si Sports Illustrated is an American Sports Magazine owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. I didn’t do anything. It was natural. "[58] A New York Daily News article written by T. The Daily News of New York City is the fifth most-widely circulated daily Newspaper in the United States with a daily circulation of 703137 J. Quinn, however, claims that Rivera learned to throw his cutter from John Wetteland when Rivera was his set-up man in 1996. [59] Rivera's cutter is a heavily feared pitch by Major League hitters,[3][60] such as Chipper Jones, who compared it to a "buzzsaw,"[61] (referring to its tendency of breaking left-handed hitters' bats) and Jim Thome, who called it "the single best pitch ever in the game. Lawrence Wayne "Chipper" Jones Jr (born April 24, 1972 in DeLand, Florida) is an American Major League James Howard "Jim" Thome (ˈtʰoʊˌmeɪ born August 27 1970 in) is a Major League Baseball Designated hitter for the Chicago White Sox "[62] Buster Olney of ESPN.com referred to Rivera's cut fastball as "the most dominant pitch of a generation. Robert Stanbury "Buster" Olney III (born 17 February 1964 in Washington D ESPNcom is the official website of ESPN and a division of ESPN Inc "[63] 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 Rivera to avoid being jammed on the hands by his cutter. In Baseball, a switch-hitter is a batter who is able to hit from both the right and left sides of the plate [64][65]

Legacy

Although the subject is continuously debated, some people in the baseball world consider Rivera the best relief pitcher in postseason history[4][5] and the greatest closer in baseball history. [6][7][8][9] Buster Olney says "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. "[9] Joe Torre, who managed Rivera for most of his career says, "He's the best I've ever been around. Joseph Paul Torre (ˈtɔɹi born July 18, 1940 in Brooklyn New York) is the current manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers and a former Major Not only the ability to pitch and perform under pressure, but the calm he puts over the clubhouse. "[32] Elliott Kalb rated Rivera as the 62nd greatest player of all time and suggests Rivera may be the "best relief pitcher in Yankee history" and the "possibly best relief pitcher in baseball history. "[66] Although voters have historically been reluctant to allow relievers into the Baseball Hall of Fame,[7] many sports writers and baseball experts anticipate Rivera will be voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, once he retires. [5][7][41]

In a position known for its volatility and turnover,[53] Rivera has been described as standing out for his composure[3] and consistency, performing well in the role in the 12 years he has maintained it. As a reliever, Rivera has finished the regular season with a sub-3. 00 ERA in all but one season, and only once in his career has he pitched fewer than 60 innings in a season. [16] His tenure as the Yankees' closer has exceeded the ordinary lifetime of a Major League closer, as only two other pitchers have been tenured as closer for the same team since 2002. [53][67]

Additionally, many have praised Rivera for his humility and generosity. [3][5][41] Rivera is very involved with philanthropic contributions in his native Panama, which includes 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. [68]

Awards and honors

Rivera won the World Series MVP Award and Babe Ruth Award in 1999, after recording two saves and a win in the World Series, as well as the 2003 American League Championship Series MVP Award. The World Series MVP Award is given to the player who most contributes to his team's success in the World Series - the Most Valuable Player. The Babe Ruth Award was an annual award given to the Major League Baseball player with the best performance in the World Series, similar to the World Series MVP [1] Rivera has also won the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award four times (1999, 2001, 2004, and 2005). In Major League Baseball, the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award, first awarded in, is a distinction given to the top Relief pitcher in each league at the end of [1] In honor of the men and women who served New York City during the 9/11 attacks and since relief pitchers are sometimes referred to as "firemen", he donated his 2001 trophy to the New York City Fire Department. The City of New York The New York City Fire Department or the Fire Department City of New York ( FDNY) has the responsibility for protecting the citizens and property of New York City [68] It is on permanent display at the FDNY's Brooklyn headquarters. Rivera has also won MLB. com's Closer of the Year Award three times (in 2004–2006)[50] and the DHL Delivery Man of the Year Award twice (in 2005 and 2006). [49] Rivera is also a five-time The Sporting News Reliever of the Year Award recipient, earning the honor in 1997, 1999, 2001, 2004, and 2005. The Sporting News Reliever of the Year Award was established in 1960 by The Sporting News (TSN as TSN Fireman of the Year Award Other honors include being voted Baseball America's 1st-Team Major League All-Star reliever in 1999, 2001, 2004, and 2005 and being named the New York Yankees Player of the Year in 2005. Baseball America is a Magazine which covers Baseball at every level with a particular focus on up-and-coming players in High school, College

Accomplishments

Rivera has accomplished numerous feats in his Major League career:

  • Holds MLB record for lowest postseason ERA of all time (0. 77) (as of 2007)[12]
  • Holds MLB record for most postseason saves of all time (34)[11]
  • Holds MLB record for lowest career ERA of closers with at least 150 career saves (2. 30) (as of May 30, 2008)[69]
  • Holds MLB record for pitching 34 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings in postseason[24]
  • Holds MLB record for converting 23 consecutive postseason saves[23]
  • Second-best save conversion percentage of closers with at least 150 saves (89. 8%) (1999–2006) [70]
  • One of two pitchers to record 40 saves in six different seasons[71]
  • Third all-time in career regular season saves (459), second all-time among active pitchers (as of June 8, 2008)[10]
  • One of five pitchers to record 300 regular season saves with one team, and one of two to record 400 regular season saves with one team[72]
  • One of eight pitchers to record at least 50 saves in a season[73]
  • One of two pitchers to record at least 50 saves in two separate seasons[73]
  • Holds MLB record for most two-inning postseason saves (12)[25]
  • Holds MLB record for most regular season saves in American League history (459) (as of June 8, 2008)[46]
  • Holds MLB record for most World Series saves (9)[74]
  • Holds MLB record for lowest ERA in Division Series history (0. The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League ( AL) is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in 38)[68]
  • Has second-most seasons with at least 30 saves (10)[68]
  • Has second-most consecutive seasons with at least 25 saves (11)[68]
  • Only reliever to win ALCS MVP (2003) and World Series MVP (1999) awards[75]
  • Holds MLB record for most seasons with 20-plus saves and sub-2. 00 ERA (7)[76]
  • 8-time All-Star (1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006)[1]
  • 4-time World Series champion (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000)[1]
  • Holds Yankee single season record for strikeouts by a reliever (130)[77]
  • Holds MLB record for most appearances in postseason history (76)[11]
  • Yankees' all-time regular season leader in WHIP (1. In Baseball statistics, games pitched (denoted by GP, or G in tables of only pitching statistics is the number of games in which a player appears as a 03), saves (459), appearances (813), and games finished (683) (as of June 8, 2008)[78]
  • Named the relief pitcher on Major League Baseball's Latino Legends Team
  • Finished third in voting for American League Cy Young Award in 1996,[79] 1999,[80] 2004;[34] finished second in 2005[42]
  • One of three pitchers since 1998 to finish among top ten in voting for American League Most Valuable Player Award (2004,[34] 2005[42] - ninth place)
  • One of two pitchers to save three All-Star Games (1997, 2005, 2006)[44]
  • Only pitcher to close out three World Series

Personal life

Rivera married his wife Clara on November 9, 1991. The Latino Legends Team was an all-time All-star Baseball team selected in 2005 to honor the history of Latin American players in Major League They have three sons: Mariano Jr. , Jafet, and Jaziel. [68]

Mariano is the cousin of former Yankee Rubén Rivera. Rubén Rivera Moreno (born November 14, 1973 in Chorrera, Panama) is a former Major League Baseball Outfielder who [68]

Rivera is a deeply religious Christian. A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, a monotheistic Religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth He maintains that God has a reason for everything that happens. For example, Rivera found his failure in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series much 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. Enrique Wilson Marte (born July 27, 1973 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) is a former Major League Baseball Infielder The Dominican Republic ( Spanish: República Dominicana;) is a nation located in the Caribbean region and shares the island of Hispaniola with American Airlines Flight 587 crashed into the Belle Harbor neighborhood of Queens; a borough of New York City in New York, United "I am glad we lost the World Series," Rivera told Wilson, "because it means that I still have a friend. " [81] Perhaps as a way to illustrate his faith, Rivera's pitching glove is inscribed with a reference to Philippians 4:13 ("I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. The Epistle to the Philippians (or simply Philippians) is a Book included in the New Testament of the Bible. ")

Rivera recently became a partner in a new restaurant in New Rochelle, New York called "Mo's New York Grill". A restaurant is a retail establishment that serves prepared Food to Customers. New Rochelle ( French: Nouvelle-Rochelle) is a city in the south-east portion of the U [82]

Career statistics

    Regular season   Postseason
Season Team W L ERA SV IP H ER BB K W L ERA SV IP
1995 New York Yankees 5 3 5. A win is a Statistic in Major League Baseball credited to the Pitcher for the winning team who was in the game when his team last took the lead In Baseball, a loss (denoted L) is charged to the Pitcher of the losing team who allows the run that gives the opposing team the lead with which In Baseball statistics, earned run average ( ERA) is the Mean of Earned runs given up by a Pitcher per nine Innings pitched In Baseball, a save (abbreviated SV or S) is credited to a Pitcher who finishes a game for the winning team under certain prescribed circumstances In Baseball, innings pitched (IP are the number of Innings a Pitcher has completed measured by the number of batters and Baserunners In Baseball statistics, a hit (denoted by H) sometimes called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches In Baseball, an earned run is any run for which the pitcher is held accountable (i A base on balls ( BB) is credited to a batter and against a pitcher in Baseball statistics when a batter receives four pitches that the umpire In Baseball or Softball, a strikeout or strike out (denoted by SO or K) occurs when a batter receives three strikes Champions Major League Baseball World Series: Atlanta Braves over Cleveland Indians (4-2 Tom Glavine, MVP The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the borough of The Bronx, in New York City, New York. 51 0 67. 0 71 41 30 51 1 0 0. 00 0 5. 1
1996 New York Yankees 8 3 2. Champions Major League Baseball World Series: New York Yankees over Atlanta Braves (4-2 John Wetteland, MVP 09 5 107. 2 73 25 34 130 1 0 0. 63 0 14. 1
1997 New York Yankees 6 4 1. Champions Major League Baseball World Series: Florida Marlins over Cleveland Indians (4-3 Liván Hernández, 88 43 71. 2 65 15 20 68 0 0 4. 50 1 2. 0
1998 New York Yankees 3 0 1. Headline events of the year Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Ken Griffey Jr 91 36 61. 1 48 13 17 36 0 0 0. 00 6 13. 1
1999 New York Yankees 4 3 1. Champions Major League Baseball World Series: New York Yankees over Atlanta Braves (4-0 Mariano Rivera, MVP 83 45 69. 0 43 14 18 52 2 0 0. 00 6 12. 1
2000 New York Yankees 7 4 2. Champions Major League Baseball Regular Season Champions Other champions Caribbean World Series: 85 36 75. 2 58 24 25 58 0 0 1. 72 6 15. 2
2001 New York Yankees 4 6 2. Champions Major League Baseball Regular Season Champions Other champions Caribbean World Series: 34 50 80. 2 61 21 12 83 2 1 1. 13 5 16. 0
2002 New York Yankees 1 4 2. Champions Major League Baseball Regular Season Champions Other champions Caribbean World Series: 74 28 46. 0 35 14 11 41 0 0 0. 00 1 1. 0
2003 New York Yankees 5 2 1. Headline event of the year The Florida Marlins become World Series champions holding off a dynastic New York Yankees team 4 games to 66 40 70. 2 61 13 10 63 1 0 0. 56 5 16. 0
2004 New York Yankees 4 2 1. Headline events of the year The Boston Red Sox win their first World Series since, ending the Curse of the Bambino. 94 53 78. 2 65 17 20 66 1 0 0. 71 2 12. 2
2005 New York Yankees 7 4 1. 2005 Major League Baseball season Headline events of the year Chicago White Sox swept the Houston Astros to win the World Series 38 43 78. 1 50 12 18 80 0 0 3. 00 2 3. 0
2006 New York Yankees 5 5 1. 2006 Major League Baseball season|2006 Nippon Professional Baseball season Headline Event of the Year The 2006 World Baseball Classic is a surprise success 80 34 75. 0 61 15 11 55 0 0 0. 00 0 1. 0
2007 New York Yankees 3 4 3. Champions Major League Baseball Regular Season Champions Other champions Minor League Baseball 15 30 71. 1 68 25 12 74 0 0 0. 00 0 4. 2
2008 New York Yankees 2 1 0. Calendar Major League Baseball See also 2008 Major League Baseball season Postseason October 1 – ALDS and 64 16 28 12 2 2 27
14 years Totals 64 45 2. 30 459 981. 0 771 251 240 884 8 1 0. 77 34 117. 1

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Mariano Rivera Statistics. This is an alphabetical list of 46 baseball players from Panama who played in Major League Baseball between 1955 and 2008. Major League Baseball recognizes saves champions in the American League and National League each season This is a list of the top 300 Major League Baseball leaders in career saves. In Baseball statistics, a Relief pitcher is credited with a game finished (denoted by GF) if he is the last pitcher to pitch for his team in a game Baseball-Reference. com. Retrieved on 2007-08-05. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 642 - Battle of Maserfield - Penda of Mercia defeats and kills Oswald of Bernicia.
  2. ^ Mariano's stats and biobox. Baseball Almanac. Retrieved on 2007-08-10. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 612 BC - Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire Rivera has also been called "The Sandman" and "The Hammer of God".
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Antonen, Mel. "Yanks' Rivera continues to learn", USA Today, 2006-10-09. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 768 - Carloman I and Charlemagne are crowned Kings of The Franks. Retrieved on 2006-08-20. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 636 - Battle of Yarmouk: Arab forces led by Khalid ibn al-Walid take control of Syria and Palestine  
  4. ^ a b "Yankees closer will return for game", Associated Press, 2004-10-12. The Associated Press ( AP) is an American News agency. The AP is a Cooperative owned by its contributing Newspapers radio "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 539 BC - The army of Cyrus the Great of Persia takes Babylon. Retrieved on 2006-08-09. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 48 BC - Caesar's civil war: Battle of Pharsalus - Julius Caesar decisively defeats Pompey at Pharsalus  
  5. ^ a b c d Verducci, Tom. "Gotta get to Mo", Sports Illustrated, 2004-06-01. Sports Illustrated is an American Sports Magazine owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 193 - Roman Emperor Didius Julianus is Assassinated 987 - Hugh Capet is elected Retrieved on 2008-05-17. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1521 - Edward Stafford 3rd Duke of Buckingham, is executed for Treason.  
  6. ^ a b c Pedulla, Tom. "Yankees' Rivera saves best for last", USA Today, 2005-10-03. USA TODAY is a national American daily Newspaper published by the Gannett Company. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 42 BC - First Battle of Philippi: Triumvirs Mark Antony and Octavian fight an indecisive battle with Caesar's Retrieved on 2008-05-17. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1521 - Edward Stafford 3rd Duke of Buckingham, is executed for Treason.  
  7. ^ a b c d e f O'Dwyer, Kieran. "A cutter above", The Sporting News, 2006-07-27. Sporting News (previously The Sporting News, and known colloquially as TSN) is an American -based Sports Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1214 - Battle of Bouvines: In France, Philip II of France defeats John of England. Retrieved on 2006-08-09. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 48 BC - Caesar's civil war: Battle of Pharsalus - Julius Caesar decisively defeats Pompey at Pharsalus  
  8. ^ a b Kornheiser, Tony. Anthony Irwin Kornheiser (born July 13, 1948) is an American sportswriter and former columnist for The Washington Post, as well "Time to Put Away the Sox", Washington Post, 2004-02-16, p. The Washington Post is the largest and most circulated Newspaper in Washington D "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 1249 - Andrew of Longjumeau is dispatched by Louis IX of France as his ambassador to meet with the Khan of the Mongols  D01. Retrieved on 2006-08-09. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 48 BC - Caesar's civil war: Battle of Pharsalus - Julius Caesar decisively defeats Pompey at Pharsalus  
  9. ^ a b c d e f g Buster Olney (2004-06-28). "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 1098 - Fighters of the First Crusade defeat Kerbogha of Mosul. The Confidence Man: Inside the mind of baseball’s greatest closer, Mariano Rivera.. New York Magazine. Retrieved on 2008-05-18. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1152 - Henry II of England marries Eleanor of Aquitaine.
  10. ^ a b c "Rivera's 425th passes Franco", NY Daily News, 2007-07-15. The Daily News of New York City is the fifth most-widely circulated daily Newspaper in the United States with a daily circulation of 703137 Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1099 - First Crusade: Christian soldiers take the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem after the final Retrieved on 2007-07-15. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1099 - First Crusade: Christian soldiers take the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem after the final  
  11. ^ a b c d Career Pitching Postseason Leaders. Baseball-Reference. com. Retrieved on 2006-08-10. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 612 BC - Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire
  12. ^ a b c Botte, Peter. "Mo shuts door to keep season very much open", New York Daily News, 2005-10-10. The Daily News of New York City is the fifth most-widely circulated daily Newspaper in the United States with a daily circulation of 703137 Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 680 - Battle of Karbala: Shia Imam Husayn bin Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, is decapitated Retrieved on 2006-08-10. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 612 BC - Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire  
  13. ^ a b Rivera 'blessed' to wear No. 42. MLB. com. Retrieved on 2007-07-27. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1214 - Battle of Bouvines: In France, Philip II of France defeats John of England.
  14. ^ Mariano Rivera Career Stats. CBS Sportsline. Retrieved on 2008-05-19. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1535 - French explorer Jacques Cartier sets sail on his second voyage to North America with three ships 110 men and
  15. ^ Mariano Rivera: Major League, Minor League and college statistics. The Baseball Cube (2006-07-19). Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 711 - Muslim forces under Tariq ibn Ziyad defeat the Visigoths led by their king Roderic. Retrieved on 2006-08-10. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 612 BC - Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h Mariano Rivera Stats. ESPN.com. ESPNcom is the official website of ESPN and a division of ESPN Inc Retrieved on 2008-05-19. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1535 - French explorer Jacques Cartier sets sail on his second voyage to North America with three ships 110 men and
  17. ^ a b c d Mariano Rivera Biography. Baseball Library. Retrieved on 2008-05-19. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1535 - French explorer Jacques Cartier sets sail on his second voyage to North America with three ships 110 men and
  18. ^ 1995 AL Division Series - SEA vs. NYY. Baseball-Reference. com. Retrieved on 2008-05-31. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1279 BC - Rameses II (The Great (19th dynasty becomes pharaoh of Ancient Egypt.
  19. ^ Verducci, Tom. "In '96, everyone was Mr. October", CNN Sports Illustrated, 1998-09-25. Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar) Events 303 - On a voyage preaching the Gospel, Saint Fermin of Pamplona is beheaded in Amiens, France Retrieved on 2007-07-28. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1540 - Thomas Cromwell is executed at the order of Henry VIII of England on charges of Treason.  
  20. ^ Frommer, Harvey (1996). The New York Yankee Encyclopedia. Simon & Schuster. Simon & Schuster Inc, a division of CBS Corporation, is a Publisher founded in New York in 1924 by Richard L  
  21. ^ The Ballplayers - Mariano Rivera. BaseballLibrary. com. Retrieved on 2008-05-25. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1085 - Alfonso VI of Castile takes Toledo Spain back from the Moors.
  22. ^ Enter Sandman Songfacts. Songfacts. Songfacts is a Website devoted to song information compiled by music enthusiasts Radio professionals and songwriters who are often interviewed to determine the stories Retrieved on 2007-05-02. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1194 - King Richard I of England gives Portsmouth its first Royal Charter.
  23. ^ a b Schoenfield, David. "Frozen Moment: Rivera finally fails", ESPN, 2001-11-05. Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. Events 1499 - Publication of the Catholicon in Treguier ( Brittany) Retrieved on 2006-08-10. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 612 BC - Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire  
  24. ^ a b New York Yankees 9, Seattle Mariners 7. Retrosheet (2000-10-17). 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. Events 539 BC - King Cyrus The Great of Persia marches into the city of Babylon, releasing the Jews from almost Retrieved on 2007-07-28. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1540 - Thomas Cromwell is executed at the order of Henry VIII of England on charges of Treason. The boxscore states Rivera's streak was broken at 34 innings, but the record-keeping done by this website only counts whole innings. For all intents of purposes of demonstrating the full length of the streak, it is listed here as 34. 1 innings. Checking individual box scores on Retrosheet from the beginning until the end of the streak confirms this.
  25. ^ a b Schechter, Gabriel. "A Closer Look: The Evolution of the Closer", National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Retrieved on 2006-08-10. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 612 BC - Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire  
  26. ^ Kepner, Tyler (2002-08-20). See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 636 - Battle of Yarmouk: Arab forces led by Khalid ibn al-Walid take control of Syria and Palestine Rivera Is Out With Injury For 3rd Time. New York Times. Retrieved on 2008-05-25. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1085 - Alfonso VI of Castile takes Toledo Spain back from the Moors.
  27. ^ Kepner, Tyler (2003-03-27). Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 196 BC - Ptolemy V ascends to the throne of Egypt. 1309 - Pope Clement V excommunicates Yanks to Take Cautious Approach With Mariano Rivera. New York Times. Retrieved on 2008-05-31. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1279 BC - Rameses II (The Great (19th dynasty becomes pharaoh of Ancient Egypt.
  28. ^ Curry, Jack (2003-06-11). Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1184 BC - Trojan War: Troy is sacked and burned according to the calculations of Eratosthenes. Acevedo Is Gone; Contreras Is on D.L.. New York Times. Retrieved on 2008-05-31. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1279 BC - Rameses II (The Great (19th dynasty becomes pharaoh of Ancient Egypt.
  29. ^ Kepner, Tyler (2003-05-01). Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 305 - Diocletian and Maximian retire from the office of Roman Emperor. Mondesi's Slam and Rivera's Debut Frame Victory. New York Times. Retrieved on 2008-05-31. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1279 BC - Rameses II (The Great (19th dynasty becomes pharaoh of Ancient Egypt.
  30. ^ Chris DeRosa (2004-02-27). "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 1560 - The Treaty of Berwick, which would expel the French from Scotland, is signed by England and the Congregation "C" is For Closers: Enter Sandman. ESPN.com. ESPNcom is the official website of ESPN and a division of ESPN Inc Retrieved on 2008-05-31. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1279 BC - Rameses II (The Great (19th dynasty becomes pharaoh of Ancient Egypt.
  31. ^ Fordin, Spencer (2003-10-17). Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 539 BC - King Cyrus The Great of Persia marches into the city of Babylon, releasing the Jews from almost Press Row: Move over, Dent. MLB.com. MLBcom is the official site of Major League Baseball. MLBcom is a source of baseball-related information including baseball news statistics and sports columns Retrieved on 2007-07-28. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1540 - Thomas Cromwell is executed at the order of Henry VIII of England on charges of Treason.
  32. ^ a b Yankees' Rivera inks extension. CBC (2004-03-23). "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 1174 - Jocelin, Abbot of Melrose, is elected Bishop of Glasgow. Retrieved on 2008-05-22. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 334 BC - The Greek army of Alexander the Great defeats Darius III of Persia in the Battle of the Granicus.
  33. ^ Gagliano, Anthony (2004-05-29). "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian defeats the Sassanid army in the Battle of Ctesiphon, under the walls of the Rivera earns 300th career save. MLB.com. MLBcom is the official site of Major League Baseball. MLBcom is a source of baseball-related information including baseball news statistics and sports columns Retrieved on 2007-07-29. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1014 - Byzantine-Bulgarian Wars: Battle of Kleidion: Byzantine emperor Basil II inflicts a decisive defeat
  34. ^ a b c Baseball Awards Voting for 2004. Baseball-Reference. com. Retrieved on 2006-08-10. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 612 BC - Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire
  35. ^ 2004 AL Division Series-Yankees vs. Twins. Baseball-Reference. com. Retrieved on 2008-05-21. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 878 - Syracuse Italy is captured by the Muslim sultan of Sicily.
  36. ^ Mariano Rivera Individual Player Stats - 2004 Postseason. MLB.com. MLBcom is the official site of Major League Baseball. MLBcom is a source of baseball-related information including baseball news statistics and sports columns Retrieved on 2008-05-22. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 334 BC - The Greek army of Alexander the Great defeats Darius III of Persia in the Battle of the Granicus.
  37. ^ a b c Kepner, Tyler (2005-04-08). Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 217 - Roman Emperor Caracalla is Assassinated (and succeeded by his Praetorian Fellow Pitchers Feel Rivera's Red Sox Pain. The New York Times. Retrieved on 2008-01-03. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1431 - Joan of Arc is handed over to the Bishop Pierre Cauchon.
  38. ^ a b Shaughnessy, Dan. "Opening series almost too much for us to take", Boston Globe, 2005-04-07. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 529 - First draft of Corpus Juris Civilis (a fundamental work in Jurisprudence) is issued by Eastern Roman Emperor Retrieved on 2006-08-18. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 293 BC - The oldest known Roman temple to Venus is founded starting the institution of Vinalia Rustica.  
  39. ^ Klapisch, Bob. "Red Sox show Rivera who's boss", ESPN.com, 2005-04-07. ESPNcom is the official website of ESPN and a division of ESPN Inc Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 529 - First draft of Corpus Juris Civilis (a fundamental work in Jurisprudence) is issued by Eastern Roman Emperor Retrieved on 2006-12-11. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 359 - Honoratus, the first known Prefect of the City of Constantinople, takes office  
  40. ^ Feinsand, Mark. "Rivera has some fun with Sox fans", MLB. com, 2005-04-11. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 491 - Flavius Anastasius becomes Byzantine Emperor, with the name of Anastasius I. Retrieved on 2006-08-18. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 293 BC - The oldest known Roman temple to Venus is founded starting the institution of Vinalia Rustica.  
  41. ^ a b c O'Connor, Ian. "Rivera's season stellar despite Cy Young results", USA Today, 2005-11-08. USA TODAY is a national American daily Newspaper published by the Gannett Company. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1519 - Hernán Cortés enters Tenochtitlán and Aztec ruler Moctezuma welcomes him with great a Celebration Retrieved on 2007-07-25. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 285 - Diocletian appoints Maximian as Caesar, co-ruler  
  42. ^ a b c Baseball Awards Voting for 2005. Baseball-Reference. com. Retrieved on 2006-08-10. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 612 BC - Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire
  43. ^ Feinsand, Mark (2006-07-10). Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 48 BC - Battle of Dyrrhachium, Julius Caesar barely avoids a catastrophic defeat to Pompey in Macedonia. Guillen tabs Rivera as AL stopper. MLB.com. MLBcom is the official site of Major League Baseball. MLBcom is a source of baseball-related information including baseball news statistics and sports columns Retrieved on 2006-08-18. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 293 BC - The oldest known Roman temple to Venus is founded starting the institution of Vinalia Rustica.
  44. ^ a b "Young's two-run triple in ninth lifts AL All-Stars", ESPN, 2006-07-11. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 911 - Signing of the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte between Charles the Simple and Rollo of Normandy. Retrieved on 2006-08-10. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 612 BC - Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire  
  45. ^ Associated Press. "Howard's 7 RBIs not enough for Phils", The Sporting News, 2006-06-20. Sporting News (previously The Sporting News, and known colloquially as TSN) is an American -based Sports Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 451 - Battle of Chalons: Flavius Aetius ' defeats Attila the Hun. Retrieved on 2007-07-28. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1540 - Thomas Cromwell is executed at the order of Henry VIII of England on charges of Treason.  
  46. ^ a b Mink, Ryan (2006-07-16). Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 622 - The beginning of the Islamic calendar. 1054 - Three Roman legates fractured relations between the Western and Rivera notches save No. 400. MLB.com. MLBcom is the official site of Major League Baseball. MLBcom is a source of baseball-related information including baseball news statistics and sports columns Retrieved on 2007-07-29. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1014 - Byzantine-Bulgarian Wars: Battle of Kleidion: Byzantine emperor Basil II inflicts a decisive defeat
  47. ^ Associated Press. "Rivera's MRI shows mild muscle strain", Sporting News, 2006-08-31. Sporting News (previously The Sporting News, and known colloquially as TSN) is an American -based Sports Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1056 - Byzantine Empress Theodora becomes ill dying suddenly a few days later without children to succeed the Throne Retrieved on 2007-07-28. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1540 - Thomas Cromwell is executed at the order of Henry VIII of England on charges of Treason.  
  48. ^ Feinsand, Mark. "Notes: Rivera to sit one more week", MLB.com, 2006-09-10. MLBcom is the official site of Major League Baseball. MLBcom is a source of baseball-related information including baseball news statistics and sports columns Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 506 - The Bishops of Visigothic Gaul meet in the Council of Agde. Retrieved on 2007-07-28. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1540 - Thomas Cromwell is executed at the order of Henry VIII of England on charges of Treason.  
  49. ^ a b Delivery Man of the Month/Year Award by DHL. Baseball Almanac. Retrieved on 2007-07-30. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1419 - First Defenestration of Prague. 1502 - Christopher Columbus lands at Guanaja in the Bay Islands off
  50. ^ a b 2006: This Year in Baseball Awards. MLB.com. MLBcom is the official site of Major League Baseball. MLBcom is a source of baseball-related information including baseball news statistics and sports columns Retrieved on 2007-07-30. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1419 - First Defenestration of Prague. 1502 - Christopher Columbus lands at Guanaja in the Bay Islands off
  51. ^ Mariano Rivera Stats and Splits. ESPN.com. ESPNcom is the official website of ESPN and a division of ESPN Inc Retrieved on 2008-05-23. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1430 - Siege of Compiègne: Joan of Arc is captured by the Burgundians while leading an army to relieve Compiègne
  52. ^ Howard, Johnette. "Mo's expressions worrisome", Newsday, 2007-05-09. Newsday is a daily Tabloid -size Pulitzer Prize winning Newspaper that primarily serves Long Island and the New York City Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1457 BC - Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC between Thutmose III and a large Canaanite coalition under the King of Retrieved on 2007-05-16. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1204 - Baldwin IX Count of Flanders is crowned as the first Emperor of the Latin Empire.  
  53. ^ a b c Paul White. "Confidence game as closer has few winners", USA Today, 2007-05-30. USA TODAY is a national American daily Newspaper published by the Gannett Company. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1416 - The Council of Constance, called by the Emperor Sigismund a supporter of Antipope John XXIII burns Jerome of Prague following Retrieved on 2008-05-20. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 325 - The First Council of Nicaea &ndash the first Ecumenical Council of the Christian Church is held  
  54. ^ ESPN News Services. "Exit Sandman?", ESPN, 2007-10-09. ESPN, originally an acronym for Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, is an American Cable television network dedicated to Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 768 - Carloman I and Charlemagne are crowned Kings of The Franks. Retrieved on 2007-10-09. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 768 - Carloman I and Charlemagne are crowned Kings of The Franks.  
  55. ^ ESPN News Services. "Rivera accepts Yankees' 3-year, $45 million offer", ESPN, 2007-11-18. ESPN, originally an acronym for Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, is an American Cable television network dedicated to Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 326 - The old St Peter's Basilica is consecrated 1302 - Pope Boniface VIII issues the Papal bull Retrieved on 2007-11-23. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 800 - Charlemagne arrives at Rome to investigate the alleged crimes of  
  56. ^ Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees named Bank of America presents the American League Player of the Week. MLB.com. MLBcom is the official site of Major League Baseball. MLBcom is a source of baseball-related information including baseball news statistics and sports columns Retrieved on 2008-06-03. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 350 - Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, proclaims himself Roman Emperor, entering
  57. ^ Gameday 2007
  58. ^ Verducci, Tom. Tom Verducci is an American Sportswriter who is currently writing for Sports Illustrated and its online magazine Si "The Yankees allowed the Red Sox their day of Fenway glory, then dispatched Boston to resume their inexorable march back to the World Series", Sports Illustrated, 2000-03-22. Sports Illustrated is an American Sports Magazine owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. Events 238 - Gordian I and his son Gordian II are proclaimed Roman emperor. Retrieved on 2007-05-27. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 927 - Simeon the Great, Tsar of Bulgaria, dies 1120 - Richard III of Capua is anointed  
  59. ^ Quinn. New York Daily News. 9 June 2002.
  60. ^ Stark, Jayson. Jayson Stark (born 19 July 1951 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an American sportswriter "The pitches that scare major leaguers", ESPN. ESPN, originally an acronym for Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, is an American Cable television network dedicated to Retrieved on 2006-08-10. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 612 BC - Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire  
  61. ^ "Authors take on Ruthian legends", The San Diego Union-Tribune, March 8, 2006. The San Diego Union-Tribune is a daily Newspaper published in San Diego California, by the Copley Press. Events 1618 - Johannes Kepler discovers the third law of planetary motion. Retrieved on 2006-08-10. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 612 BC - Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire  
  62. ^ Curry, Jack. Jack Curry is an American sportswriter for The New York Times. "End in Sight, Guillén Shows Respect With a Rare Retreat", The New York Times, 2006-07-17. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 180 - Twelve inhabitants of Scillium in North Africa are executed for being Christians Retrieved on 2006-08-10. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 612 BC - Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire   (preview only)
  63. ^ Buster Olney. Robert Stanbury "Buster" Olney III (born 17 February 1964 in Washington D "20 best postseason weapons", ESPN, 2006-09-29. ESPN, originally an acronym for Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, is an American Cable television network dedicated to Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 522 BC - Darius I of Persia kills the Magian usurper Gaumâta securing his hold as king of the Persian Empire. Retrieved on 2006-09-29. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 522 BC - Darius I of Persia kills the Magian usurper Gaumâta securing his hold as king of the Persian Empire.   (preview only)
  64. ^ Kepner, Tyler. "For Yankees and Rivera, It's Case Closed", The New York Times, 2004-03-23. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 1174 - Jocelin, Abbot of Melrose, is elected Bishop of Glasgow. Retrieved on 2007-07-25. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 285 - Diocletian appoints Maximian as Caesar, co-ruler  
  65. ^ "AL East", Sporting News, 2005-07-08. Sporting News (previously The Sporting News, and known colloquially as TSN) is an American -based Sports Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 939 - The Major Occultation or Ghaybat el-Kubra of Muhammad al-Mahdi 1099 - First Crusade: 15000 Retrieved on 2007-08-23. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 79 - Mount Vesuvius begins stirring on the feast day of Vulcan the Roman god of fire  
  66. ^ Kalb, Elliott (2005). Who's Better Who's Best in Baseball?. McGraw Hill. The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc, ( is a Publicly traded corporation headquartered in Rockefeller Center in New York City.  
  67. ^ Trevor Hoffman and Jason Isringhausen: Current Major League Baseball closers
  68. ^ a b c d e f g Mariano Rivera Biography and Career Highlights. In Baseball, a closing pitcher, more frequently referred to as a closer (abbreviated CL) is a Relief pitcher who specializes in closing out MLB. com. Retrieved on 2007-06-13. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1525 - Martin Luther marries Katharina von Bora, against the Celibacy rule decreed by the Roman Catholic Church for
  69. ^ Major League Baseball Pitching Stats, Career All Time. MLB. com. Retrieved on 2006-08-10. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 612 BC - Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire
  70. ^ Mariano Rivera: Sure Thing. Baseball-fever. com (2003-10-17). Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 539 BC - King Cyrus The Great of Persia marches into the city of Babylon, releasing the Jews from almost Retrieved on 2006-08-10. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 612 BC - Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire
  71. ^ Career Leaders for Saves. Baseball-Reference. com. Retrieved on 2006-08-10. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 612 BC - Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire
  72. ^ "MLB scoreboard: New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Devil Rays", ESPN, 2004-05-28. ESPN, originally an acronym for Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, is an American Cable television network dedicated to "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 585 BC - A Solar eclipse occurs as predicted by Greek philosopher and scientist Thales, while Alyattes is battling Retrieved on 2006-08-10. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 612 BC - Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire  
  73. ^ a b Single-Season Leaders for Saves. Baseball-Reference. com. Retrieved on 2006-08-10. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 612 BC - Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire
  74. ^ Mariano Rivera Individual Player Postseason Stats. MLB. com. Retrieved on 2006-08-10. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 612 BC - Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire
  75. ^ Dennis Eckersley is the only other reliever to win the ALCS MVP Award and he did not win the World Series MVP.
  76. ^ Stark, Jayson. "Sutter's time is now", ESPN, 2006-01-10. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 49 BC - Julius Caesar crosses the Rubicon, signaling the start of civil war. Retrieved on 2006-08-10. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 612 BC - Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire  
  77. ^ Mariano Rivera 1996 Career Highlights. MLB.com. MLBcom is the official site of Major League Baseball. MLBcom is a source of baseball-related information including baseball news statistics and sports columns Retrieved on 2007-08-05. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 642 - Battle of Maserfield - Penda of Mercia defeats and kills Oswald of Bernicia.
  78. ^ New York Yankees Pitching Leaders. Baseball-Reference. com. Retrieved on 2007-08-05. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 642 - Battle of Maserfield - Penda of Mercia defeats and kills Oswald of Bernicia.
  79. ^ 1996 American League Cy Young Award. Baseball-Reference. com. Retrieved on 2006-08-10. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 612 BC - Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire
  80. ^ 1999 American League Cy Young Award. Baseball-Reference. com. Retrieved on 2006-08-10. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 612 BC - Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire
  81. ^ Olney, Buster. Robert Stanbury "Buster" Olney III (born 17 February 1964 in Washington D "Epilogue: 'The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty'", ESPN, 2005-05-02. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1194 - King Richard I of England gives Portsmouth its first Royal Charter. Retrieved on 2006-08-10. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 612 BC - Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire  
  82. ^ "Mo Gets More on his Plate", New York Daily News, 2006-07-14. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1223 - Louis VIII becomes King of France upon the death of his father Philip II of France. Retrieved on 2006-08-10. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 612 BC - Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire  

External links

Preceded by
Tom Gordon
Todd Jones & Derek Lowe
Keith Foulke		 American League Saves Champion
1999
2001
2004		 Succeeded by
Todd Jones & Derek Lowe
Eddie Guardado
Francisco Rodríguez & Bob Wickman
Preceded by
Scott Brosius		 World Series MVP
1999		 Succeeded by
Derek Jeter
Preceded by
Scott Brosius		 Babe Ruth Award
1999		 Succeeded by
Derek Jeter
Preceded by
Adam Kennedy		 American League Championship Series MVP
2003		 Succeeded by
David Ortiz
Thomas Gordon (born November 18, 1967 in Sebring Florida) nicknamed "Flash" is a Major League Baseball right-handed Pitcher Todd Barton Jones (born April 24, 1968 in Marietta Georgia) is a former Relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. Derek Christopher Lowe (born June 1, 1973 in Dearborn Michigan) is a Major League Baseball Pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers Keith Charles Foulke (pronounced as "folk" foʊk (born October 19, 1972 in Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota) is a Major League Baseball recognizes saves champions in the American League and National League each season Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Todd Barton Jones (born April 24, 1968 in Marietta Georgia) is a former Relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. Derek Christopher Lowe (born June 1, 1973 in Dearborn Michigan) is a Major League Baseball Pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers Edward Adrian "Everyday Eddie" Guardado (born October 2, 1970 in Stockton California) is a Relief pitcher in Major League Francisco "Frankie" José Rodriguez (born January 7 1982 in Caracas, Venezuela) is a Major League Baseball player Robert Joe Wickman (born February 6, 1969 in Green Bay Wisconsin) is a former Major League Baseball Relief pitcher. Scott David Brosius (born August 15, 1966 in Hillsboro Oregon) is a former Major League Baseball Third baseman for the Oakland The World Series MVP Award is given to the player who most contributes to his team's success in the World Series - the Most Valuable Player. Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) Derek Sanderson Jeter (ˈʤitɚ born June 26 1974 is an American Major League Baseball player Scott David Brosius (born August 15, 1966 in Hillsboro Oregon) is a former Major League Baseball Third baseman for the Oakland The Babe Ruth Award was an annual award given to the Major League Baseball player with the best performance in the World Series, similar to the World Series MVP Champions Major League Baseball World Series: New York Yankees over Atlanta Braves (4-0 Mariano Rivera, MVP Derek Sanderson Jeter (ˈʤitɚ born June 26 1974 is an American Major League Baseball player Adam Thomas Kennedy (born January 10 1976 in Riverside, California) is a Major League Baseball player Headline event of the year The Florida Marlins become World Series champions holding off a dynastic New York Yankees team 4 games to David Américo Ortiz Arias (born November 18, 1975 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) is a Major League Baseball Designated
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