2. Mariano Rivera
Ace closer Mariano Rivera uncharacteristically fell apart in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series between the New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks. The Yankees, who were on the verge of their forth consecutive World Championship, had already inserted Rivera into the game in the 8th inning to protect a 2-1 lead. He struck out the side in the 8th and lowered his ERA to a postseason best 0.70. The best pitcher in the biggest situation; a situation he had perfected so many times before. And it all fell apart.
Mark Grace singled and Rivera threw an errant ball to second base on a bunt attempt by Damien Miller. This put runners on first and second instead of recording an out. The Yankees would finally record an out at third but Tony Womack doubled to tie the game. The Yankees brought the infield in; Rivera hit Craig Counsell with a pitch to load the bases, and Luis Gonzalez lofted a ball just out of the reach of shortstop Derek Jeter to end the Yankees season.
