1. Save No. 602
If there was any question — and there probably was not — as to whether Mariano Rivera was the greatest closer in baseball history, he put it to bed on September 19, 2011.
Facing the Twins, handed a 6-4 lead, Mo worked a 1-2-3 ninth inning, striking out Chris Parmelee looking to end the ballgame. In vintage form, he painted the corner on the third strike and final out of the ballgame.
The save marked the 602nd of his career, making him baseball’s all-time leader in that category, passing Trevor Hoffman (601).
Combine the regular season success with the postseason magic and you have a machine, a guy who used one pitch — a tremendous cutter — to his advantage for an entire 19-year career.
Three words: the best ever.
Today, Mariano Rivera receives the spotlight he deserves. Catch all of the action on YES with coverage beginning at 11:30 pm ET.
Emmanuel Berbari covers the New York Yankees & Major League Baseball for ESNY. Interact with him and view his daily work by “liking” his facebook page. He invites you to email any questions, comments, or concerns as well.
