New York Yankees great Mariano Rivera has officially been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, as usual … last.
Mariano Rivera simply can’t figure it out; why is he always “last?”
The New York Yankees legend and greatest relief pitcher in the history of the game posed the question during his Baseball Hall of Fame speech on Sunday in Cooperstown, NY.
One last chance for Mo to close. ? pic.twitter.com/MWax6K0YcE
— MLB (@MLB) July 21, 2019
Rivera, 49, became the first player unanimously voted into the hall. While the question of whether he deserved the unanimous mark can rage on, what can’t be challenged is the undeniable mark he left on the game.
“To the baseball writers, thank you for voting for me and making me a Hall of Famer,” Rivera said. “Thank you for all your support.”
Over 19 seasons, all in New York, Rivera saved 652 games and finished 952, both MLB records. His 2.11 ERA and even 1.000 WHIP are filthy statistics that only Mo, himself, can top.
In 96 career postseason game, Rivera sports a godly 0.70 ERA and 0.759 WHIP during the steroid era. The month (October) that showcases the best teams and hitters is the time Rivera actually improved on his already stellar numbers.
"To the fans… you guys always pushed me to the best." – @MarianoRivera.@Yankees | @baseballhall | #HOFWKND pic.twitter.com/g5m9gzD472
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 21, 2019
Of course, he also never took the pinstripes and its fans for granted.
“It’s a privilege and honor to be part of one organization,” said Rivera, baseball’s all-time saves leader with 652. “I did it with dignity, honor and pride. I tried to carry the pinstripes the best I could. I think I did all right with that.
“All those New York fans, when I was at Yankee Stadium pitching, I felt like I was pitching with 55,000 people next to me throwing one pitch after another. You guys are the best. Without your support, I cannot do it.”
Mariano Rivera is now officially a Baseball Hall of Famer. And, yes, he does know why he finished off the festivities at Cooperstown. He was built to shut it down in grand style. He lived for “last.”
