Baseball’s Greatest Closer and the King of the Cutter

In a franchise full of icons, Mariano Rivera stands alone. The greatest closer in baseball history, Rivera didn’t just save games — he silenced stadiums, shattered bats, and sealed championships. Known simply as “Mo” or “The Sandman,” he became a symbol of Yankee dominance and postseason ice-cold brilliance.

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From Panama to the Bronx

• Born: November 29, 1969, in Panama

• Signed: As an amateur free agent in 1990

• MLB Debut: May 23, 1995

Rivera was originally a starter, but once he shifted to the bullpen, he changed the game forever — quite literally — with one pitch.

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The Cutter – A One-Pitch Legacy

Rivera’s cut fastball (cutter) became legendary:

• Broke dozens of bats per season

• Late, vicious movement that jammed lefties and tied up righties

• Hitters knew it was coming — and still couldn’t hit it

Even the best hitters in the world rarely squared him up.

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Career Achievements

• 652 saves – the most in MLB history

• 13× All-Star

• 5× World Series champion

• 0.70 ERA in 141 postseason innings

• Mariano Rivera Award created in his honor (top AL reliever)

He was at his best when it mattered most — in October.

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Postseason Perfection

• 96 postseason appearances

• Only 2 blown saves in the playoffs

• 42 postseason saves – yes, the same number as his jersey

Rivera was a machine in the playoffs. Game on the line? Mo time.

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Moments That Defined the Sandman

• 1998 World Series: Closed all four games vs. Padres — Yankees swept

• 2001 ALDS Game 3: A two-inning save vs. the A’s to preserve “The Flip Game”

• 2003 ALCS Game 7: 3 shutout innings vs. the Red Sox to win the pennant

• Final Game at Yankee Stadium (2013): Removed by Jeter and Pettitte in an emotional farewell

And who could forget “Enter Sandman” blasting over the stadium speakers as he jogged in?

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Legacy Off the Field

• Deeply religious and humble

• Built churches and charitable foundations in Panama

• Respected by teammates, opponents, and fans alike

• Became a symbol of grace, excellence, and professionalism

In 2019, he became the first and only player ever elected unanimously to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

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Number 42 – Forever Iconic

• Rivera was the last player allowed to wear #42 (grandfathered in after MLB retired it league-wide in honor of Jackie Robinson in 1997)

• Now, in Yankee Stadium, 42 lives on in Monument Park

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“Mo” Meant Victory

When Mariano Rivera entered a game, it was over. He gave fans peace of mind, and opponents nothing but frustration.

A true Yankee legend — and perhaps the greatest finisher in all of sports.