With a win-loss record of 82-60, an earned run average of 2.21 and - as of right now - 652 career saves, New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera has been one of the greatest pitchers of his time and one of the top overall pitchers to ever play professional baseball. Beginning his career in 1995 as a starting pitcher with the Yankees, Rivera battled through early struggles, never seeming to grasp control as a man in the rotation. Moved to a full-time relief role as the setup man to former Yankee closer John Wetteland in 1996, Rivera was instrumental in the Bronx Bombers' run to their first World Series championship since 1978.
Moving into a full-time closer role in 1997, Rivera earned 42 saves in 53 attempts and although he struggled early, the native of Panama earned his first of many trips to the MLB All-Star Game. His career in Pinstripes would skyrocket from there. Earning a spot on 12 additional All-Star teams while helping the Yankees win 5 World Series titles, Rivera quickly became the best closer in the game and as he prepares to wrap up his stellar career, the 43-year-old can rest easy knowing that he's the greatest closer of all-time, even if his final season in the Bronx is bittersweet due to the fact that the Yankees are no longer in postseason contention.
"It's great to say goodbye to the fans," Rivera said recently regarding his final game at Yankee Stadium. "But it don't mean nothing. I wanted to pitch for something that means something. I'm not used to pitching for something that doesn't mean anything."
When and Where to Watch NY Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays
With his 19-year career coming to an end, Mariano Rivera will have one more run in the sun at Yankee Stadium when the Yankees wrap up a three-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays. First pitch on Thursday, Sept. 26 is set for 7:05 p.m., ET with television coverage available on the YES Network across the New York area and on the Sun Sports Network across the Tampa, Florida area.
Those electing to watch the game via on-line live stream may do so by following this link.
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