Rivera, Mariano (1969-…), is a former professional baseball player. A dominant right-handed closer (relief pitcher who finishes a game), Rivera starred for the New York Yankees over 19 Major League Baseball (MLB) seasons from 1995 to 2013. At the time of his retirement, Rivera held career MLB records for games finished (952) and saves (652). With certain restrictions, a save is credited to a relief pitcher who records the final out in a game his team wins. Rivera was known for his calm demeanor on the mound, his pitching control, and for a cut fastball that proved unhittable to many batters. Unlike a straight fastball, a cut fastball moves slightly to the pitcher’s glove side as it reaches home plate.
Rivera saved at least 28 games in 15 consecutive seasons (averaging 40 over that period) and achieved an earned run average (ERA) under 2.00 in 11 seasons—both MLB records. He was the American League (AL) relief pitcher of the year in 1999, 2001, 2004, 2005, and 2009, and was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1999 World Series . He finished in the top three in voting for the Cy Young Award four times. The Cy Young Award is an annual honor that goes to the best pitcher in each of the major leagues. Rivera made 13 AL All-Star teams, was a key part of five Yankees World Series titles, and retired with a career 2.21 ERA. He holds career postseason records for appearances (96), saves (42), and lowest ERA (0.70).
Rivera was born on Nov. 29, 1969, in Panama City , Panama . He signed with the Yankees as a free agent in 1990. After pitching in the minor leagues, Rivera made his major league debut with New York in 1995. Rivera began as a starting pitcher but converted to a relief pitcher late in his rookie season. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019. Later that year, Rivera was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom , the highest civilian honor awarded by the president of the United States.
