Now Mariano Rivera is both literally and figuratively the greatest closer to ever pitch in major league baseball.Ever since Trevor Hoffman became MLB's all time saves leader a few years ago, it was pretty widely accepted that as good as Hoffman was, he was not really the best closer in baseball. That title belonged to Rivera before he ever came close to 602 saves.
Rivera developed a reputation as the game's greatest closer with his impeccable performances in the most important games in Yankees history. This is a man who has locked down opponent after opponent in October, and the man who has locked AL Pennant after AL Pennant and World Series after World Series with his clam, cool demanor, and one pitch: a cutter.
To say that Rivera has had ice water in his veins over the last 15 years of his Hall of Fame career, does only so much justice. No one pitched with more gusto, and more intimidation than Rivera. When good ole number 42 came out of the Yankees bullpen everyone, even the Yankees opponents and the hitters that would face Rivera, knew one thing: ball game over!
When Rivera notched save number 602 to become the game's top closer of all time, it was a fitting touchstone on a career that does not appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Rivera has 43 saves and a 1.98 era this year, and he is 41 years old!
Rivera has never been one to boast about winning games like his overexuberant counterparts, K-Rod and Jonathan Papelbon. Whenever Rivera notches a save, he gently tips his cap, shakes the hand of Jorge Posada and goes about his day quietly.
When Rivera earned 602, it was no different than any other save, regular season or post season. Rivera handled it with grace. In a era dominated by home runs and strikeouts, this accomplishment truly is one that will be unbreakable.
It is one thing to get a save, it is quite another to become the greatest closer ever. We should all be thankful that we have had the opportunity to watch true greatness in the form of Mariano Rivera.
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