Mariano Rivera: Greatness, Respect, Desire and Future Saves

Marty Appel, in Pinstripe Empire, makes an understatement that sadly will never be more appreciated than it is today.

Appel relates how, when New York Yankees closer John Wetteland signed with the Texas Rangers, the team turned over the closer’s role to Mariano Rivera, “…confident that his spectacular work as a setup man in ‘96 would translate.”

For many years, right-handers Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson were considered the greatest pitchers of all time. Among left-handers, the choice was almost always Lefty Grove.

Then along came Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, Bob Gibson, Roger Clemens, Greg Maddux, Sandy Koufax, Juan Marichal, Steve Carlton and Randy Johnson. The choice was no longer as clear as it had been.

Mariano Rivera not only is the greatest closer of all time, he will remain the greatest closer of all time as long as baseball is played.

Forget about his 608 saves. One of the most misleading statistics is saves. But never, repeat, never forget Rivera’s unbelievable 206 ERA+, which is the best of anyone that ever threw a pitch.

Don’t forget his 0.998 WHIP, his four-to-one ratio of strikeouts to walks or his consistency from 1997-2012.

Appel points out the obvious, which today bears repeating considering the lack of respect for the game and the disregard of humility demonstrated by too many players.

In Pinstripe Empire, Appel emphasizes that Rivera was the best closer ever and “…he did it without the dramatic flamboyance associated with the position. Few players would be respected by opponents as the deeply religious Rivera…”

Rivera will be 43 years old on Nov. 29. It still seems unbelievable that anyone could throw basically one pitch, a cutter, and be the greatest closer of all time.

As the seasons passed, “experts" continued to wonder when the hitters would catch up to Rivera. They are still wondering, but of greater importance, there is little doubt that any thoughts Rivera had of ending his career at the end of the season are gone.

The first time in 2013 the Yankees are leading a game in the ninth inning by one run, Joe Girardi will send the signal to the bullpen and Mariano Rivera will get his 609th save.

Reference:

Appel, Marty. Pinstripe Empire. New York: Bloomsbury USA. May, 2012.