by Justin Manucci

Created on: April 11, 2009   Last Updated: April 16, 2009

You're watching a New York Yankees game, it's the bottom of the 9th inning and the Yankees are up by a few runs. Without a doubt, the man on the mound for the New York Yankees is Mariano Rivera. Throughout his career as a closer, he has dominated the game, closing many huge games for the New York Yankees and performing even when the pressure is on. He has helped the Yankees win four World Championships, in 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000.

Mariano Rivera was born on November 29, 1969, in Panama City, Panama. Mariano, whose nickname is "Mo", was originally a starting pitcher in the beginning of his career in 1995. In 1996 he was moved to the bullpen where he was the setup man, and from 1997 until present day, Mariano has been the closer for the New York Yankees.

Mariano Rivera is known as one of the best closers in the history of baseball. Mariano has recorded the second most career saves in Major League History. Rivera has won Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award four times throughout his career as a Yankee. Rivera has helped the Yankees clinch many close games, and has been featured in nine All Star games. Rivera's most famous pitch is his cutter or cut fastball. He is the last player to ever wear the number 42, as it has been retired in Major League Baseball due to Jackie Robinson.

Rivera has some very impressive career numbers. Rivera has spent his entire career with the New York Yankees, and continues to play for them today. Throughout his lifetime Rivera has compiled 68-49 win loss record, but what he is famous for is 482 saves. His earned run average for his career is 2.29 with 934 strike outs. In addition to being a four time World Series Champion winner and a nine star All Star, Rivera was the 1999 American League MVP, 2003 American League Championship Series MVP, and more. Rivera also holds the record for postseason ERA with .77 and postseason saves with 34. Rivera has also won DHL Delivery Man of the Year in 2005 and 2006.

Critics and players agree that Rivera is possibly the best the game has ever seen. Long time Yankee manager Joe Torre says "He's the best I've ever been around. Not only the ability to pitch and perform under pressure, but the calm he puts over the clubhouse." Although relievers typically aren't found in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, it is very likely that Rivera will be inducted at the first possible opportunity as soon as he retires.

Rivera's playoff performance has been incredible; he is considered the best playoff reliever of all time. He holds the records for most post season saves as mentioned above, lowest ERA, most consecutive scoreless innings with 34 1/3, most appearances, and most conservative saves converted with 23. Mariano is also popular for the 2 inning saves he has recorded, both in regular season and postseason play.

Mariano Rivera is back with the New York Yankees again this year, and is looking forward for the 2009 season. With the addition of CC Sabathia and AJ Bernatt, the Yankees have a good chance of winning a World Championship this season.

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