10 fun and interesting Mariano Rivera facts

1. Mariano Rivera - Legendary Baseball Player

Mariano Rivera is a legendary baseball player who has achieved remarkable success throughout his career. He has been selected as an All-Star 13 times and has won five World Series championships. He is also the Major League Baseball (MLB) career leader in saves and games finished, a testament to his remarkable skill and longevity. His accomplishments have earned him a place in the Baseball Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.

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2. Mariano Rivera, baseball's "Sandman", retires

Mariano Rivera, affectionately known as "Mo" and "Sandman", is one of the most iconic figures in baseball history. He spent the majority of his career as a relief pitcher for the New York Yankees, and was the team's closer for an impressive 17 seasons. During this time, Rivera earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and successful closers in the game, setting a record for the most saves in MLB history with 652. His career earned him numerous accolades, including 13 All-Star selections, five World Series championships, and the 1999 World Series MVP award.

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3. Mariano Rivera's Fastball Was a Key Factor in His Success

Mariano Rivera was renowned for his devastating mid-90s mph cut fastball, which had a sharp movement that often shattered bats of opposing hitters. This pitch earned him a reputation as one of the best pitchers in the league, and it was a key factor in his success throughout his career.

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4. A Baseball Legend

Mariano Rivera is one of the most decorated relief pitchers in baseball history, having won five American League Rolaids Relief Man Awards and three Delivery Man of the Year Awards. His impressive career also saw him finish in the top three in voting for the AL Cy Young Award four times, a testament to his dominance on the mound.

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5. Mariano Rivera - One of the Greatest Relievers in MLB History

Mariano Rivera is widely regarded as one of the greatest relievers in Major League Baseball history. His dominance on the mound was unparalleled, as he recorded an incredible 652 saves over his 19-year career, the most of any pitcher in MLB history. He also holds the record for lowest career ERA (2.21) and WHIP (1.00) among pitchers with at least 1,000 innings pitched. His career accomplishments earned him 13 All-Star selections, five Rolaids Relief Man Awards, and five World Series rings.

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6. One of the Greatest Closers in Baseball History

Mariano Rivera is one of the most accomplished postseason performers in baseball history. He was named the 1999 World Series Most Valuable Player and the 2003 AL Championship Series MVP, and holds several postseason records, including the lowest earned run average of 0.70 and the most saves with 42. His impressive postseason performances have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest closers of all time.

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7. Love of Beach Sparks Passion for Sports

As a young man, Mariano Rivera would often take advantage of the low tide to play soccer and baseball with his friends on the beach. He would spend hours running up and down the shoreline, kicking the soccer ball and throwing the baseball back and forth. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore and the feel of the sand beneath his feet were a source of joy for Rivera, and it was during these times that he developed a passion for the two sports that would eventually shape his life.

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8. Mariano Rivera, Legendary Closer, Dies at 73

Mariano Rivera was renowned for his remarkable control and pitching motion, which was characterized by a smooth, effortless delivery. His composure and reserved demeanor on the field were also noteworthy, as he rarely showed emotion or excitement, even in the most intense of situations. His ability to remain calm and focused in the face of pressure was a major factor in his success as one of the greatest closers in baseball history.

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9. A Man of Many Talents

Mariano Rivera is a man of many talents, both on and off the field. Not only is he a legendary baseball player, but he is also a philanthropist and a devout Christian. Through his Mariano Rivera Foundation, he has been actively involved in giving back to the community and helping those in need. He has also been a strong advocate for the Christian faith, using his platform to spread the message of hope and love. His commitment to helping others and his faith have made him an inspiration to many.

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10. Baseball's Greatest Relief Pitcher

Mariano Rivera is widely regarded as one of the greatest relief pitchers in baseball history, and is a strong candidate for the Baseball Hall of Fame once he is eligible. With an impressive career spanning 19 seasons, Rivera holds the record for most saves in Major League Baseball history, with 652. He was a 13-time All-Star, 5-time World Series champion, and won the 1999 World Series MVP award. Rivera was also a 3-time recipient of the AL Rolaids Relief Man Award, and was named the AL Delivery Man of the Year in 2013. His career earned run average of 2.21 is the lowest of any pitcher in the history of Major League Baseball with a minimum of 1,000 innings pitched.