Career Timeline of Mariano Rivera: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Mariano Rivera, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Mariano Rivera, a Panamanian-American former professional baseball pitcher, played 19 seasons for the New York Yankees (1995-2013). Known as "Mo" and "Sandman", he was the Yankees' closer for 17 seasons and is MLB's career leader in saves (652) and games finished (952). A 13-time All-Star and 5-time World Series champion, Rivera received five AL Rolaids Relief Man Awards and three Delivery Man of the Year Awards. In 2019, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, being the only player ever unanimously elected by the BBWAA.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1920: ERA and WHIP Records

At the time of his retirement, Mariano Rivera's career ERA (2.21) and WHIP (1.00) were the lowest of any MLB pitcher in the live-ball era (minimum 1,000 innings pitched), making him one of the top pitchers since 1920.

1988: First Scouted as Shortstop

In 1988, Mariano Rivera was watched playing shortstop in a baseball tournament by scout Herb Raybourn.

February 17, 1990: Signed by Yankees Organization

On February 17, 1990, Mariano Rivera signed a contract with the New York Yankees organization as an amateur free agent.

1990: Signed by Yankees

In 1990, Mariano Rivera was signed by the New York Yankees organization.

1990: Reports to Gulf Coast League Yankees

In 1990, after signing his contract, Mariano Rivera reported to the Gulf Coast League (GCL) Yankees.

1991: Rivera Starts Learning English

In 1991, Mariano Rivera began learning English while playing for the Greensboro Hornets, realizing his teammates didn't speak Spanish.

1991: Promoted to Greensboro Hornets

In 1991, Mariano Rivera was promoted to the Class A level Greensboro Hornets of the South Atlantic League.

1993: Abbreviated Season

Mariano Rivera pitched an abbreviated 1993 season for the Rookie-level Yankees and Class A Greensboro, kept on a limited pitch count during his recuperation.

1994: Promotions in Minor Leagues

In 1994, Mariano Rivera was promoted to the Tampa Yankees, then to the Double-A Albany-Colonie Yankees, and later to the Triple-A Columbus Clippers.

May 16, 1995: Called up to Major Leagues

On May 16, 1995, Mariano Rivera was called up to the major leagues.

1995: Ranked ninth-best prospect

At the start of the 1995 season, Mariano Rivera was ranked the ninth-best prospect in the Yankees organization.

1995: Joins New York Yankees

In 1995, Mariano Rivera began his 19-season career with the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball (MLB).

1995: MLB Debut

In 1995, Mariano Rivera debuted in Major League Baseball as a starting pitcher before transitioning to a relief pitcher later that year.

1995: Pitch Efficiency

In 1995, Mariano Rivera had a pitches per inning rate of 18.7.

1996: Breakthrough Season

In 1996, Mariano Rivera had a breakthrough season as a setup man for the Yankees.

1996: Setup Pitcher and World Series Champion

In 1996, Mariano Rivera served as a setup pitcher for the Yankees, contributing to their success. He pitched 26 consecutive scoreless innings and recorded his first career save on May 17th. His performance helped the Yankees win the 1996 World Series, their first since 1978.

1996: High Strikeout Rate

In 1996, Mariano Rivera was a "power pitcher" and had a high strikeout rate of 10.87 strikeouts per 9 innings.

1996: Longest Outing Since 1996

Mariano Rivera's three scoreless innings in Game 7 of the 2003 AL Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox was his longest outing since 1996, where he served as a setup pitcher.

June 1997: Discovery of the Cutter

In June 1997, Mariano Rivera accidentally discovered his signature cutter during a warm-up toss with teammate Ramiro Mendoza, altering his pitching style and leading to increased reliance on batted balls for outs.

1997: Yankees Closer

In 1997, Mariano Rivera became the Yankees' closer.

July 1998: Mariano Rivera Foundation Established

In July 1998, the Mariano Rivera Foundation was established as a 501(c)(3) organization to support underprivileged children's education.

1998: World Series Victory and Postseason Dominance

In 1998, Mariano Rivera became a central figure in the Yankees' bullpen, known for his cutter. He saved 36 games in the regular season and contributed 13+1/3 scoreless innings in the postseason. He saved Game 4 of the 1998 World Series against the San Diego Padres, clinching the Yankees' championship.

1998: Integration of the Cutter

In 1998, Mariano Rivera incorporated the cutter into his pitching repertoire, which resulted in his strikeouts per 9 innings rate decreasing, but it also decreased his pitches per inning rate.

1998: Managers send right-handed batters to pinch hit

In the 1998 World Series, managers like Bruce Bochy sent right-handed batters to pinch hit for left-handers against Rivera, thinking that the cutter would be more difficult for lefties to hit.

1999: Chipper Jones witnesses Klesko break bats

During the 1999 World Series, Chipper Jones witnessed his teammate Ryan Klesko break three bats in a single plate appearance against Mariano Rivera.

1999: Darrin Fletcher on Rivera's Deceptive Delivery

In 1999, Darrin Fletcher noted that Mariano Rivera's pitching delivery almost lulled hitters to sleep, creating a false sense of security before the ball exploded on them.

1999: Leads MLB in Saves

In 1999, Mariano Rivera led the major leagues in saves.

1999: World Series MVP and League Leader in Saves

In 1999, Mariano Rivera was selected for the All-Star team for the second time. The Yankee Stadium production staff began playing Metallica's "Enter Sandman" as his entrance music. Rivera ended the season leading the major leagues in saves and secured the World Series MVP. Rivera saved the final game of the 1999 World Series against the Atlanta Braves.

1999: World Series Appearance

In the 1999 World Series, Chipper Jones witnessed his teammate Ryan Klesko break three bats in a single plate appearance against Mariano Rivera. This event highlights the effectiveness of Rivera's cutter pitch.

2000: Derek Jeter's Yankee Honor

In 2000, Derek Jeter received an honor as a Yankee, marking a significant moment in his career alongside Mariano Rivera's journey.

2000: Continued Postseason Success and Records

In 2000, Mariano Rivera earned his title as an All-Star and saved both games of a double header against the New York Mets on July 8th. Rivera broke the record for most postseason saves and most consecutive scoreless innings pitched in postseason play. He clinched another championship for the Yankees in the 2000 World Series against the Mets, marking his fourth overall.

2001: Rivera's Bat-Breaking Season

During the 2001 regular season, Mariano Rivera broke 44 bats, highlighting the effectiveness and devastating impact of his signature cut fastball on opposing hitters.

2001: Leads MLB in Saves

In 2001, Mariano Rivera again led the major leagues in saves.

2001: New Contract and Record-Breaking Season

In 2001, Mariano Rivera signed a four-year contract with the Yankees and was selected for the All-Star team for the third consecutive year. Rivera led MLB with 50 saves, breaking the Yankees' single-season record. Despite his regular season success, Rivera failed to close out Game 7 of the 2001 World Series, blowing the save and losing the series for the Yankees.

May 9, 2002: Yankees' All-Time Save Leader

On May 9, 2002, Mariano Rivera became the Yankees' all-time leader in saves with 225 saves, surpassing Dave Righetti's record. He also earned an All-Star selection despite injuries limiting his playing time.

2003: AL Championship Series MVP and Memorable Game 7 Performance

In 2003, Mariano Rivera had a career-best ERA of 1.66. In the AL Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox, Rivera pitched three scoreless innings in Game 7 to earn the win and was named AL Championship Series MVP. The Yankees advanced to the 2003 World Series, but lost.

2003: AL Championship Series MVP

Mariano Rivera won the 2003 AL Championship Series MVP Award.

March 2004: Contract Extension

In March 2004, with a year remaining on his contract, Mariano Rivera signed a two-year extension with the Yankees worth $21 million.

2004: ESPN.com Ranks Rivera's Cutter as Best "Out Pitch"

In 2004, ESPN.com ranked Mariano Rivera's cut fastball as the best "out pitch" in baseball, acknowledging its dominance.

2004: Career High in Appearances

In 2004, Mariano Rivera had a career-high number of appearances but did not throw during the offseason, unlike previous years.

2004: Leads MLB in Saves

In 2004, Mariano Rivera led the major leagues in saves.

2005: Statistical Bests and Awards

In 2005, Mariano Rivera reached new statistical bests in ERA and WHIP. He also moved up the all-time saves list, won his fourth AL Rolaids Relief Man Award, was voted Delivery Man of the Year, and was named to the Latino Legends Team.

2005: Struggles and Recovery

In 2005, Mariano Rivera started the season poorly, facing booing from Yankee Stadium fans after blown save opportunities. However, he rebounded, achieving a 23 consecutive scoreless innings streak, getting selected for the All-Star team, and setting new career bests.

2006: Milestones and All-Star Selection

In 2006, Mariano Rivera passed Dennis Eckersley for the fourth-most saves in MLB history and was selected to his third consecutive All-Star team. He also saved the AL's comeback victory in the All-Star Game, and became the fourth MLB pitcher to reach 400 saves.

2007: Contract Negotiations and Performance

In 2007, contract extension negotiations with the Yankees stalled, and Rivera struggled early in the season. Despite improvement, he finished with career worsts in several categories. He also passed John Franco for third place on the all-time saves list.

2007: Contract Option Guaranteed

In August 2006, Mariano Rivera guaranteed his $10.5 million contract option for 2007.

2008: Roy Halladay Consults Rivera on Cutter

During the 2008 All-Star break, Roy Halladay sought advice from Mariano Rivera on improving his cutter, even tracing Rivera's grip on a baseball. Rivera's willingness to help a fellow player, even an opponent, led to a playful fine from his Yankees teammates.

2008: High Cutter Usage

From 2008, Mariano Rivera threw his signature cutter at least 82% of the time each season, demonstrating his reliance on the pitch.

2008: All-Star Selection and Milestones

In 2008, Mariano Rivera earned his ninth All-Star selection. He also passed Lee Smith for second all-time in regular-season saves, and threw the final pitch at Yankee Stadium.

2008: Statistical Achievements

In 2008, Mariano Rivera had a standout season setting career bests in multiple statistical categories, including WHIP, OPS-against, batting average against, and save percentage.

2009: 500th Save and World Series Win

In 2009, Mariano Rivera reached 500 regular-season saves, earned his first career RBI, and was named an All-Star for the tenth time. He clinched the Yankees' World Series victory, earning several awards at season's end.

2009: Top Postseason Player

In a 2009 ESPN.com poll, Mariano Rivera was voted one of the top five postseason players in MLB history.

2010: Rivera Donates to Charity

In 2010, Mariano Rivera donated $627,500 to charity.

2010: Longevity and All-Star Selection

In 2010, Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, and Jorge Posada became the first trio in major sports to play together on the same team for 16 consecutive seasons. He earned an 11th All-Star selection, but withdrew due to injuries.

2011: Rivera Acquires Church in New Rochelle

In 2011, Mariano Rivera acquired a 107-year-old church in New Rochelle for $1, which his foundation later renovated.

2011: All-Time Saves Leader

In 2011, Mariano Rivera broke the all-time record for games finished, made his 1,000th appearance, and became the all-time saves leader.

2012: Rivera Ranked Among Most Generous Celebrities

In 2012, The Giving Back Fund estimated that Mariano Rivera donated $627,500 to charity in 2010, ranking him as the 25th-most generous celebrity.

September 22, 2013: Mariano Rivera Day and Number Retirement

On September 22, 2013, New York City celebrated "Mariano Rivera Day", and the Yankees retired Rivera's number 42. The event at Yankee Stadium included former teammates and Jackie Robinson's family, Metallica performed live, and Rivera addressed the crowd with thanks.

2013: Rivera Forms Public Version of His Foundation

During his final season in 2013, Mariano Rivera formed a public version of the Mariano Rivera Foundation to accommodate donations, appointing Naomi Gandia as executive director.

2013: Rivera Wins Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award

In 2013, Mariano Rivera won the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award for his on-field performances and community contributions.

2013: Continued High Cutter Usage

Through 2013, Mariano Rivera continued to heavily rely on his cutter, throwing it at least 82% of the time each season.

March 2014: Rivera Receives ROBIE Humanitarian Award and Jefferson Award

In March 2014, Mariano Rivera received the ROBIE Humanitarian Award from the Jackie Robinson Foundation and a Jefferson Award for Public Service.

March 2014: Refugio de Esperanza Opens

In March 2014, the renovated church acquired by Rivera in 2011 opened as Refugio de Esperanza, hosting a Pentecostal congregation.

2014: Rivera and Wife Create Scholarship

In 2014, Mariano Rivera and his wife Clara created a scholarship in their names at the College of New Rochelle.

January 22, 2019: Elected to National Baseball Hall of Fame

On January 22, 2019, Mariano Rivera was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility and became the first player ever to be unanimously elected by the BBWAA.

June 2019: Partnership Between Rivera and eBay Announced

In June 2019, Mariano Rivera partnered with eBay to auction Rivera-centric sports memorabilia to benefit his foundation.

July 12, 2019: Guest of Honor at Saratoga Race Course

On July 12, 2019, the New York Racing Association hosted Mariano Rivera at Saratoga Race Course as their guest of honor, and a fundraising luncheon was held to benefit his foundation.

July 2019: Rivera Joins Washington Speakers Bureau

In July 2019, Mariano Rivera joined the Washington Speakers Bureau as a paid public speaker.

September 2019: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In September 2019, Mariano Rivera received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his philanthropy.

September 16, 2019: Rivera Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

On September 16, 2019, President Trump presented Mariano Rivera with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States.