How Mariano Rivera Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 20, 2025

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Mariano Rivera—a timeline of influence.

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

1997: Jackie Robinson Number Retired

In 1997 Jackie Robinson's number 42 was retired across the league, and Mariano Rivera was the last major league player to wear the number full time.

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.

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 Reflects on Game 7 Loss in 2001 World Series

After his failure in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series, Rivera found comfort in the fact that it saved teammate Enrique Wilson from being on American Airlines Flight 587, which crashed.

2009: Top Postseason Player

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

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: Number Retired by Yankees

In 2013, the New York Yankees retired Mariano Rivera's uniform number 42.

March 2014: "Legends Series" Played in Panama

Later in March 2014, the "Legends Series", two MLB exhibition games between the Yankees and Miami Marlins, was played in Mariano Rivera's native Panama to honor his legacy.

April 9, 2014: MLB Announces Reliever of the Year Award Named After Rivera

On April 9, 2014, MLB announced the creation of a new annual award for relief pitchers called the Reliever of the Year Award, which would replace the Delivery Man of the Year Award. The AL honor was named after Mariano Rivera.

2014: AL Reliever of the Year Award Named

In 2014, MLB named its AL Reliever of the Year Award in Mariano Rivera's honor.

2015: Inducted into Little League Hall of Excellence

In 2015, Mariano Rivera was inducted into the Little League Hall of Excellence.

August 14, 2016: Yankees Dedicate Plaque to Rivera in Monument Park

On August 14, 2016, the New York Yankees dedicated a plaque to Mariano Rivera in Yankee Stadium's Monument Park.

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.

July 21, 2019: Inducted into the Hall of Fame

On July 21, 2019, Mariano Rivera was officially inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. The ceremony was attended by 55,000 people.

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.