Mariano Rivera, long considered the greatest closer off them all, saved his record-breaking 602nd career game, breaking Trevor Hoffman’s record in the same way he’s done some many times before—with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.
The milestone achievement preserved the Yankees’ 6–4 home win Monday afternoon against Minnesota and cemented Rivera’s already-consensus status as the game’s best reliever.
The humble Rivera famously built his legendary status with his unparalleled calmness on the mound in baseball’s winner-take-all Fall Classic, resulting in five World Series titles, a postseason-record 42 saves, to go along with the most impressive number of all—a nearly untouchable 0.71 ERA in 139 and two-thirds pressure-filled playoff innings.
The hallowed achievements on baseball’s biggest stage resulted in Monday’s milestone as a mere formality as retirement seemed the only obstacle in the way for this living legend who carved his name in history the way very few can—still in his prime.
Following the final out the soft-spoken Rivera was predictably mobbed by teammates and coaches alike before eventually being chided into his only uncomfortable moment on the mound—tipping his hat to the still-cheering fans as the center of their adoring attention.
