Mariano Rivera was without question a legend of his time.
The New York Yankees Hall-of-Fame closer, who was the last active player to wear the number 42 since it was retired for Jackie Robinson, is revered throughout baseball history.
He was a part of five World Series championship teams and was always that guy the Yankees could trust to shut the door.
Whenever he took the mound, it pretty much spelled certain doom for the opposition.
But today we remember the night where Mo recorded his 500th career save, in a game against the New York Mets, and also took a bases-loaded walk for his only career RBI, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Info.
Rivera was obviously best known for his pitching.
But believe it or not, there was once a time where pitchers would hit for themselves, and Rivera actually took an at-bat at one point in his career.
On this date in 2009, Mariano Rivera recorded his 500th career save in a win against the Mets. He is 1 of just 2 pitchers to reach the milestone.
In the same game, a 9th inning, bases-loaded walk drove in Rivera's only career RBI. pic.twitter.com/Il9f4LTsgw
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 28, 2022
History For Mo
There was just something about his presence.
The Yankees always knew they were in command when they put Rivera in to close out games.
As mentioned previously, his presence almost always spelled certain doom for the team he was facing.
His cutter was devastating.
The way he threw it fooled hitters time and time again.
He was that guy the Yankees could put in to quiet opposing fanbases on the road and seal the deal.
Clutch hits off Mariano were always few and far between.
He rarely blew a save.
That just wasn’t who he was.
That calm composure was always key to any Yankees victory.
But yes, he did in fact take a walk, record his only ever RBI, and his 500th career save in the same game.
Baseball can be funny that way.
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