59. Mariano Rivera
Primarily a starter in his minor league career, Mariano Rivera did not reach the majors until age 25, where he struggled in a starting role. After a conversion to the bullpen, he became the greatest closer in MLB history.
Armed with a cutter that was almost impossible hit even though the opposition knew it was coming, Rivera was a true force in the bullpen. He led the American League in saves three times, and finished in the top three on six other occasions. He was a 13 time All-Star and a five time Rolaids Relief Award winner. Rivera even finished in the top three for the Cy Young vote four times, and was in the top ten in the MVP ballot twice.
Rivera set numerous records in his major league career. Not only did he save a record 652 games, but he also holds the record with 952 games finished. His 205 ERA+ is the highest career mark of any pitcher with over 1000 innings in their career. Rivera also ranks 13th with a 2.21 ERA and third with a 1.000 WHiP.
The final player to wear number 42, after it was retired by Major League Baseball in honor of Jackie Robinson, Rivera is also tied with Bruce Chen for the most wins of a pitcher from Panama. He was also one of the most dominating pitchers in postseason history, recording a 0.70 ERA and a 0.759 WHiP, notching 42 saves in 96 games.
Even though opponents knew that Mariano Rivera was going to throw a cutter, it did not matter. One of the greatest New York Yankees players, Rivera was also the greatest closer in MLB history.
Next: The drunken Pirate