Yankees History: Mariano Rivera Becomes All Time Saves Leader

Mariano Rivera is the greatest closer in baseball history. On this day in 2011, in a 6-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins, the New York Yankees closer became the all time leader in saves.

There is no questioning the greatness of Mariano Rivera. Armed with what may be the most dominating cutter in the history of the game, the New York Yankees closer continually mowed down the opposition. Opposing players knew the cutter was coming, and yet, there was nothing they could do about it.

The Yankees were a perennial postseason contender, giving Rivera plenty of opportunities to add to his save total. He had led the league in saves three times, and notched 30 or more saves an impressive 15 times. Needless to say, Rivera quickly climbed up the all time saves ranks, until he had tied the great Padres closer Trevor Hoffman for the all time mark.

On this day in 2011, Rivera etched his name atop the all time saves list. With the Yankees holding a 6-4 lead over the Minnesota Twins, Rivera entered in the top of the ninth. He made quick work of the Twins, needing only 13 pitches in his perfect inning. When he struck out Chris Parmelee on three pitches, Rivera became the all time saves leader in baseball history, recording his 602nd career save.

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Rivera finished the season with his typically dominant performance. He posted a 1.91 ERA and a 0.897 WHiP, recording 44 saves. In his 61 innings, he walked only eight batters with 60 strikeouts. Although he was 41 years old, Rivera was clearly on top of his game.

The following year looked like the end of the line for the great closer. While he pitched well, Rivera twisted his knee, resulting in a blood clot in his right calf that kept him out for the remainder of the season. He vowed to return, and was back to his dominant self in 2013, notching 44 more saves. He retired with 652 saves, a major league record, while posting a 2.11 ERA and a 1.000 WHiP. Rivera also ended his career as the winningest pitcher to come from Panama, his 82 wins tied by Bruce Chen in 2014.

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Mariano Rivera was the greatest closer in baseball history. On this day in 2011, he became the all time saves leader.