He and his wife, Clara have three sons, Mariano Jr., Jafet, and Jaziel...was signed by Herb Raybourn...is the first cousin of former Yankee, Ruben Rivera...is the only active player currently wearing uniform No. 42...Received the Buck Canel Award by the BBWAA as the top Latin American player in 1996...donated his 2001 Rolaids Relief Man Award to the FDNY...received the 2003 Thurman Munson Award for his accomplishments on the field and his philanthropic work within the community...was honored along with teammates Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada with the 2009 "Willie, Mickey and the Duke" Award from the New York Baseball Writers' Association of America...was recipient of the 2011 "Joe DiMaggio Toast of the Town" Award from the New York chapter of the BBWAA...In 2004, helped open two Intel Computer Clubhouses in Panama City as part of an after-school program that provides area youth with access to computers and adult mentors in order to develop self-confidence and learning skills...spends time in the off -season in his native Panama, where he provides Christmas gifts for many local children...helped finance the construction of a new elementary school and a new church building in Puerto Caimito, Panama...along with Bobby Abreu, delivered Christmas gifts to the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club in the Bronx in December 2007...sponsored a youth baseball tournament at Franz Siegel Park in the Bronx in September 2008...delivered holiday gifts to kids at Harlem's Gregorio Luperon High School in December 2008...served as a spokesman for President Obama's United We Serve campaign in 2009...Joined with jeweler Michael C. Fina and Hearts on Fire to announce Yankee Stadium's "Final Engagement" via the in-stadium Diamond Vision scoreboard during the 9/18/08 game vs. Chicago-AL...registrations were $1 with all proceeds going to the Mariano Rivera Foundation...helped collect canned goods at the Yankees' annual holiday food drive in December 2010...Is a four-time recipient of the LatinoMVP "American League Reliever of the Year" Award (2003-06)...was also honored with the Citizen Award from latinobaseball.com for his commitment to the well-being of children throughout the United States and Latin America...participates in annual baseball clinics in the Dominican Republic during the off season...received the prestigious Manuel Amador Guerrero Order during Panama's Independence Day parade on 11/3/99 in Panama City...Named the No. 7 sports celebrity on WFAN's (660 AM) Top 20 New York Athletes of the Last 20 Years in Dec. 2007.
2012
Went 1-1 with five saves (in six chances) and a 2.16 ERA in nine relief outings...made his 17th career Opening Day roster, most among all current Yankees...Allowed 3 H and 2 ER in 0.1 IP to suffer the blown save and loss on Opening Day (4/6) at Tampa Bay (2 IBB, 1K)...prior to the blown save, had converted 60 of 61 chances (and 27 straight) vs. the Rays in his career (only other blown save was on 8/16/05 at Tampa Bay)...was his first career Opening Day blown save...After blowing the save in the season opener at Tampa Bay (0.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BB), tossed 8.0 scoreless innings (3 H, 0 BB, 7 K) in eight appearances with five saves in five chances...allowed just three of his 26 batters faced from 4/9-30 to reach base (3 H, 0 BB, 7 K)...Tossed a perfect 12th inning for his first save in 4/10 win at Baltimore (1.0 IP, 2 K)...was his 40th career save at Camden Yards, surpassing Trevor Hoffman's 39 saves at Dodger Stadium for the highest total for any visiting player at any ballpark according to Elias...Made his final appearance of the season in 4/30 win at Baltimore, earning the save to preserve a 2-1 win (1.0 IP, 1 H)...Injured his right knee while shagging fly balls during batting practice on 5/3 at Kansas City...went for an MRI at Kansas University MedWest Hospital and was placed on the 15-day disabled list on 5/4 with a torn ACL of the right knee (transferred to the 60-day DL on 5/13)...underwent surgery on 6/12 for an isolated repair on his torn ACL...the surgery was performed at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan by Dr. David Altchek and Yankees Team Physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad...was his sixth career appearance on the DL and first since going on the 15-day DL from 3/30-4/29/03 with a strained right groin...Was 2-0 with a 1.12 ERA (8.0 IP, 1 ER) in eight Spring Training relief appearances...had his 28.0-inning stretch of not allowing a Spring Training earned run snapped on 4/1 at Miami (1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER)...was his first spring earned run allowed since 3/15/08 vs. Tampa Bay.
2011
Was 1-2 with 44 saves (in 49 opportunities) and a 1.91 ERA (61.1IP, 13ER) in 64 relief appearances with the Yankees...tied his 2009 mark for the fifth-highest single-season saves total in franchise history...all five blown saves came on the road...ranked second in the AL-trailing only Detroit's Jose Valverde (47 saves)-and was fifth in the Majors in saves...ranked 10th in the Majors in ERA (fourth in the AL)...opponents batted .215 (47-for-219, 3HR); LH .240 (25-for-104, 2HR), RH .191 (22-for-115, 1HR)...retired 50-of-64 first batters faced (78.1%)...prevented 11-of-17 inherited runners from scoring (64.7%)...appeared in consecutive games 12 times and three straight games three times...the Yankees were 53-11 in games he appeared in...Was perfect in converting save opportunities at home (23-for-23) for the fourth time in the last six seasons (also 20-for-20 in 2006; 17-for-17 in 2008 and 24-for-24 in 2009)...held opponents scoreless in his first 21 home appearances of the season (21.0IP, 10H, 1BB, 17K)...was three games shy of the record for most consecutive scoreless home appearances to start at season shared by George Sherrill (2007, SEA), Steve Kline (2004, STL) and Graeme Lloyd (1998, NYY)...At 41 years old, became the oldest player in Baseball history to save at least 40 games in a season...became one of just three pitchers ever to register as many as 15 saves in a season at age 41 or older (also St. Louis' Dennis Eckersley-30 in 1996, 36 in '97 and Milwaukee's Trevor Hoff man-37 in '09)-credit: Elias Sports Bureau...Was named to his 12th All-Star team on 7/3, but was unable to attend the game...received four fifth-place votes in Cy Young balloting...also tabbed as the AL's top reliever on the Sporting News 2011 All-Star Team...Made his 16th career Opening Day roster, most among all current Yankees...in 3/31 Opening Day win vs. Detroit, tossed a perfect ninth inning for his third career Opening Day save-most in franchise history-and sixth save in a Yankees home opener...Earned his second save of the season in 4/2 win vs. Detroit, retiring his only batter faced (0.1IP) to save the Yankees' first two games of the season for the first time since 2000...With his saves on 3/31 and 4/2 vs. Detroit and 4/4 and 4/7 vs. Minnesota, saved each of the Yankees first four wins of a season for the second time in his career (also 2000)...Tossed a scoreless 10th inning on 4/14 vs. Baltimore to earn his only win of the season (1.0IP, 1H)...Recorded back-to-back blown save chances in 4/19 loss at Toronto (1.0IP, 4H, 2ER, 1BB, 1WP) and 4/24 win at Baltimore (1.1IP, 2H, 1ER, 1BB, 2K)...marked the eighth time in his career-and fourth in April-he blew consecutive save opportunities and first overall since 4/15-20/07...prior to 4/19, had not allowed a run in his previous 19 April appearances (since 4/30/09), tossing 17.1 scoreless IP with 14 saves over the stretch (8H, 2BB, 17K)...Earned his ninth save in 4/30 win vs. Toronto, marking his most saves ever in a season prior to 5/1...Earned a save in three straight games (4/30 and 5/1 wins vs. Toronto and 5/2 win at Detroit) for the 29th time in his career and on three straight days for the 22nd time in his career (each first since 7/17-19/09)...Made his 1,000th career appearance in 5/25 win at Toronto, tossing a scoreless ninth (1.0IP, 1H, 1K)...became the 15th pitcher in Baseball history to reach the 1,000-games plateau and first to do so with the same team- credit: Elias ...Retired the final batter of 6/4 win at Los Angeles-AL-on one pitch-to record his 15th save...was his second career one pitch save (also 8/7/05 at Toronto)...Allowed a solo HR to Reed Johnson to lead off the ninth inning of 6/18 win at Chicago-NL, marking his first HR surrendered since 9/19/10 at Baltimore (Luke Scott) and just his third HR allowed since the start of 2010 (87.1IP)...Recorded his fourth blown save of the season in 7/3 loss at the Mets, allowing 2H and 1ER in the ninth (1.0IP, 1BB, 1K)...snapped a stretch of 16 straight converted save chances against the Mets since July 1999, and 26 consecutive converted save chances against the NL (24 during the regular season and two in the 2009 WS)...Allowed at least one run in three straight games from 8/7-11, doing so for the eighth time in his career as a reliever (first since 9/19-26/10)...also allowed at least one extra-base hit in each of those three outings, matching his career-long streak as a reliever (fourth time, first since 5/16-21/10)...allowed a home run in two consecutive games (8/9 and 8/11 vs. Los Angeles-AL) for the fourth time in his career as a reliever (first since 4/24-29/09)...Allowed two-run HR to Bobby Abreu in 8/9 loss vs. Los Angeles-AL...according to ESPN Stats and Information, marked just the second time in his career he surrendered a homer to a former teammate (also 7/18/98 to Toronto's Mike Stanley)...Following that outing, converted each of his final 15 save opportunities of the season (8/11-9/21)...in 18 total games over the span, allowed just 2ER in 17.0IP (1.06 ERA, 8H, 3BB, 1HR, 21K)...Retired 17 consecutive batters from 8/11-29...had the span snapped with Ortiz's double to lead off the ninth inning of 8/30 win at Boston...Earned his 600th career save in 9/13 win at Seattle, tossing a scoreless ninth (1.0IP, 1H, 2K)...Recorded his 602nd career save in 9/19 win vs. Minnesota (1.0IP, 1K), surpassing Trevor Hoff man (601) for Baseball's all-time record...came in a 1-2-3 ninth inning, the 208th such save of his career-credit: Stats, LLC...came exactly 15 years and 125 days after his first save on 5/17/96 vs. California...over that span, saved 63 more games than any other pitcher (Hoff man-539) and 279 more than any other active pitcher (Francisco Cordero-323)...tied Hoff man for most saves all time in 9/17 win at Toronto...Was named the American League "Player of the Week" for the period ending 9/25 in recognition of surpassing Trevor Hoff man (601) to become Major League Baseball's all-time saves leader...Appeared in two ALDS games vs. Detroit, combining to toss 1.1 scoreless IP (1K)...marked just the third Yankees postseason series since 1998 in which Rivera did not have a save chance (also 2006 ALDS vs. Detroit and '07 ALDS vs. Cleveland) and just the fourth in which he did not record a save (also 2004 ALDS vs. Minnesota, 0-for-1)...Following the season, underwent throat surgery on his vocal cords on 12/2 at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.
2010
Was 3-3 with 33 saves (in 38 chances) and a 1.80 ERA in 61 relief appearances with the Yankees...opponents batted .183 (39-for-213, 2HR); LH .214 (22-for-103, 2HR), RH .155 (17-for-110, 0HR)...retired 49-of-61 first batters faced (80.3%)....prevented 13-of-16 inherited runners from scoring (81.3%)...appeared in consecutive games 15 times and three straight games once...his five blown saves were his most since 2003 (six)...Just five of his 61 relief outings-and one of his 33 saves-were more than 1.0IP...51 of his 61 outings were scoreless...Named to his 11th All-Star Game in 2010, tying Derek Jeter and Bill Dickey for the fifth-most selections in franchise history...did not attend the game to rest a sore right knee and left side...named to Sporting News' 2010 Top 50 Baseball Players list (No. 11)...Made his 15th career Opening Day roster in 2010, most among all current Yankees...Did not allow a run in his first 11.0IP of the season...according to Elias, matched his second-longest scoreless streak to begin a season (also 11.0IP in 1998 and 16.0 in 2008)...With his save on 4/6 at Boston, became the second pitcher in franchise history to record a save after turning 40 (40 years, 129 days), joining Jim Kaat, who earned two saves as a 40-year-old in 1979 (40 years, 312 days when he notched the second such save)-credit: Elias Sports Bureau...Went 11 days between appearances from 4/30-5/11...was the second-longest gap between appearances in his 15 seasons as a reliever (not including D.L. stints)...went 21 days between outings from 8/31-9/22/06...In 5/16 loss vs. Minnesota, registered first blown save since 9/18/09 at Seattle after entering the game with the bases loaded and two outs in the eighth inning...walked in a run and allowed a grand slam to his next batter (Kubel) before recording his first and only out...was his fourth career grand slam surrendered and third as a reliever (first since Bill Selby "walk-off" GS on 7/14/02 at Cleveland)...was the fourth bases-loaded walk issued in his career and first since 5/6/05 vs. Oakland (Keith Ginter)...Recorded two saves in the same day for the sixth time in his career on 5/26 at Minnesota (also 5/3/07 at Texas; 9/16/97 vs. Boston, 7/8/00 in a split-stadium DH vs. the Mets; 9/13/03 vs. Tampa Bay and 9/29/04 vs. Minnesota)...the first of the two saves came in the completion of 5/25 win at Minnesota and was credited to that day...Did not allow a run over a 16-appearance stretch from 5/25-7/2, holding opponents to just 5H and 3BB (1IBB) in 18.0IP while converting each of his 10 save opportunities (1HP, 20K)...allowed just 1ER over a 27-appearance stretch (27.2IP) from 5/25-8/8...Was voted as the winner of June's "Clutch Performer of the Month Award Presented by Pepsi"...went 2-0 in 11 games, converting each of his seven save chances without allowing a run in 13.0IP (4H, 2BB, 16K)...Held opponents hitless in 25 straight AB between a Luke Scott single on 6/1 at Baltimore and Stephen Drew's single on 6/23 at Arizona...also held righthanded batters hitless in 21 consecutive AB prior to Justin Upton's double on 6/23 at Arizona (streak started after Jason Bay double on 5/21 at New York-NL)...Tossed 2.0 scoreless innings to earn his first win on 6/23 at Arizona...pitched out of a bases-loaded, no out situation in the bottom of the 10th...also had his third career at-bat (and fourth plate appearance) in the game, grounding out to first in the 10th inning...Made his second 2.0-inning outing in a five-day span on 6/27 at Los Angeles-NL, recording the win in both games...marked the first time he tossed at least 2.0IP twice in a five-day stretch since 7/6/08 vs. Boston and 7/9/08 vs. Tampa Bay, when he also recorded the win in both games...Had three blown saves in September, his most in a calendar month since August 2003 (four)-credit: Elias...Suffered his third loss and third blown save of the season on 9/11 at Texas, marking his first blown save on the road since 9/18/09 at Seattle...Suffered his fifth blown save of the season in 9/26 win vs. Boston, allowing 2H and 2ER in 1.1IP...was his first blown save at home against Boston since back-to-back blown saves on 4/5 and 4/6/05...allowed four stolen bases in the ninth inning, marking the first time a Yankees reliever allowed 4SB in a single inning since Lindy McDaniel in 1969-credit: Elias...Appeared in six postseason games, tossing 6.1 scoreless IP and converting all three save chances...earned the 600th save of his Major League career (regular and postseason) in 10/7 ALDS Game 2 win at Minnesota.
2009
Was 3-3 with a 1.76 ERA and 44 saves in 66 relief appearances for the Yankees... ranked second in the Majors with a 95.7% (44-for-46) save percentage and third in saves...placed fifth in the American League with 55 games finished...tabbed as Sporting News "Pro Athlete of the Year," becoming the second Yankees pitcher to receive the honor (also Ron Guidry in 1978)... also earned the MLB "Delivery Man of the Year" Award, "Closer of the Year" by MLB.com and Sporting News "Reliever of the Year"... named co-winner of the 2009 "Rolaids Relief Man" Award, joining Dan Quisenberry (1980, '82-85) as the only five-time winners of the award... received four votes for AL MVP (17 points)...Made appearances in consecutive games 14 times, three-straight games twice (6/28-7/1; 7/17-19) and four straight games twice (4/19-24 and 6/4-8)... recorded saves in two consecutive games 10 times, on two consecutive days 10 times, in three straight games twice and three straight "days" once (7/17-19 at Detroit)... recorded seven saves of more than 1.0IP, including a season-high 2.0IP in 5/16 win vs. Minnesota... retired 47-of-66 first batters faced (71.2%)... prevented 15-of-20 inherited runners from scoring (75.0%)... opponents batted .197 (48-for-244, 7HR); LH .182 (22-for-121, 3HR), RH .211 (26-for-123, 4HR)...In his final 40 appearances of the season (from 6/16), went 2-1 with a 0.68 ERA and converted 30-of-31 save opportunities (39.2IP, 21H, 3ER, 9BB, 40K, 2HR)... over his first 26 appearances (from 4/9-6/12), went 1-2 with a 3.38 ERA while going 14-of-15 in save opportunities (26.2IP, 27H, 10ER, 3BB, 32K, 5HR)...Converted a career-high 36 straight save opportunities from 4/30-9/14... went 2-2 with a 1.44 ERA over the stretch (50.0IP, 30H, 9R, 8ER, 11BB, 53K, 4HR), allowing just 2ER in save situations...Allowed 7HR, his most in a single season since a career-high 11 in 1995 (his rookie season)... surrendered 5HR over his first 17G (72 opp. AB) through 5/20, then allowed just 2HR over his final 49 appearances (172 opp. AB)...Was named to his 10th All-Star team... earned the save in the American League win in St. Louis on 7/14, tossing a perfect ninth inning (1.0IP, 1K)... was his fourth career All-Star save, surpassing Dennis Eckersley for most all time...Made his 14th Opening Day roster... in 4/17 win vs. Cleveland, tossed a scoreless ninth inning to earn the first save in Yankee Stadium history (1.0IP, 2H, 2K)...Allowed back-to-back solo-HR in the ninth (Carl Crawford and Evan Longoria) to suffer the loss (0.2IP, 2H, 2ER, 1K) on 5/7 vs. Tampa Bay... surrendered consecutive home runs for the first time in his career, and allowed two HR in an appearance for only the fourth time in his career (first since 7/18/98 at Toronto-Mike Stanley and Ed Sprague)...Issued his first walk of the season in 5/14 win at Toronto in his 13th appearance of the season... was his first walk since 8/24/08 at Baltimore, a span of 23.2IP...In 5/29 win at Cleveland, tossed a scoreless ninth for his 10th save (1.0IP, 1H, 2K)... was his 58th save in a game in which Andy Pettitte was the winning pitcher, surpassing Bob Welch and Dennis Eckersley (57) for the highest total for any pair of pitchers since saves became an official statistic in 1969 (credit: Elias)...Did not allow a run over 21 straight appearances from 6/16-8/9, compiling a 22.1-inning scoreless stretch dating back to the ninth inning on 6/12... according to the Elias Sports Bureau, was the fourth-longest scoreless stretch of his career (behind 30.2IP in 1999, 26.0IP in 1996 and 23.0IP in 2005)... did not allow a run in a save situation over 25 save chances from 5/20-8/9, a 25.1-inning scoreless span...In 6/24 win at Atlanta, struck out all four batters faced to earn his 16th save (1.1IP)... was the first time in his career he faced at least four batters and retired each of them via strikeout... marked the fourth time since the start of the 1997 season he struck out four-or-more hitters in a game (all 4K: 7/9/08 vs. Tampa Bay; 5/20/06 at the Mets; 8/19/99 vs. Kansas City)... also made second career regular season plate appearance in the game, lining out to CF in the ninth...Earned his 500th career save (18th of the season) in 6/28 win at the Mets, tossing 1.1 scoreless innings (1H, 2K)... also recorded his first career RBI with a bases-loaded walk off Francisco Rodriguez in the ninth inning... according to Elias, was the first AL pitcher to record both a save and RBI in the same game since Detroit's Chad Durbin at Atlanta on 6/25/07...Was named the AL "co-Player of the Week" for the period ending 6/28... was his second career weekly award (also 6/9/08)...On 6/30 vs. Seattle, threw out the ceremonial first pitch in recognition of earning his 500th career save and tossed a perfect ninth for his 19th save (1.0IP, 1K)...Was named the winner of the "Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Month" Award for July for the second time in his career (also April 2008)... recorded a Major League-best 10 saves during the month, successfully converting each of his save opportunities without allowing a run... marked just the second time in his career he earned at least 10 saves in a single month without allowing a run (also August 1999)...Made his 900th Major League appearance in 8/14 win at Seattle, tossing a perfect ninth (1.0IP) for his 34th save... became the 22nd Major Leaguer to reach the milestone...Made his 907th career appearance in 9/7 Game 1 win vs. Tampa Bay, surpassing Cy Young for sole possession of 20th place on Baseball's all-time games pitched list...Allowed a two-run "walk-off" home run to Ichiro Suzuki with two outs in the bottom of the ninth on 9/19 at Seattle... marked just the fifth "walk-off" homer allowed by Rivera in his career (also Cleveland's Bill Selby-7/14/02, Boston's Bill Mueller-7/24/04, Toronto's Vernon Wells-7/20/06 and Oakland's Marco Scutaro-4/15/07)... was just the second time Rivera allowed a game-ending homer to a team after they were down to their final out with no one on base (also Scutaro)... snapped a career-high streak of 36 straight converted save chances... his strikeout of Mike Carp in the ninth was the 1,000th K of his career...Was a part of his fifth World Championship team, making 12 postseason appearances in 2009, recording five saves (in five opportunities) and allowing just 1ER in 16.0IP (0.56 ERA)... six of the outings were more than 1.0 inning, including two 2.0-inning saves (Game 6 of ALCS and Game 2 of WS)... was on the mound for the clinching game in each of the three rounds for the fourth time in his career... made his 23rd career World Series appearance in Game 4 on 11/1 at Philadelphia, surpassing Whitey Ford (22) for most all time... with two World Series saves, became the second-oldest pitcher to earn a save in a World Series game behind Baltimore's Dick Hall (age 40 in 1971)... tossed a World Series career-high 41 pitches in Game 6 on 11/4 at Yankee Stadium... has been the Yankees final pitcher in each of their last four World Series wins (1998, '99, 2000 and '09)... donated his postseason cap to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
2008
Was 6-5 with 39 saves (in 40 chances) and a 1.40 ERA in a team-high 64 appearances with the Yankees... were his most wins and saves and his lowest ERA since 2005 (7, 43, 1.38)...established a career high with a 97.5% save percentage, the highest mark by an AL closer since Boston's Tom Gordon in 1998 (97.9%, 46-for-47)... finished fifth in AL Cy Young Award voting...Opponents batted .165 (41-for-249, 4HR); LH .147 (19-for-129, 2HR), RH .183 (22-for-120, 2HR)... was the lowest opponents average among qualifying AL relievers, trailing only the Cubs' Carlos Marmol (.135) among all Major League relievers... stranded 16-of- 20 inherited runners (80.0%)... retired 47-of-64 first batters faced (73.4%)... pitched consecutive games nine times, three straight three times and four straight three times... appeared in four straight games four times combined over his previous four years (2004- 07)... saved consecutive games five times and earned the save in three straight games three times...Had the Majors' lowest ERA among all pitchers with at least 70.0IP... ranked third among AL relievers in strikeouts and was tied with Joe Nathan for fifth in the AL in saves...According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Rivera's 12.83- to-1 strikeouts-to-walks ratio (77K, 6BB) was the third highest in modern Major League history (min. 50.0IP), behind Dennis Eckersley's 1989 (18.33-to-1) and 1990 (18.25-for-1) campaigns...Since earned runs became an official statistic in the National League (in 1912) and American League (in 1913), his 2.29 career ERA is the fourth lowest all time among pitchers with at least 1,000.0IP behind only Eddie Cicotte (2.20), Jim Scott (2.26) and Babe Ruth (2.28), according to the Elias Sports Bureau...Is the all-time American League leader with 482 career saves and ranks second on Baseball's all-time list (since saves became official stat in 1969) behind only Trevor Hoffman (554)... his 88.9% save conversion rate ranks fourth all time among pitchers with at least 200 save opportunities...Over the last 10 years (1999-2008), leads the Majors with 398 saves and ranks sixth with 651 appearances (fourth among right-handers)... over the last five years (2004- 08), owns 199 saves, tying Joe Nathan for the third-most in the Majors...Has the most saves in Yankees franchise history... his 851 appearances are the most in club history (328 more than second-place Dave Righetti's 523) and rank 31st on Baseball's all-time list... ranks 13th in club history with 934K... owns seven of the nine highest single-season save totals in franchise history (1. 53 in 2004; 2. 50 in 2001; 4. 45 in 1999; T5. 43 in 1997 and 2005; 8. 40 in 2003; 9. 39 in 2008)...Recorded his ninth season with at least 35 saves, second-most behind Trevor Hoffman's 11 seasons... was his sixth straight 30-save season since 2003 (had five consecutive from 1997-2001) and 11th of his career, surpassing Lee Smith (10) for the second-most such seasons all-time behind Hoffman (12)... reached the 25-save plateau for the 12th consecutive season (1997-2008) and trails only Lee Smith (13 straight seasons 1983-95) for the longest such streak since saves became an official statistic in 1969...Has allowed only 2ER in 47.2IP over 31 ALDS appearances and his 0.38 ERA is the lowest of any pitcher in the history of Division Series play... owns 34 career postseason saves in 39 opportunities (87.2%), both most all time... also has a Major League-record nine World Series saves... his 20 World Series appearances are tied with Mike Stanton for the second-most all time behind Whitey Ford (22)... has a record 11 career 2.0-inning saves in the postseason... owns a 0.77 ERA (117.1IP, 10ER) in a Major League-record 76 career postseason games, the lowest ERA all time (min. 30.0IP)...According to the Elias Sports Bureau, has converted 69-of-72 (95.8%) save opportunities since blowing his first two saves of the 2007 season, marking the best conversion rate in the Majors over that span (since 4/21/07)...Saved 22 of the Yankees' 41 road wins in 2008 (53.7%)... has converted 39 of his last 41 road SVO (since 5/3/07), allowing 10ER in 65.0IP (1.38 ERA, 45H, 9BB, 65K)... saved 10 straight road wins from 4/23-6/12/08...According to the Elias Sports Bureau, his 230 saves at the original Yankee Stadium are the most by any one pitcher in any one ballpark... saved his final 23 chances at the Stadium, including all 20 in 2008...Owns 106 career saves when recording more than three outs and 45 saves when tossing at least 1.2 innings...Converted his first 28 save opportunities to start 2008, marking a career best (converted first 12 chances in 2004)... was not charged with a run in any of his first 22 save opportunities, becoming the first pitcher since 1975 (when the current save rules came into effect) to accomplish the feat (credit: Elias)...Worked to a 0.62 ERA in save opportunities in 2008, allowing only 3ER in 43.1IP (20H, 3BB, 48K)... was 6-5 with a 2.63 ERA in 24 non-save situations (27.1IP, 21H, 8ER, 3BB, 29K)... entered 15 tied games in 2008, posting a 6-5 record with a 3.44 ERA and allowing the go-ahead run to score eight times (18.1IP, 17H, 7ER, 3BB, 23K)...Made 15 appearances of more than 1.0 inning, going 3-0 with eight saves and a 0.40 ERA in such outings (22.2IP, 8H, 1R, 3BB, 22K)... threw a season-high 2.0IP four times (5/27 at Baltimore, 7/6 vs. Boston, 7/9 vs. Tampa Bay and 8/16 vs. Kansas City) without allowing a run...Was selected to his ninth All-Star Game, joining teammate Derek Jeter as the only players to be named to the All-Star team with their current team at least nine times (credit: Elias)... tossed 1.2 scoreless innings in the 15.0-inning AL victory on 7/15 at Yankee Stadium, entering with one out and one on in the ninth... donated his jersey as well as dirt from the mound to the Baseball Hall of Fame...Along with Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada, became the first trio of teammates to play for the Yankees in each of 14 straight seasons (1995-2008), surpassing the 13 consecutive seasons of Bill Dickey, Lefty Gomez and Red Ruffing (1930-42) and Whitey Ford, Elston Howard and Mickey Mantle (1955-67)... are the first Major League trio to play together as long since Jim Gantner, Paul Molitor and Robin Yount (15 years, 1978-92 with Milwaukee)-credit: Elias Sports Bureau...Recorded his second career Opening Day save-the most in franchise history-tossing a perfect ninth inning (1.0IP, 1K) in 4/1 win vs. Toronto... made his 13th career Opening Day roster...Did not allow a run or walk in his first 14 appearances (4/1-5/10), recording 10 saves and striking out 12 batters in 15.0IP (6H)... was the longest scoreless streak to begin a season in his career...Was named the April winner of the "DHL Presents the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Month" Award... did not allow a run in 10 relief appearances, striking out 11 batters over 11.0IP (4H) while recording a save in each of his eight save opportunities... combined for just eight April saves from 2005-07 (only one in 2007)... marked his most saves in April since 2004 (eight)...Made 800th career appearance in 5/8 win vs. Cleveland, tossing a scoreless ninth (1.0IP, 1H) to record his ninth save... became the 39th pitcher in Baseball history to pitch in at least 800 games... allowed a double to Ben Francisco, marking his first extra-base hit allowed of the season after 45 batters faced... the double also snapped a 19AB hitless streak by opposing batters against Rivera (credit: Elias Sports Bureau)...On 5/13 at Tampa Bay, in his 15th appearance of the year, allowed "walk-off" RBI single in the 11th to suffer the loss (1.0IP, 3H, 1ER, 1K)... was his first run allowed of the season, marking the latest into a season he had gone without allowing a run... previous best was in 1998 when he first allowed a run in his 11th appearance on 5/14/98 vs. Texas...Was named American League "Player of the Week" for the period ending 6/1, earning his first career weekly award... in four appearances, recorded three saves without allowing a run (5.0IP, 1H, 2BB, 7K)...In 6/7 win vs. Kansas City, recorded his second win of the season despite allowing a home run to David DeJesus, his first batter faced, on his first pitch (1.0IP, 1H, 1ER, 1K, 1HR)... was his first HR allowed since 8/15/07 vs. Baltimore (Aubrey Huff) and marked the first time he had allowed a HR on his first pitch after entering a game since 8/23/97 at Seattle to Roberto Kelly (credit: Elias)...Pitched on four consecutive days from 6/7-10 (3G vs. Kansas City, 1G at Oakland), throwing 1.0 inning in each outing... was the third time in his career he pitched on four consecutive days (also from 6/1-4/04 and 7/31-8/3/03)... made five appearances in a six-day span from 6/7- 12... struck out nine of 11 batters faced from 6/12-19...Allowed his first run of the season in a save opportunity in 7/5 win vs. Boston... allowed 1ER and loaded the bases with no outs (2HP) before retiring the final three batters of the game to earn his 23rd save... according to the Elias Sports Bureau, it was the first time Rivera escaped a bases-full-none-out jam with the tying run on third in the game's final inning...Pitched 2.0 scoreless innings in back-to-back outings on 7/6 (vs. Boston) and 7/9 (vs. Tampa Bay), recording the win in both games as the Yankees won with 10th-inning "walk-off" hits...In 7/29 loss vs. Baltimore, pitched the ninth to surpass the 1000.0IP plateau (1,000.1)...On 8/1 at Los Angeles (AL), allowed one-out ninth-inning "walk-off" RBI-single to Chone Figgins on his first and only pitch of the game as the Angels won 1-0... entered game with runners on first and second and one out... according to the Elias Sports Bureau, was just the second time he allowed the game's first run (also 7/7/01 vs. the Mets - allowed 3ER in 10th)... was just the second time he threw just one pitch (also 8/7/05 at Toronto - earned the save)...In 8/12 win at Minnesota, allowed game-tying three-run HR to Delmon Young in the eighth for his first and only blown save of 2008 (1.2IP, 2H, 1ER)... was his first home run allowed in a save opportunity since 4/15/07 at Oakland (a span of 60 appearances)...In 8/15 loss vs. Kansas City, allowed the go-ahead run to score on a wild pitch... was just his second WP in his last six seasons (also 7/29/07 at Baltimore) and the 11th wild pitch of his career... was just the second time in his career he allowed a run on a wild pitch (also 6/24/00 at Chicago-AL) and his first time allowing the go-ahead run on a WP (credit: Elias)...Saved all three games of the Yankees' series at Baltimore from 8/22-24, marking the sixth time in his career he has saved all of the games in a series of three or more games (previous 6/1-3/04 vs. Baltimore)... was also the 19th time in his career he recorded a save on three or more consecutive days... the only other Yankees pitchers to earn a save in each game of a series (of at least three games) are Dave Righetti (1986), Steve Howe (1994) and John Wetteland (twice in 1996)...Recorded save No. 30 on 8/23 at Baltimore, equaling his total from all of 2007...Pitched more than 1.0 inning in four straight appearances from 8/24-9/6, going 1-0 with three saves (5.2IP, 1H, 0R, 1BB, 6K)... was his longest such stretch since recording five straight appearances of more than 1.0IP from 8/8-23/96...According to the Elias Sports Bureau, held opponents hitless in 27 consecutive at-bats from 8/15-29... streak was broken up by a Vernon Wells ninth-inning single on 8/29 vs. Toronto... was his longest such stretch since a 46AB streak in 1996...Earned his fifth win of the season on 8/28 vs. Boston, retiring each of his four batters faced (1.1IP)... marked the first time he had entered a tied game at Yankee Stadium prior to the ninth inning since 9/22/96 vs. Boston (credit: Elias)...Recorded his 479th career save in 9/15 win vs. Chicago (AL), surpassing Lee Smith (478) for sole possession of second place on Baseball's all-time saves list... tied Smith with his save on 9/14 vs. Tampa Bay, striking out his only batter faced (Aybar) with two men on base...Threw 1.0 scoreless inning in the final game at Yankee Stadium on 9/21 vs. Baltimore, inducing a Brian Roberts groundout to 1B Cody Ransom with the game's final pitch to secure the Yankees victory...Returned to New York during the season's final road trip to undergo an MRI on his shoulder that revealed calcification in the AC joint in his right shoulder...Collected his 39th and final save of the season in 9/28 Game 1 win at Boston... tossed 1.1 scoreless innings to save Mike Mussina's 20th win of the season... was the second time he recorded a save in a pitcher's 20th win (also Roger Clemens in 2001)...Underwent surgery on the AC Joint in his right shoulder on 10/7... procedure was done by Dr. David Altchek at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.
2007
Was 3-4 with a 3.15 ERA and 30 saves in 67 relief appearances for the Yankees in 2007...Opponents batted .248 (68-for-274, 4HR); LH .255 (35-for-137, 1HR), RH .241 (33-for-137, 3HR)...Ranked fourth in the American League with 59 games finished and tied for eighth with 30 saves...In his final 59 appearances of the season (from 4/28), went 2-2 with a 2.23 ERA and converted 30-for-32 save opportunities (64.2IP, 58H, 16ER, 9BB, 66K)...in his first eight appearances of the season (from 4/2-27), went 1-2 with a 12.15 ERA while blowing both of his save opportunities (6.2IP, 10H, 9ER, 3BB, 8K)...Has a franchise-record career 443 saves...owns six of the eight highest single-season save totals in franchise history (1. 53 in 2004; 2. 50 in 2001;...45 in 1999; T5. 43 in 1997 and 2005; 7. 40 in 2003)...Dave Righetti's 46 saves in 1986 ranks third and his 43 in 1996 is tied for fifth...His 443 career saves are the most ever in the American League and rank third on Baseball's all-time list (Lee Smith is second with 478)...Has made 265 more appearances than any other pitcher in Yankees history with 787 (Dave Righetti is second with 522)...ranks 42nd on baseball's all-time games pitched list...as 395 saves over the last 10 seasons (1998-2007), the most in the Majors (Trevor Hoffman ranks second with 389)...his 641 appearances over that same 10-year span rank ninth...also leads the Majors with 200 saves over the last five seasons (2003-2007)...Has 25 or more saves in 11 consecutive seasons (1997-2007) and trails only Lee Smith (13 straight seasons 1983-95) for the longest such streak since saves became an official statistic in 1969...Reached the 30-save plateau for the fifth consecutive season and 10 of the last 11 since becoming the Yankees closer (1997-2001; 2003-07)...the only other pitchers with as many 30-save seasons are Trevor Hoffman (12) and Lee Smith (10)...Converted 30-of-34 save opportunities (88%) and owns a career 88% conversion rate (443-of-502)...Saved consecutive games five times and earned the save in three consecutive games once, from 7/14-16...was the first time he accomplished the feat since 9/14-16/05...Made appearances in consecutive games 11 times and three straight games once...Recorded 11 saves of more than 1.0IP...tossed a season-high 2.0IP twice...Retired 43-of-67 first batters faced (64%)...prevented 19-of-26 inherited runners from scoring (73%)...Struck out the side in the ninth inning of 4/2 Opening Day win vs. Tampa Bay...Allowed three-run walk-off home run to Marco Scutaro with two outs in the ninth inning (0.2IP, 2H, 3ER, 1BB, 1HR) on 4/15 at Oakland, suffering the loss and blown save...was the first time in his career that he blew a multiple-run lead against a team that was down to its last out with the bases empty (credit: Elias Sports Bureau)...retired the first two batters in the ninth before allowing a single and a walk prior to the homer...according to Elias, was Rivera's first home run allowed on an 0-2 pitch since Marquis Grissom hit a 10th-inning game-winner on 7/14/97 vs. Cleveland...was the fourth "walk-off" home run allowed in his career in the regular season and first since 7/20/06 at Toronto (Vernon Wells)...was also the 14th time that Rivera was on the mound for a "walk-off" loss in a regular season game...On 4/20 at Boston, allowed 3H and 2ER in 0.2IP (1K) to suffer his second consecutive loss and blown save...in his previous 16 appearances (since 4/15/05) vs. Boston, was 1-0 with a 1.02 ERA and nine saves (in nine chances) over 17.2IP...allowed 2ER on 4/20 at Boston after allowing 3 ER on 4/15 at Oakland, marking the first time he had allowed five runs over consecutive outings since 4/5-6/05 vs. Boston...was also the last time he blew back-to-back save opportunities...In 59 games following the consecutive setbacks, was 2-2 with a 2.23 ERA and was 30-for-32 in save opportunities (64.2IP, 58H, 16ER, 9BB, 66K)...Converted 19 consecutive save opportunities from 4/28-8/12, allowing just 3ER in 22.2IP (1.19 ERA) with no walks and 24K...Recorded saves in both games of a doubleheader on 5/3 at Texas...according to the Elias Sports Bureau, was the fifth time in his career that he has recorded two saves on the same day (in either official doubleheaders or split day/night games)...is one of only three pitchers in Major League history to accomplish the feat, joining Sparky Lyle and Jose Mesa...Did not record his fourth save of the season until 5/30 win at Toronto, his first save and save opportunity since 5/3 at Texas (a span of 27 days)...was the longest gap between save opportunities since becoming the Yankees closer in 1997...Did not allow a run in nine appearances from 5/23-6/12, earning five saves over the stretch (10.1IP, 5H, 1BB, 12K)...in 6/16 win vs. the Mets, surrendered 2ER on 5H in 1.0IP...was the first time he had allowed 5H in 1.0IP since 5/28/03 vs. Boston...Made 750th career appearance in 6/29 win vs. Oakland, tossing 1.1 perfect innings (3K) to earn his 11th save of the season...Earned his 425th career save in 7/5 win vs. Minnesota, surpassing John Franco for sole possession of third place on baseball's all-time saves list...On 8/13 vs. Baltimore, blew his first save since 4/20 but earned his third win of the season (1.0IP, 3H, 1ER)...was his first blown save at home since 8/13/05 vs. Texas...Allowed at least 1 ER in three consecutive appearances (from 8/12-15) for the first time since 8/3-7/03...Did not allow a walk in 23 consecutive appearances (27.0IP) from 6/12-8/15...Retired a season-high 21 consecutive batters from 8/24-9/9, converting five saves over the seven-game stretch...Recorded his fourth blown save of the season and was touched for a season-high-tying 3ER on 9/28 at Baltimore in his final appearance of the season...both of his blown saves after 4/20 came against Baltimore (also 8/13 vs. Baltimore).
2006
Continued his reign as one of baseball's most dominant pitchers, going 5-5 with a 1.80 ERA and 34 saves in 63 relief appearances for the Yankees...won his second consecutive "DHL Delivery Man of the Year" Award and third straight Rolaids Relief Man Award...ranked second in the American League with 59 games finished and ranked ninth with 34 saves...has a franchise-record 413 saves...his 413 career saves rank fourth on Baseball's all-time list (John Franco is third with 424) and are the most ever in the American League (surpassed Eckersley's 324)...has made 198 more appearances than any other pitcher in Yankees history with 720 (Dave Righetti is second with 522)...has 408 saves over the last 10 seasons (1997-2006), the most in the Majors and 24 more than any other reliever during that span (Trevor Hoffman ranks second with 384)...his 640 appearances over that same 10-year span rank tenth...Leads the Majors with 198 saves over the last five seasons (2002-2006)...has saved at least 25 games in 10 consecutive seasons (1997-2006) and trails only Lee Smith (13 straight seasons from 1983-'95) for the longest streak of 25-save seasons since saves became an official statistic in 1969...has also saved at least 30 games in four consecutive seasons and nine of his last 10 (1997-'01; 2003-'06)...the only other pitchers with as many as nine 30-save seasons are Trevor Hoffman (11) and Lee Smith (10)...Converted 34-of-37 save opportunities (92%)...saved consecutive games four times...made appearances in consecutive games nine times, three straight games three times and four consecutive games once...recorded at last six outs in eight appearances (tossed 2.0 innings seven times and 3.0 innings once)...retired 48-of-63 first batters faced (76%)...prevented 11-of-18 inherited runners from scoring (61%)...opponents batted .223 (61-for-274, 3HR); LH .194 (25-for-129, 1HR), RH .248 (36-for-145, 2HR)...was selected to the American League All-Star Team, his eighth career selection (1997, 1999-'02, 2004-'06)...according to the Elias Sports Bureau, the only player named to the All-Star squad for his current team more often is Barry Bonds (11 selections since joining the Giants)...tossed a scoreless ninth to earn the save in the American League's 3-2 victory on 7/11...was his third career All-Star save, tying Dennis Eckersley for most saves in All-Star history...In 4/15 loss at Minnesota suffered blown save and the loss, allowing 2R (2ER) in 1.1IP (3H, 2BB)...according to the Elias Sports Bureau, it was only the 11th time that Rivera was on the mound for a "walk-off" loss-in a regular-season game-and the first time since 7/24/04 at Boston...tossed 3.0 scoreless innings on 5/30 at Detroit to earn the win, marking the longest outing in the regular season since 9/6/96 vs. Toronto when he also went 3.0 innings...in 6/6 win vs. Boston, tossed a perfect ninth for his 12th save of the season and the 391st of his career, surpassing Dennis Eckersley for fourth place on Baseball's all-time list...did not allow a run in 11 consecutive appearances from 5/20-6/16 (16.0IP, 6H, 0BB, 14K)...in 7/16 win vs. Chicago, tossed 2.0 scoreless innings to earn his 400th career save and 21st of the season (1H, 1BB, 1K)...was the 11th two-inning save of his career...On 7/20 at Toronto, allowed 11th-inning "walk-off" home run to Vernon Wells to record fifth loss (1.1IP, 2H, 1ER)...had not allowed a home run in 74.0 innings (since 8/16/05 at Tampa Bay)...was the sixth "walk-off" home run of career in the regular season and the first since 7/24/04 at Boston (Mueller)...had gone 51 innings without allowing a home run in 2006 and had gone 73 innings since he last allowed a home run (Eduardo Perez on 8/16/05 at Tampa Bay), marking the longest such streak by a Yankees pitcher since Andy Pettitte in 2002 (also 73 innings)...made 700th appearance of his career in 7/22 win at Toronto, tossing perfect ninth to record 23rd save...Missed 22 games from 9/1-20 with a strained right forearm...made first appearance since 8/31 in 9/22 win at Tampa Bay, striking out three batters in ninth to record 34th save (1H, 1HB)...made one relief appearance in the Division Series vs. Detroit, allowing 1H in 1.0IP...owns a 0.80 career postseason ERA in 73 appearances, the lowest ERA of any pitcher in postseason history (minimum 20.0 IP)...his 0.42 ERA is the lowest of any pitcher in Division Series play...is also the all-time leader with 28 career Division Series appearances.
2005
Was 7-4 with a career-low 1.38 ERA and 43 saves in 71 relief appearances for the Yankees in 2005. ... Led the American League with 67 games finished, was tied for third with 43 saves and was tied for eighth with 71 games. ... Led all American League relievers with a .177 batting average against and 1.36 ERA (minimum 42 IP). ... Allowed more than one earned run in an appearance only once in 2005 (2 ER in 2 IP on 8/13 vs. Texas). ... Has a franchise-record 379 saves. ... Owns six of the eight highest single-season save totals in franchise history. ... His 379 career saves rank fifth on baseball's all-time list (Dennis Eckerlsey is fourth with 390). ... His 379 career saves are the most ever in the American League (surpassed Eckersley's 324). ... Has 214 saves over the last five seasons (2001-2005) are the most in the Majors and 33 more than any other reliever during that span (Jose Mesa ranks second with 175 saves). ... Converted 43-of-47 save opportunities (91%). ... After blowing his first two save opportunities of the year, converted 31 straight save opportunities from 4/9-8/11, the longest such streak of his career. ... Did not allow a run 22 appearances from 5/9-7/4, a streak of 23 scoreless innings. ... Was selected to the 2005 American-League All-Star Team, his seventh career All-Star selection (1997, 1999-'02, 2004-'05). ... Retired the final batter of the All-Star Game to record the save, his second career All-Star save. ... Allowed 1 ER in final 12 appearances of the season (from 9/7), going 1-0 with eight saves and a 0.69 ERA.
2004
Was 4-2 with a 1.94 ERA and a single-season franchise-record 53 saves in career-high 74 relief appearances...led the Major-Leagues with his 53 saves and was tied for fourth in the American League with his 74 appearances...has a franchise-record 336 saves...owns five of the seven highest single-season save totals in franchise history (1. 53 in 2004; 2. 50 in 2001; 4. 45 in 1999; T5. 43 in 1997; 7. 40 in 2003)...Dave Righetti's 46 saves in 1986 ranks third; John Wetteland's 43 in 1996 is tied for fifth...his 53 saves tied Randy Myers (Chicago Cubs, 1993) and Trevor Hoffman (San Diego Padres, 1998) for fourth place on Baseball's single-season all-time list...his 336 career saves are the most ever in the American League, surpassing Dennis Eckersley's 324...ranks eighth on Baseball's all-time list (Rollie Fingers is seventh with 342)...joined Eric Gagne as the only relievers in Major-League history to record two 50-save seasons...earned his third Rolaids Relief Award (also 1999 and 2001)...is the Yankees' all-time leader in games pitched with 586 (surpassed Dave Righetti, 522)...converted 53-of-57 save opportunities (93%)...saved two consecutive games seven times...saved three consecutive games four times, and saved four straight games once...made appearances in consecutive games 13 times, three straight games seven times, and four straight games once...retired 53-of-74 first batters faced (72%)...prevented 11-of-17 inherited runners from scoring (65%)...opponents batted .225 (65-for-289, 3HR); LH .234 (36-for-154, 2HR), RH .215 (29-for-135, 1HR)...was selected to the 2004 American-League All-Star Team, his sixth career All-Star selection (1997, 1999-'02, 2004)...pitched a perfect ninth inning in the American League's 9-4 win on 7/13...in 5/11 win vs. Anaheim, allowed 2ER in 1.0IP to suffer his first blown save of the season and first in last 28 opportunities...had not allowed a run in 15 previous appearances (dating back to 2003)...also had his 16.1IP scoreless streak snapped...in 5/19 win at Anaheim, tossed perfect ninth to record league-leading 15th save in the Yankees' 39th game of the season...became the first Yankees reliever to reach 15 saves in fewer than 50 games into any season (he earned his 15th save in the club's 50th game in both 2000 and 2001)...became the 17th pitcher in Major-League history-and first Yankee-to reach the 300 plateau in 5/28 win at Tampa Bay, recording 17th save of the season with scoreless ninth (1H, 1K)...became only the fourth pitcher in Major-League history to record 300 saves for one team, joining Trevor Hoffman, 391 for San Diego; Dennis Eckersley, 320 for Oakland; and Jeff Montgomery, 304 for Kansas City...also became the fifth youngest pitcher to reach 300 saves-at 34 years, 181 days- behind Robb Nen (32 years, 251 days), Lee Smith 33/264), John Wetteland (33/265) and Trevor Hoffman (33/306)...in 6/1 win vs. Baltimore, allowed 2H, 1ER and 1BB in 0.2IP to earn his 19th save of the season...had held opponents hitless in their last 22AB before allowing a two-run single to Tejada with two outs in the ninth...saved all three games in series vs. Baltimore from 6/1-3, the fifth time of his career he that he has saved each game of a three-game series and the first time since 4/27-29/01 vs. Oakland...the only other Yankee pitchers to earn a save in each game of a series (of at least three games) are Dave Righetti (1986), Steve Howe (1994) and John Wetteland (twice in 1996)...earned his fourth save in as many games and 22nd of the season in 6/4 win vs. Texas, pitching a perfect ninth...was the second time his career to save four straight games (also 6/23-27/97)...was also the second time in his career that he has pitched on each of four straight days (also 7/31-8/3/03)...recorded saves in nine straight Yankees' wins from 5/28-6/9, the longest such streak of his career...with 11 saves in June, tied his career high for any calendar month (has saved 11 games in a month five times, last in June 2003)...in 7/8 win vs. Tampa Bay, pitched a perfect 1.2IP (1K) to earn his 30th save...tied the American-League record for fewest team games in a season to reach the plateau...he joins Bobby Thigpen of the Chicago White Sox (1990) and Boston's Lee Smith (1993), who also reached 30 saves in their team's 83rd game...the Major-League record for fewest team games needed for 30 saves was set by Cincinnati's Danny Graves (77) earlier this season...only Graves, Los Angeles' Eric Gagne (82 games in 2002) and Atlanta's John Smoltz (82 games in 2003) have reached 30 saves in fewer games than Rivera-credit: Elias Sports Bureau...with his save on 7/10 vs. Tampa Bay, is 32- for-32 in save opportunities vs. Tampa Bay, the most saves-without a blown save-by an active pitcher against any team...established an A.L. record with 32 saves before the All-Star break (fell two shy of the Major- League mark of 34 set by Atlanta's John Smoltz in 2003)...surrendered walk-off, two-run home run to Bill Mueller in the bottom of the ninth on 7/24 loss at Boston...had converted 23 straight save opportunities from 5/13-7/23...it was the fifth game-winning home run allowed of his career-the second "walk-off" homer-and the first since 7/14/02 when the Indians' Bill Selby hit a ninth-inning "walk-off" grand slam in a 10-7 Indians' win at Jacobs Field...on 7/26 at Toronto, allowed 2R in ninth to suffer second straight blown save before recording second win (2.0IP, 3H, 2R, 2ER, 2K)...last blew consecutive save opportunities on 8/3/03 (at Oakland) and on 8/6/03 (vs. Texas)...in 8/14 win at Seattle, established the American-League record for fewest (team) games needed to reach 40 saves (116)...he broke the record of 118 games set by Bobby Thigpen of the Chicago White Sox in 1990...in Major-League history, only the Atlanta Braves' John Smoltz has needed less games to reach 40 saves (108 in 2003 and 114 in 2002)...earned his 45th save of the season in 8/28 win at Toronto, retiring last four batters of the game...he earned the save in the 18-6 win (entered the game with a 9- 6 lead and two runners on base)...the last Yankee to earn a save in a game in which the Yankees won by at least 12 runs was Ed Figueroa, who earned a save on 5/14/80 vs. Kansas City...Figueroa tossed 3.0 innings in relief of LHP Ron Guidry and the Yankees won that game 16-3 (entered the game with a 14-2 lead)...did not allowed a run in 14 appearances from 7/30-9/1 (15.1IP, 10H, 2BB, 13K), going 1-0 with 11 saves...was 1-0 with two saves and a 0.71 ERA in nine postseason appearances...earned his 10th career LCS save in Game Two vs. Boston and needs one save to tie Dennis Eckersley's career LCS record of 11...recorded back-to-back blown saves for the first time in his postseason career in Games Four and Five of the ALCS at Boston.
2003
Was 5-2 with a career-low 1.66 ERA and 40 saves in 64 relief appearances with the Yankees...has franchise record 283 career saves...owns four of the club's top six single-season save totals and six of the club's top nine (50 in 2001; 45 in 1999; 43 in 1997; 40 in 2003; and 36 in 1998 and 2000)...has 199 saves over the last five seasons (1999-2003), the most in the Majors and 24 more than any other reliever during that span (Troy Percival ranks second with 175 saves)...ranked third in the American League with 40 saves despite missing the first 25 games of the season and having only four saves through the Yankees' 59th game...had 36 saves in the final 104 games of the season...converted 40-of-46 save opportunities (87%)...saved two consecutive games eight times...saved three consecutive twice (6/24-26 and 6/28-30)...retired 44-of-64 first batters faced (69%)...prevented 18-of-35 inherited runners from scoring (51%)...opponents batted .235 (61-for-260, 3HR); LH .199 (29-for-146, 1HR), RH .281 (32-for-114, 2HR)...made appearances in consecutive games 11 times, three straight games five times, and four straight games once...was placed on the 15-day DL on 3/30 (retroactive to 3/25) with strained right groin...suffered the injury on last pitch of 3/24 spring-training outing vs. Detroit...was reinstated from the 15-day disabled list on 4/29 (missed first 25 games of the season)...made his 2003 debut in 4/30 win vs. Seattle, surrendering 1H and allowing 1ER to close out the game in non-save situation (1BB, 2K)...recorded his first save of the season in 5/1 win vs. Seattle, tossing a perfect ninth inning (1K)...in 6/13 win vs. St. Louis, pitched a perfect ninth to save Roger Clemens' 300th victory...was his 29th save of Clemens' 300 career victories...only two other pitchers have earned as many as 10 saves in Clemens' wins: Jeff Reardon (17) and Bob Stanley (11)...made fourth straight appearance on 8/3 at Oakland, allowing 2H and 1ER in 0.1IP to record his first loss of the season and fourth blown save...has pitched in four straight games four times in his career (last from 4/10-14/01) and has pitched in six straight games once (4/20-27/99)...on 8/6 vs. Texas, allowed 2R (1ER), 1H, and 2BB (1IBB) in 1.0IP to suffer his second loss and fifth blown save of the season (was his second straight blown save and third in four opportunities)...made his third straight appearance and seventh in eight games in 8/8 win vs. Seattle, pitching a perfect ninth for his 23rd save of the season...in 8/16 win at Baltimore, surrendered a game-tying HR in the ninth to record his sixth blown save of the season (1.0IP, 1H, 1R, 1K)...allowed home runs in consecutive relief appearances for the first time in his career...was 14-for-14 in save opportunities in 14 appearances from 8/19-9/19 (before non-save-situation appearance on 9/23 at Chicago) since blown save on 8/16...was the longest such streak since Atlanta's John Smoltz also earned saves in 14 straight appearances in 2002...did not allow a run in his final 15 appearances of the season (16.1IP, 10H, 3BB, 16K) and saved all 16 of his opportunities from 8/19 through the conclusion of the regular season...was 1-0 with a 0.56 ERA and five saves in eight postseason relief appearances...also struck out 14 batters without allowing a walk in postseason play...was named American League Championship Series Most Valuable Player, going 1-0 with a 1.13 ERA and two saves in four appearances...earned the win in Game Seven vs. Boston, pitching 3.0 scoreless innings--his first threeinning stint since 9/6/96 vs. Toronto...now has 30 career postseason saves--including nine in the World Series--both Major-League records...has 11 career two-inning saves in the postseason, also extending his Major-League record...with 20 World-Series appearances, is tied with Mike Stanton for second most in World-Series history behind Whitey Ford (22).
2002
Battled through three stints on the disabled list to go 1-4 with a 2.74 ERA and 28 saves in 45 games...in 5/9 win at Tampa Bay, recorded the 225th save of his career to surpass Dave Righetti (224) as the club's alltime save leader...converted 28-of-32 save opportunities (88%)...had to record more than three outs in four of his 28 saves...saved two consecutive games five times...saved three consecutive twice (5/9-11)...retired 35-of-45 first batters faced (78%)...prevented 11-of-20 inherited runners from scoring (55%)...made appearances in consecutive games 12 times, three straight games twice...was selected to his fifth All-Star Game by Manager Joe Torre (also 1997, b99-2001) and pitched a scoreless ninth inning (1H) on 7/9 at Miller Park in Milwaukee, WI...was placed on the 15-day disabled list three separate times in 2002 (entering the season had been placed on the disabled list once in his eight-year Major-League career (on 4/6/98 with strained right groin)...was placed on the 15-day D.L. from 6/9 to 6/25 with a strained right groin...on 6/26 at Baltimore, struck out the side in first appearance since reinstatement (pitched in seventh inning for first time since 10/1/00 at Baltimore)...was placed on the 15-day disabled list for a second time from 7/26 (retroactive to 7/21) to 8/8 with a mild muscle strain of the right shoulder...received a cortisone shot in his right shoulder on 7/25...was removed from 7/20 win vs. Bostonbhis 35th appearance of the seasonbafter six pitchesbwith tightness in his right shoulder (1H, 1ER in 0.1IP)...was placed on 15-day D.L. for a third time from 8/19 (retroactive to 8/16) to 9/21 with a muscle strain of the right shoulder...in 7/12 loss at Cleveland, blew his first save in 18 opportunities by allowing one inherited runner to score in the bottom of the eighth (1.1IP, 1H, 0R, 2BB, 1K)...had converted 17 consecutive save opportunities from 4/23-7/11 without allowing a run (17.0IP, 8H)...on 7/14 at Cleveland, allowed walk-off grand slam by Bill Selby in the ninth inning to suffer his second consecutive blown save and fourth loss on the season (0.2IP, 5H, 6ER, 1IBB, 1K)...was his second game-winning home run allowed this season (also Shea Hillenbrand on 4/13 at Boston) and fourth of his career...6ER were the most allowed in a relief appearance in his career...on 9/25 vs. Tampa Bay, pitched a perfect ninth for his 28th save (was his first save since 8/15 vs. Kansas City)...made one appearance in the Division Series, saving Game One (1.0IP, 1H).
2001
Continued his reign as baseball's most dominant closer, going 4-6 with a 2.34 ERA and established a Yankees' single-season record with 50 saves, appearing in a career- high 71 games...his 50 saves were the third highest total in A.L. history behind only Bobby Thigpen, Chicago, 57 in 1990 and Dennis Eckersley, Oakland, 51 in 1992 and became only the sixth player in Major-League history to reach the 50-save plateau in a single season... has saved at least 30 games in five straight seasons, surpassing Dave Righetti for most ever by a Yankee...earned his 30th save in season's 91st game, the fewest games in his career to reach that milestone... owns five of the club's top eight single-season save totals (47 in 2001; 45 in 1999, 43 in 1997; 36 in 1998 and 2000)...converted 50-of-57 save opportunities (88 percent)...had to record more than three outs in 13 of his 50 saves...saved two consecutive games nine times...saved three consecutive games three times (4/27-29 vs. Oakland; 6/14 vs. Montreal and 6/15-16 at New York Mets; 7/16-17 at Philadelphia and 7/18 at Detroit)...retired 57-of-71 first batters faced (80 percent) and prevented 20-of-25 inherited runners from scoring... made appearances in consecutive games 13 times, three straight games six times and pitched in four straight games once...was selected to participate in the All-Star Game, but did not attend to rest an injured right ankle...in 4/29 win vs. Oakland, recorded his third straight save (#6) with scoreless ninth (1 H)...last registered saves in three consecutive games on 7/7-8/00 vs. NY Mets (including split DH on 7/8)...made second straight appearance on 5/13 vs. Baltimore and allowed 5 ER in 1.0 IP (4 H, 1 BB, 1 K) to suffer his third loss (5 ER were the most allowed in his career in a relief appearance)...made third straight appearance and fourth in five games in 6/16 win vs. the NY Mets at Shea Stadium, saving his third straight game for the second time this season (also 4/27-29)...in 8/1 vs. Texas, recorded his 200th career save and 35th of the season pitching 2.0 scoreless innings (2 K)...recorded 46th save of the season in 9/19 win at Chicagobwith 1.2 scoreless IPbto establish his single-season career high and tie Dave Righetti's single-season franchise record (set in 1986)...was 2-1 with a 1.13 ERA and five saves in 11 postseason relief appearances...allowed two runs in the bottom of the ninth in Game Seven of the World Series and recorded the loss and his first career blown save in World Series play (was 8-for-8 in save opportunities)...of the 8 SV, seven have been more than one inning...the eight saves are the most in World-Series history...had converted 23 consecutive saves in post-season play (last blown save was Game Four of 1997 ALDS at Cleveland)...has appeared in 18 World Series Games, the third most all-time behind Whitey Ford (22) and teammate Mike Stanton (20).
2000
Was 7-4, with a 2.8 ERA and 36-tying a career-high with 66 appearances...Ranks second on the Yankees' all-time saves list with 165 (Dave Righetti is the leader with 224) and ha recorded 30 or more saves in each of his last four seasons (tying Righetti for most 30-save seasons by a Yankee)...Converted 36-of-41 save opportunities...Saved two consecutive games three times (4/3-4 at Anaheim; 8/26-27 at Oakland; and 9/23-24 vs. Detroit), saved three consecutive games twice (5/1-3 at Cleveland; and 7/7-8 at NY Mets, Game 2 on 7/8 played at Yankee Stadium)...Had to record more than three outs in 13 of his 36 saves...Retired 51-of-66 first batters faced (77 percent) , prevented 14 of 24 inherited runners from scoring (58 percent)...Permitted only four home runs in '00 and has allowed only 13 in 385.1 IP over the last five seasons...Made first ever Opening Day appearance on 4/3 at Anaheim and recorded the save, allowing 1ER in 1.OIP ...Recorded first win of the season on 4/17 at Texas, allowing 1R in 2.0 IP after entering the game in a non save situation...Tossed 2.2IP to record second win of the season, and series, on 4/19 at Texas after offering first blown save since 7/16/ 99 vs. Atlanta (had converted 27 straight save opportunities) , the 2.2 IP w his longest outing since tossing 3.0 IP and earning the win on 9/6/96 vs. Toronto...Recorded first loss and second blown save of season on 5/7 vs. Baltimore, allowing 4H and 3ER in the ninth inning , was the first time he received the loss when leading by two or more runs n the ninth inning or later since 8/2/96 at Kansas City when he allowed 4ER in 0.2IP...Made third straight appearance on 6/2 at Atlanta, retiring all four batters faced to record 13th a new opportunity since saving 5/8 game vs. Tampa Bay (19 games)...Entered game on 6/24 at Chicago with bases loaded in eighth and allowed one inherited runner to core (had stranded previous 16 inherited runners since 7/8/99), was fifth time he entered game with bases loaded (stranded all runners previous four times)...Saved both games (#20 and 21) of 7/8 double-header vs. the Mets (Game 1 at Shea Stadium and Game 2 at Yankee Stadium), pitching scoreless ninth innings, saved each of the Yankees' three wins of the series...On 7/16 vs. Philadelphia allowed 2ER on 2H n the 10th but earned his third win of the season...Pitched a scoreless 1.1IP (1K, 1BB) on 7/24 at Baltimore to record his 23rd save of the season and moved into sole possession of second place on the Yankees all time saves list with 152, one ahead of Goose Gosssage...Received the win and blown save of 7/28 at Minnesota, pitching 1.1 scoreless innings (1H, 1BB, 1K) , entered game with bases loaded and two outs in the eighth and allowed all three runs to score-including go ahead run on back to back singles before ending the inning...From 8/24 through the end of the season, converted last 10 save opportunities...In the Yankees' last 24 games, had only three save opportunities...In his last 17 appearances of the season, was 1-1 with a 2.33 ERA and 10 saves (17.1IP, 13H, 5R, 5ER, 8BB, 16K).
1999
Has evolved into one of the premier pitchers in all of baseball...was 4-3 with a 1.83 ERA and a career-high 45 saves in 66 appearances, also tying a career high...converted 45 of 49 save opportunities (92%)...led the American League in saves, save percentage and relief ERA...his 45 saves place him second only to Dave Righetti's 46 saves in 1986 on the Yankees all-time single- season list...became the first Yankee pitcher to have two 40-save seasons (also had 43 saves in 1997)...retired 60 of 66 first batters faced (90%)...prevented 22 of 27 inherited runners from scoring (81%)...did not allow a run in his final 28 appearances of the season (30.2 IP), converting his last 22 save opportunities...permitted only two home runs in '99 and has allowed only 11 in 309.2 IP over the last four seasons...appeared in a career-high six consecutive games from 4/20-27 (previous high was four consecutive appearances)...suffered his first blown save of the season (1.1 IP, 1 ER) while making his fifth consecutive appearance on 4/25 vs. Toronto...on 7/6 at Detroit suffered his second blown save of the season before recording his first win...in the game, allowed his first home run of the season and first since 8/14/98 vs. Texas...was selected to participate in his second All-Star Game, but did not attend because of personal matters in his native land of Panama...was named American League Pitcher of the Month in August...saved a league-leading 11 games in the month and did not allow a run in 13 appearances (14.2 IP, 15 K)...on 9/11 vs. Boston, walked the first batter he faced for the first time since 7/9/98, a span of 81 appearances...pitched a perfect ninth inning on 9/23 vs. Chicago to earn his 43rd save--tying his career high (also 1997)...saved his career high 45th game while making his career- tying 66th appearance in his final regular season game on 10/2 at Tampa Bay...tossed 12.1 scoreless innings in eight post-season appearances and was six for six in save opportunities...pitched 4.2 scoreless innings with a win and two saves in three games in the World Series and was selected as the Most Valuable Player...became only the third reliever to ever be named World Series MVP, joining Oakland's Rollie Fingers in 1974 and former Yankee John Wetteland in 1996...has tossed 25.2 straight scoreless innings over 18 appearances in the post-season since allowing a home run to Cleveland's Sandy Alomar in Game Four of the 1997 Division Series at Jacobs Field...has two wins and 12 saves in that span...he also has a streak of 12.1 consecutive scoreless innings over eight games in the World Series since allowing a run in the eighth inning of Game Three at Atlanta in 1996...with a 0.38 ERA in his post-season career (47.1 IP, 2 ER), Rivera holds the Major-League record for the lowest career ERA in post-season history (minimum 30.0 IP)...including post-season play, did not allow a run in his final 43.0 innings of the season, a span of 36 appearances.
1998
The anchor of the Yankee bullpen, Rivera posted another impressive season in his second year as closer...was 3-0 with a 1.91 ERA and 36 saves in 54 relief appearances...converted 36 of 41 save opportunities (88%)...retired 41 of 54 first-batters faced (76%)...prevented 20 of 23 inherited runners from scoring (87%)...opponents batted just .215 off him (LH batters hit .237, RH batters hit .193)...was placed on the 15-day disabled list on 4/6 with a strained right groin suffered on 4/5 at Oakland (missed 13 games)...retired 19 straight batters over six appearances before allowing a two-out hit in the eighth inning to Ivan Rodriguez on 5/ 13 vs. Texas...in a 6/1 blown save vs. Chicago, he was asked to record as many as six outs for the save for the first time in his career...entered the eighth with no outs and a 4-2 lead, but allowed two inherited runners to score (Yankees won 5-4 in 10 innings)...converted 22 consecutive save opportunites before blowing a save on 8/18 at Kansas City (Yankees won 3-2)...with his 36th and final save of the season on 9/20 at Baltimore, Rivera tied Dave Righetti (1990) for third-highest, single-season save total by a Yankee...tossed 13.1 scoreless innings in 10 post-season appearances and was six for six in save opportunities...saved three of the Yankees' four wins vs. San Diego in the World Series...earned his first career World Series save in the Yankees' 9-6 victory in Game One at Yankee Stadium...completed the Yankees' sweep with a save in Game Four at San Diego...retired Mark Sweeney on a ground ball to third base for the final out.
1997
Established himself as one of baseball's best closers, going 6-4 with a 1.88 ERA and 43 saves in 66 relief appearances...in his first season as the Yankee closer, Rivera ranked second among American- League relievers in ERA and saves...he also ranked first in save opportunities (52), sixth in games finished (56) and batting average with runners in scoring position (.151, 11-for-73) and seventh in save percentage (.827)...converted 43 of 52 save opportunites...opponents hit just .237 (LH batters hit .243, RH batters hit .230)...recorded saves in four straight games from 6/23- 27, becoming only the third Yankee pitcher to save four consecutive games...John Wetteland accomplished the feat twice in 1996 and Sparky Lyle did it in 1973 (Wetteland also saved four straight in the '96 World Series)...Rivera's 27 saves at the All-Star Break were the sixth-highest total since the inception of the save rule...he became the first Yankee to earn a save in the All-Star Game, tossing a perfect ninth on 7/8 at Jacobs Field...earned his 30th save of the season on 7/17 at Chicago, becoming only the sixth Yankee reliever to record 30 saves in a season...picked up his 42nd and 43rd saves in a doubleheader on 9/16 vs. Boston, tying John Wetteland for second on the Yankees' single-season save list (Righetti, 46 in 1986)...was 0-0 with a 4.50 ERA and one save in two games vs. Cleveland in the Division Series...earned his first career post- season save in the Yankees' 8-6 victory in Game One at Yankee Stadium...suffered a blown save in the Yankees' 3-2 loss in Game Four at Cleveland, surrendering the game-tying home run to Sandy Alomar, Jr. in the bottom of the eighth.
1996
Was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball, going 8-3 with a 2.09 ERA and five saves in 61 relief appearances...his 2.09 ERA led all Yankee pitchers and eight wins led all Yankee relievers...opponents hit just .189 (LH batters hit .215, RH batters hit .157)...struck out the side (facing only three batters) four times...had at least one strikeout in 54 of his 61 appearances...first batters were 5-for-56 (.089) with 27 K, 4 BB and 1 HBP...recorded 130 strikeouts in 107.2 innnings, the most ever by a Yankee reliever (Gossage had 122 in 1978)...had a 26.0-inning scoreless streak from 4/19-5/21, the most by a Yankee since Steve Farr went 27.0 innings without allowing a run from 5/29-8/4/ 91...picked up wins vs. Minnesota on 4/26 and 4/28, tossing three no-hit innings in each game...had a streak of 15.0 consecutive hitless innings over six appearances snapped on 5/5 vs. Chicago...recorded six strikeouts in three innings on 9/6 vs. Toronto, the most by a Yankee reliever in '96...was 1-0 with 0.63 ERA in the postseason (14.1 IP, 1 ER)...picked up his second career post-season victory in the Yankees 5-4, 11-inning victory in Game One of the ALCS vs. Baltimore.
1995
Split the season between Triple-A Columbus and the Yankees...was 2-2 with a 2.10 ERA in seven starts at Columbus...went 5-3 with a 5.54 ERA in 19 appearances (nine starts) with the Yankees...was 3-3 with a 5.94 ERA as a starter and 2-0 with a 4.32 ERA as a reliever...was recalled from Columbus on 5/16 and went 1-2 with a 10.20 ERA in four starts before he was optioned back on 6/11...made his Major-League debut on 5/23 at California, losing a 10-0 decision (3.1 IP, 8 H, 5 ER, 3 BB, 5 K)...became the first Yankee rookie to lose his starting debut since Jeff Johnson in 1991...earned his first Major-League victory in a 4-1 win on 5/28 at Oakland (5.1 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K)...allowed two home runs for the first time in his career, including a grand slam to Geronimo Berroa, in an 8-6 loss on 6/6 vs. Oakland...was optioned back to Columbus on 6/11 and made just one start with the Clippers because of a sore right shoulder...in that start (on 6/26), he pitched a five-inning, rain-shortened no- hitter...was recalled on 7/4 and started that night at Chicago, recording 11 strikeouts in eight shutout innings (both career highs) as the Yankees won 4-1...his 11 strikeouts were the most by a Yankee rookie since Al Leiter, who also struck out 11 on 4/14/88 at Toronto...made his first Major-League relief appearance on 8/1 at Milwaukee, picking up the win despite blowing his first save opportunity...was optioned back to Columbus between games of an 8/10 doubleheader vs. Cleveland...started Game 1 and did not receive a decision...started two games for the Clippers before again being recalled on 8/22...tossed a career-high 5.1 innings of relief on 8/ 25 at Seattle, allowing one run on two hits in a 7-4 loss (2 BB, 5 K, 1 HR)...allowed his second career grand slam (Bobby Bonilla) in an 8-1 loss on 9/15 at Baltimore...was 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in three appearances vs. Seattle in the Division Series (5.1 IP, 8 K)...won his post-season debut, tossing 3.1 scoreless innings in a 7-5, 15- inning victory in Game Two at Yankee Stadium (2 H, 5 K).
1994
Combined to go 10-2 with a 3.09 ERA in 22 starts at Triple-A Columbus, Double-A Albany and Class-A Tampa...began the season at Tampa, was promoted to Albany on 6/5 and promoted to Columbus on 7/ 22...ranked sixth in the organization in ERA...in 131.0 innings, he allowed just 126 hits and 30 walks while striking out 89...combined to go 6-0 with a 2.25 ERA in 16 starts at Albany and Tampa...was on Tampa's disabled list from 4/23-5/9 with a strained right shoulder...went 4-2 with a 5.81 ERA in six starts at Columbus...was on the Clippers' disabled list from 8/4-8/14 with a strained left hamstring.
1993
Went 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA in 12 starts at Class-A Greensboro and Tampa...opponents combined to hit just .208 off him...combined on a shutout with Sandi Santiago, Bruce Pool and Billy Coleman on 7/4 vs. Hickory.
1992
Suffered through an injury-plagued season at Class-A Ft. Lauderdale...went 5-3 with a 2.28 ERA in 10 starts...allowed just 40 hits and five walks in 59.1 IP...averaged less than a walk for every 9.0 IP...had a strikeout/walk ratio of 8.4...season was cut short due to surgery on his right elbow...surgery was performed by Dr. Frank Jobe on 8/27...was rated the ninth-best prospect in the Yankee system by Baseball America.
1991
Went 4-9 with a 2.75 ERA in 29 games (15 starts) at Class-A Greensboro...struck out 123 batters in 114.2 innings...averaged 9.7 strikeouts per nine innings...allowed just 103 hits and 36 walks.
1990
Spent his first season of professional ball at Tampa (rookie), where he dominated the Gulf Coast League...was 5-1 with a league-leading 0.17 ERA in 22 appearances (one start)...allowed just one earned run in 52.0 innings, surrendering only 17 hits and seven walks while striking out 58...was named Gulf Coast League "Star of Stars"...threw a seven-inning no-hitter in his lone start on 8/31 vs. Bradenton.
