Now we can officially call Mariano Rivera the best closer in MLB history. On Monday, Rivera got his 602nd save for his career. He passed Trevor Hoffman who hade 601 saves, he retired after last year. Last week, Rivera became the 2nd person to have 600 save. Before Hoffman and Rivera, there was no one with 500 saves. Lee Smith had the most saves at 478 saves. Rivera also has the most post-season with 42 saves. His 2.22 E.R.A. is higher than any MLB closer in history. His 0.71 E.R.A is highest in MLB Post-season history. He also has finished 881 games which is more than anyone in history. His 0.9983 is 2nd highest in MLB history, he is only behind Addie Joss. Rivera is a 12-time All-Star in his career. With the Yankees he has helped them win 5 World Series and he was the World Series MVP in 1999. He had a win and 2 saves in the World Series. Also in 2003 he was the ALCS MVP. He has won the Relief Man Award five times which is tied for the most with Dan Quisenberry. He has also won the MLB Delivery Man Award three times. The award was first in 2005 and no one has won more than once besides him. Rivera should easily be a Hall of Famer when he retires. Being 41 he could keep pitching until he is 45 and get up to 700 to 750 saves for his career. Yankees should retire Rivera's 42 when he retires. Rivera is the last play to wear 42 in MLB history because in 1997 and since he already had 42 he could keep until he retires. Now one besides him can say he was the last to wear a certain number in their league.
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