MLB
Enter Sandman: Mariano Rivera Is Baseball’s First Unanimous Electee
Mariano Rivera has done something no one has ever done in the history of the sport; appear on 100% of the casted Hall of Fame ballots. Rivera topped the mark previously set by Ken Griffey Jr. back in 2016 who received 99.32% of the votes that were cast. Over the years, many voters said that no one would ever get a unanimous vote. That appeared to be the same this year when one writer said he would not vote for Rivera. His reasoning for not casting his vote for Mo was that saves were not a valuable stat. Amid the instant controversy, the writer decided not to cast his ballot, thus keeping Rivera’s shot at 100% intact. The Hall of Fame President, Jeff Idelson, announced today that Rivera’s name appeared on all 425 ballots, securing his spot in baseball history.
Mariano Rivera By The Numbers
Baseball’s all-time saves leader has accomplished more than any reliever in baseball history. Rivers is also a 13-time All-Star, 5-time World Series Champ, World Series MVP, All-Star Game MVP, ALCS MVP, and 5-time Rolaids Reliever of the Year. He also accumulated a career-WAR of 56.2 (good for 77th all-time). The “Sandman” also had a career record of 82-60 with an ERA of 2.21 with 652 saves. He also had 1,173 strikeouts with a WHIP of 1.00 in 1,283 and 2/3 innings pitched. It was no question the Rivera had the numbers to be voted into Cooperstown as he is, in fact, the best closer in the history of baseball.
Reflecting On Rivera’s Career
It was not just his on-field accomplishments that set Rivera apart from everyone else. His signature cutter could only do so much for him. He always remained focused in high-pressure situations and was a leader in the clubhouse. Former-teammate Derek Jeter also referred to Rivera as the “most mentally tough” teammate he ever played with. It was hard for Yankees fans and baseball fans, in general, to watch such a player walk off the field for the final time back in 2013. He officially retired the number 42 from Major League Baseball and left fans with countless memories they will never forget.
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