Mariano Rivera

Mariano Rivera is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees.

A native of Panama, the Yankees signed Rivera as an amateur free agent in 1990. Rivera made his major league debut in 1995, recording the only 10 starts of his career for the Yankees, and finishing with a record of 5-3. In 1996 the Yankees decided that Rivera's talents were best suited for the bullpen, and named him the primary setup man for closer John Wetteland. The Yankees would go on to win the World Series, largely due to Rivera's bullpen contributions. In 1997 Wetteland signed with the Texas Rangers, and Rivera became the Yankees Primary closer. Rivera's consistency as a closer was a key component of the Yankees run of three consecutive World Series championships in 1998, 1999 and 2000. Despite a blown save in Game 7 of the of the 2001 World Series, which harmed his once infallible legacy, Rivera is considered one of the game's all-time greatest closers.

In 2008, after the Yankees failed to make the playoffs for the first time in 13 seasons, Rivera revealed that he may have to undergo off season shoulder surgery.

Rivera needs treatment for the calcification of the A.C. joint in his right shoulder. The injury is not considered major, and he should be ready for the 2009 season.ESPN.com: Rivera considering offseason surgery

• Mahalo's Guide to the New York Yankees
• ESPN.com : Career Stats
  • Height: 6-2
  • Weight: 185
  • Debut: 1995