Is Mariano Rivera the best closer of all time?

Mariano Rivera is, hands down, the greatest closer ever. He is the all-time leader in both saves (602) and games finished (881), and for his career he owns a sparkling 2.22 ERA and 1.00 WHIP.

Who has the highest batting average against Mariano Rivera?

Edgar Martinez Had the highest batting average of anyone with 10+ ABs against Rivera.

What was Mariano Rivera’s best year?

He had a 10.20 ERA in four career starts in the majors, all earlier in that 1995 season. He had struck out just nine batters in those four starts, walked eight and allowed four homers. But against a strong lineup on Independence Day, he threw eight shutout innings, striking out 11 batters and allowing only two hits.

Who is the best reliever in MLB history?

1. Mariano Rivera. There is no question that Mariano Rivera is the best closer in Major League history. After breaking the career saves mark last season, he now stands alone with 603 saves and counting.

Who hit home runs off Mariano Rivera in the postseason?

With two outs, Alomar hit his famous homer to right, tying the game. This gave Rivera his first postseason blown save and first broken egg.

Who hit home runs against Mariano?

Miguel Cabrera hits 9th inning 2-run home run off Mariano Rivera [VIDEO]

When did Mariano Rivera become a reliever?

1996
He made his Major League Baseball debut in 1995. Rivera started 10 games for the Yankees that season, but by 1996 he had become a full-time reliever.

Who are the top 10 relief pitchers of all time?

If he revitalizes his career with the Rangers, Nathan may be moving up this list in the near future.

• Trevor Hoffman. 9 of 11.
• Hoyt Wilhelm. 8 of 11.
• Rollie Fingers. 7 of 11.
• Rich “Goose” Gossage. 6 of 11.
• 7. Lee Smith. 5 of 11.
• Billy Wagner. 4 of 11.
• Bruce Sutter. 3 of 11.
• John Franco. 2 of 11.

Where does Dennis Eckersley rank among relievers all time?

Based strictly on peak performance, Eckersley would rank in the top five of relievers. He was putting up ridiculously gaudy statistics before it became a regular thing for closers, but his reign of dominance lasted far shorter than the players ranked higher than him.

How good was Nolan Ryan as a reliever?

His 187 career ERA+ is second among retired relief pitchers to only Mariano Rivera. His 11.9 K/9 rate is tops of all retired relievers (tied with Brad Lidge). And his .187 batting average allowed is the lowest of any retired relief pitcher.

Is Mariano Rivera the greatest closer of all-time?

Mariano Rivera’s claim as the greatest closer of all-time is one of the safest arguments in baseball. No one has a legitimate argument to surpass Rivera, who made 13 All-Star teams, holds the highest adjusted ERA (205) in baseball history, and was a key component in the New York Yankees’ dynasty.

How many accolades does Dennis Eckersley have?

Accolades (as reliever): 4 All-Star appearances, 1 Cy Young award, 1 MVP award, 1 World Series ring, 1 ALCS MVP award, 2x Rolaids Relief award, Baseball Hall of Fame Only John Smoltz and Dennis Eckersley can say they were multi-time All-Star starting pitchers and then became dominant closers afterwards.