It's been a big week for Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. On Monday, Rivera pitched a three-out, three-batter ninth-inning at Yankee Stadium to earn his 602nd career save. It was a record-breaking save, putting Rivera and his cutter one notch above Trevor Hoffman and his change-up for the most saves all-time (Hoffman set the record last year with his 601st, and final, save). The Yankees celebrated the milestone on the field, with Rivera receiving congratulations from everyone at the ballpark that day, including his opponents the Minnesota Twins.
But Rivera wasn't always so highly considered. Let's take a look back at some contemporary accounts of the great closer as he began his career.
Rivera made his major league debut in 1995, when he became the "failed starter" that some detractors like to cite. After eight starts in the first half of the season, Rivera was moved to the bullpen where, by late-September, he was routinely pitching the eighth inning of games...
Original Story:
