Mariano Rivera

The closer is one of the most important positions in baseball.  It can be looked down upon by fans because it may seem like an easy job where coaches put pitchers who are struggling.  But leave aside the perfection that is needed, the stress can drive you crazy!  You are expected to knock down three batters with ease when the game is on your shoulders.

If you’ve ever been to a Yankees game you know what it’s like.  The emotions and joy clouding the air as Enter Sandman is played and number 42 walks onto the field.  Not the most physically intimidating man but he cutter will give you nightmares. Mariano Rivera easily the greatest closer of the last decade and a half retires after the 2013 season.  The 43 year old will easily make it to the hall of fame and the 42 on his jersey will probably join the retired numbers in center field.  He boasts 1119 career strikeouts  and only 65 home runs allowed!

But is Mo the best closer of all time?  Goose Gossage says that relief pitchers like himself, Rollie Fingers, and Bruce Sutter who often pitched several innings have been forgotten after the relatively new development of the one inning closer.  He later said that he did not want to at all take credit from Rivera but wants to acknowledge the roles in the history of baseball from these older relief pitchers.