Mariano Rivera, born November 29, 1969, in Panama City, Panama, is a retired Major League Baseball relief pitcher renowned as the New York Yankees' closer for 17 seasons from 1995 to 2013.[1][6] Nicknamed "Mo" and "Sandman," he revolutionized the closer role with his signature cut fastball, posting a career record of 82-60, 2.21 ERA, 1,173 strikeouts in 1,283.2 innings, and leading MLB in saves (652) and games finished (952).[3][4] A 13-time All-Star, Rivera secured five World Series titles with the Yankees (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2009), earning World Series MVP honors in 1999 and ALCS MVP in 2003.[1][2][3] His postseason dominance is unmatched: 42 saves in 96 appearances over 141 innings, a 0.70 ERA (lowest all-time, minimum 30 innings), just five blown saves, and the most win probability added in history.[3][5] He clinched the 1998 World Series with a perfect final out against the Padres and set the stage for Aaron Boone's walk-off in the 2003 ALCS.[1][2] Rivera garnered five AL Rolaids Relief Man Awards, three Delivery Man of the Year Awards, and finished top-three in AL Cy Young voting four times.[1][4] In 2019, he became the first unanimous inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame by the BBWAA in his debut year of eligibility.[1][3][8] Post-retirement, Rivera remains a Yankees icon, involved in philanthropy through his Mariano Rivera Foundation and occasionally appearing at MLB events. No major recent developments noted as of early 2026.[1][3]