CASE CLOSED
HOF CLASS OF 2019
Explaining Mariano Rivera’s legacy one way is impossible.
He holds a record for saves that will likely never be broken with 652—plus 42 more in the postseason—has five World Series rings, is revered by Yankees teammates and is the first player unanimously voted into the Hall of Fame.
Yet, Rivera’s legacy is still breathing.
Retired since the end of the 2013 season, Rivera is the gift that continues to give to the Yankees.
Every time lefthander CC Sabathia takes the mound in the final season of a Hall of Fame-caliber career, a huge chunk of Rivera is in play.
“He gave me the cutter,” Sabathia said of Rivera helping him transition from a power pitcher to one who relies on location and the cutter. “Him and Andy (Pettitte).”
Not far from Sabathia’s locker at the far end of the Yankees’ clubhouse—the same stall
