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Players Recall The Greatest Relief Pitcher Who Ever Lived

Jerry Ward

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Published in Facing Mariano Rivera: Players Recall The Greatest Relief Pitcher Who Ever Lived

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The late, great Mariano Rivera is widely considered to be the greatest relief pitcher who ever lived. He was a key member of the New York Yankees dynasty of the late 1990s and early 2000s, and he played a major role in the team's five World Series championships during that time. Rivera was a master of the cutter, a devastating pitch that he used to strike out batters with regularity. He was also one of the most durable pitchers in baseball history, pitching in over 1,000 games and never missing a start due to injury.

Rivera was a beloved figure in New York City, and his retirement in 2013 was met with great sadness by fans. In this article, we will hear from some of Rivera's former teammates and opponents, who will share their memories of the great pitcher and discuss his legacy.

Facing Mariano Rivera: Players Recall the Greatest Relief Pitcher Who Ever Lived

by Genius Reads

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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"He was the best there ever was."

Those are the words of Derek Jeter, Rivera's longtime teammate with the Yankees. Jeter played with Rivera for 16 seasons, and he saw firsthand the impact that Rivera had on the game of baseball.

"Mariano was a true competitor," Jeter said. "He always wanted the ball in the biggest moments, and he always delivered. He was the best there ever was."

Rivera's cutter was his signature pitch, and it was one of the most feared pitches in baseball. He could throw it with pinpoint accuracy, and it was almost impossible to hit. Rivera used the cutter to strike out more than 5,000 batters in his career, and he was one of the most dominant relief pitchers in baseball history.

"His cutter was the best pitch I've ever seen," said David Ortiz, the former designated hitter for the Boston Red Sox. "It was like a laser beam. You had to be perfect to hit it."

"He was a warrior."

That's how Jorge Posada, another former Yankees teammate of Rivera's, described him. Posada played with Rivera for 11 seasons, and he saw how tough Rivera was both on and off the field.

"Mariano was a warrior," Posada said. "He never gave up, no matter what. He was always there for his team, and he always gave 100% effort."

Rivera's toughness was evident in his ability to pitch through pain. He pitched through a torn ACL in his right knee in the 2003 playoffs, and he pitched through a torn labrum in his right shoulder in the 2008 playoffs. Rivera never let injuries keep him from competing, and he always found a way to get the job done.

"He was the toughest player I've ever played with," said Joe Torre, the former manager of the Yankees. "He never complained, and he always put the team first."

"He was a legend."

That's how Alex Rodriguez, the former third baseman for the Yankees, described Rivera. Rodriguez played with Rivera for seven seasons, and he was witness to Rivera's greatness firsthand.

"Mariano was a legend," Rodriguez said. "He was one of the greatest players to ever play the game. He was a true champion, and he will always be remembered as one of the best."

Rivera's legacy is secure as one of the greatest players in baseball history. He was a dominant relief pitcher for nearly two decades, and he helped the Yankees win five World Series championships. Rivera was also a beloved figure in New York City, and he was a role model for young people around the world.

Mariano Rivera was a true legend, and he will never be forgotten.

Facing Mariano Rivera: Players Recall the Greatest Relief Pitcher Who Ever Lived

by Genius Reads

4.7 out of 5