New York Yankees 2013 Recap: Mariano Rivera

Sep 26, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees shortstop

(right) and starting pitcher

(center) come out to take out relief pitcher

(42) in the 9th inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Munson/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

Our last recap of 2013 has to be this guy no? Mariano Rivera was the greatest closer in the history of baseball. If the Yankees don’t have him, they probably don’t have five World Series championships since 1996.  Rivera has done everything with class, and the way he exited was just as classy. Rivera won’t be walking through that door in 2014 (unless he pulls a Brett Favre). Who knew that a guy who couldn’t cut it as a starter would be the greatest ever out of the bullpen? For one more time, let’s take a look back at 2013 for Mariano.

2013 Stats: 6-2 2.11 ERA 44 saves 1.04 WHIP 54 strikeouts in 64 innings, nine walks and 58 hits allowed

2013 Game Of The Year: Instead of game of the year, there are just too many moments so I’m going to lump them together. His first night back April 4 against Boston. The All-Star game and the standing ovation he got from everyone in the ballpark that night. All of the gifts from all the teams that the Yankees visited throughout 2013. Rivera day on September 22nd against the Giants. The one that really stood out to me was the last game against Tampa Bay (and not because I was there). The emotion that poured out of Rivera was something he never really showed. It was perfect to have Andy Pettitte and Derek Jeter take him out of the final game. Those are the guys he came in with, and he went out the same time Andy did.

2014 Outlook: Yankee fans wishing he stayed one more year the first time a save is blown.