Congrats to Mo. He got save number 600 last night in Seattle putting him just 1 behind Hoffman. Pretty impressive.
And the same night Wakefield gets win number 200.
Not in Rivera's class. But noteworthy never the less.
I too will extend a tip of the cap to Wakefield. Everything I have heard about him, he is a class guy. Gongrats Tim.
I will also tip my cap to both of those gentleman. Webster, being a Red Sox fan living in Maine, it is a true statement that Wake is a class act. He has been a great team player for many many years. Certainly not a HOFer but he was alway ready to pitch in whatever role the team needed him to be.
Bill
I remember one of the first times I saw Mo pitch. Recalled 7-4-95 to face the White Sox in Chicago. 8 shut out innings, 11 Ks. Yankees win 4-1. Who would have thunk it then? He was one of the early success stories involving elbow surgery. Dr. Frank Jobe 8-92. Stick Michael has always maintained that Rivera picked up 5 mph and 1 inch of late life on his ball following that surgery. He's the greatest closer in MLB history. I wouldn't go as far to say that he is the greatest reliever in history, however. The distinction is made necessary from the point of bifurcation that was LaRussa and Eckersley. The one-inning save. Consider Mo's totals heading into this season:
.1 inning-22 saves
.2 inning-14
1 inning-408
1.1 inning-70
1.2 inning-34
2.0 inning-10
2.1 inning (longest save outing)-1 8-23-96 @ Oakland
The numbers are awesome, truly. But the preponderance of one-inning saves is an evolution in the game that has made it easier to be a closer. Guys like Sparky Lyle, Goose Gossage and Rollie Fingers faced a far more difficult task. Less relievers were kept during their era. Remember the decision on staffs used to be whether you took 9 or 10. Now it's 11 or 12, at least in the A.L.
Some other notes regarding Mariano. Since 69, and through the 10 season, his save % of 89.3 (559-626) is ranked third behind Eric Gagne, who is the leader, @ 91.7 (187-204) and Joe Nathan, second @ 89.50 (247-276). Obviously a good deal of Mo's brilliance is detailed in his endurance, the manner in which he has been excellent over such a prolonged period of time.
Another item: Rivera has saved wins for 5 Cy Young Winners: Gooden, Cone, Clemens, Big Unit and C.C. There are actually 2 pitchers who have saved games for 6 Cy Young winners. They are:
Goose Gossage-Guildry, LaMarr Hoyt, Catfish, Sparky Lyle, Gaylord Perry & Sutcliffe.
John Franco-John Denny, Gooden, Hershiser, Saberhagen, Glavine and Viola.
The most win-save combination in history: Pettite-Rivera 68, Welch-Eckersley 57, Mussina-Rivera 49, Stewart-Eckersley 43, Jimmy Key-Henke 37, Tapani-Aguilera 37.
Lastly, most seasons as a Yankee (player only)-Berra & Mantle 18. Mo, Jeter, and Posada join Crosetti, Dickey and Gehrig @ 17.
As for Wakefield, he's a good guy and a good pitcher; he earns the designation that Mantle wanted on his memorial stone: "A Great Teammate," but truly he doesn't belong in this thread.
Mo tied Hoffman today. God I hope he brakes the record Sunday.
My son and I will be there. Going to Toronto for the Yanks/Jays game. We have never been able to see someone set a major league record.
That would really be something.
CONGRATS TO MO--HE DID IT.
I didn't get to see it in person but at least I did catch it on YES.
An outstanding pitcher and an even better human being.
Congratulations Mr. Rivera.
Bill
Sorry you missed it Red. And I second the congratulations to the great Mariano.