Hall of Fame Poll: Mariano Rivera

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you anything about Mariano Rivera. It’s his first time on the ballot. It will be his last time too.

19 seasons all with one team. A 2.21 ERA in 1115 games, all but 10 from the pen. Major league record holder in saves (652), games finished (952).

Made 15 All-Star games, 5 awards for Rolaids Reliever of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year in 2013 (at age 43). He got Cy Young votes 6 times, finishing 2nd once and 3rd twice. And he had MVP votes 9 times.

And he appeared in 96 playoff games, one of his many MLB records. Has the record for most playoff saves at 42 and the lowest ERA at 0.70.

Not bad for a guy who pretty much always threw the same pitch all the time. I used to complain that he got a rather large strike zone, seemed to get a good few inches off the inside of the plate, but that’s life.

And I can never cheer for a Yankee.

The save is a crappy stat and all, but he was the best at it. I’m curious to see what his vote percentage is from the Writers. Some refuse to vote for anyone the first time on the ballot and there are a few who hate the save....but I’d think he’ll clear the 75% needed by a good bit.

Most similar careers: Rivera is quite literally off the chart, as I had to adjust his career 49 ERA- by a point to avoid modifying the scale. Adding his 141 playoff innings with a 0.70 ERA pushes him even further off the chart, which is that black X. I exclude both active players and those on or awaiting the ballot from these charts, but I’ve added Billy Wagner here since he’s the only one in the same universe. Beyond him, the closest are Tom Henke and Sandy Koufax.