MO’S MEMENTOS
Mariano Rivera will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday, but he already has a presence in Cooperstown. The former Yankees closer has eight items from his dominant career in the Hall and those are soon to be joined by his plaque. The Post’s Greg Joyce takes a look at the Rivera memorabilia already enshrined: CAP FROM 2000 WORLD SERIES
On the way to his fourth championship, Rivera closed out every game the Yankees won against the Mets in the Subway Series. He got Mike Piazza to fly out as the potential tying run to end the series in Game 5 at Shea Stadium. He posted a 1.72 ERA during the playoffs.
CAP FROM 2009 WORLD SERIES
After an eight-year drought without a ring, the Yankees won another, one for each finger on Rivera’s right hand. Again, he closed out all four wins in the World Series against the Phillies without giving up a run while recording a pair of saves. His save in Game 4 was the 11th of his career in the World Series, a record that still stands.
BASEBALL SIGNED BY RIVERA AND ANDY PETTITTE
Rivera and Pettitte were a dynamic duo during the Yankees’ dynasty, both arriving in 1995 and retiring in 2013. On May 29, 2009, they notched their record-breaking 58th win/save combination in a 3-1 victory over the Indians in Cleveland. Pettitte went five-plus innings, Alfredo Aceves the next three and Rivera came on to close it out with a scoreless ninth. They went on to finish with 72 wins/ saves together.
JERSEY FROM 2008 ALL-STAR GAME
Rivera’s ninth AllStar Game was played in his home park at old Yankee Stadium. The American League won 4-3 in 15 innings. Rivera worked in the ninth and 10th innings, tossing 1 2/3 scoreless frames while giving up two hits and striking out two.
SPIKES FROM 1999 WORLD SERIES
Rivera’s fifth time pitching in the postseason in as many years in the big leagues resulted in his third World Series title, this time in a sweep of the Braves. He was named the World Series MVP after recording a pair of saves and a win in 42/3 scoreless innings. In eight playoff appearances that year, he did not allow a run.
CAP FROM 400TH CAREER SAVE
On July 16, 2006, Rivera became the fourth pitcher in MLB history to reach 400 saves, joining John Franco, Lee Smith and Trevor Hoffman. He did it against the White Sox at Yankee Stadium, throwing the final two innings and giving up only a hit and a walk. He secured the milestone save by striking out Jermaine Dye.
CAP FROM 2013 ALL-STAR GAME
The 13th and final Midsummer Classic of Rivera’s career was held at Citi Field as the American League won 3-0. Rivera was named the MVP after handling eighthinning duties and retiring the side in order on 16 pitches. He received a standing ovation from the crowd and both teams when he entered the game, briefly taking the field alone.
BALL SIGNED BY RIVERA DURING 2013 SEASON
In March 2013, Rivera announced it would be his final season, retiring after 19 years in the majors. He had missed most of 2012 after tearing his ACL while shagging fly balls in the outfield during batting practice, but came back to record 44 saves with a 2.11 ERA in 2013. The all-time saves leader (652) left with a teary goodbye, getting pulled from his final game in the ninth inning by Pettitte and Derek Jeter.