Yankees closer Mariano Rivera earned his 602nd career save, today, making him the top closer in baseball history. In a drama-free, 1-2-3 inning, Rivera surpassed Trevor Hoffman as the new record holder for most saves.
The always understated Rivera stayed on the field for a few minutes, after some nudging by long-time teammate , and stood on the mound with a tipped cap as cheers rained down from the crowd in the Bronx.
Rivera, who will turn 42 on Nov. 29, also leads baseball with 42 career postseason saves ( is second on the list with 18). He has a 0.71 postseason ERA and has held opponents to a .176 batting average.
Monday's save was Rivera's 43rd of 2011. He has eight seasons of at least 40-plus saves, one behind Hoffman's all-time record of nine. Rivera and Hoffman are the only pitchers with more than four 40-save seasons in Major League history.
As , the game was "just another day in the life of Rivera."
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