Mariano Rivera New All-Time Saves Leader

Mariano Rivera has long been regarded as the best closer in the history of baseball. That title got even more official on Monday when the New York Yankees hurler saved the 602nd game of his career. By doing so, he passed Trevor Hoffman to become baseball’s all-time saves leader.

In fitting fashion, Rivera’s ninth inning went 1-2-3. It was his 43rd save of the season. For the year, Rivera has a 1.98 ERA to go along with a 0.90 WHIP and 57 strikeouts in 59 innings.

The 6-4 win over the Minnesota Twins improved the Yankees to an American League best record of 92-60. They have a 5.5-game lead over the Boston Red Sox. Only the Philadelphia Phillies (98-53) have a better record in all of baseball.

If the Yankees are going to make noise in the 2011 baseball playoffs, Mariano Rivera will have to continue being dominant. And as of now, there’s no sign of the 41-year-old slowing down.

Mariano Rivera - New York Yankees (Image: TSN.ca)