Mariano Rivera’s Top 5 Signature Postseason Moments

Image credit: Mariano Rivera (Photo by Rob Tringali/Sportschrome/Getty Images)

Even for a man who notched 42 postseason saves and recorded a 0.70 ERA over 141 October innings, some moments are more momentous than others. Here we present Mariano Rivera’s top five postseason moments for the Yankees in the American League playoffs and World Series, as selected by columnist Joe Sheehan. 

1. Game 2 of the 1995 AL Division Series

This is Rivera’s first big moment in the spotlight. He pitched the last 3.1 shutout innings in a game the Yankees would win in 15 innings against the Mariners. 

2. Game 7 of the 2003 AL Championship Series

Rivera throws three shutout innings to set up Aaron Boone’s 11th-inning, pennant-winning homer against the Red Sox.

3. Game 6 of 1996 World Series

Rivera’s first two-inning World Series appearance protected a two-run lead in the seventh and eighth in a Series-clinching win against the Braves. 

4. Game 1 of 1998 World Series

Rivera’s first World Series save was a four-out appearance that kicked off a sweep of the Padres. 

5. Game 6 of 2009 World Series

Rivera closes out the Phillies with 1.2 shutout innings for his 11th — and final — World Series save and fifth World Series ring.