New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera has made his decision on what his future holds. On Saturday, he will formally announce his retirement that will happen following the 2013 season.
The Yankees have announced a news conference for 10 A.M. ET on Saturday at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. The club has not reported on Rivera's plans or the content of the news conference.
When asked his thoughts about Rivera, manager Joe Girardi offered high praise for the man who spent all 18 years of his MLB career in the legendary pinstripes.
Greatest closer of all time, no question in my mind. I've had the thrill of catching him, and I was there when he really burst onto the scene and was a dominant setup man. To see what he's done as a closer has been a thrill for me.
Rivera is the all-time Major League leader with 608 saves, and has a 2.21 ERA in 1219 2/3 big league innings. He is also one of the greatest postseason pitchers of all time, with a lifetime 0.70 playoff ERA and 42 saves in 96 appearances.
He has been a part of seven pennant winners and five World Series champions. And he did it all leaning primarily on one pitch, a wicked cut fastball that bores in on the hands of left-handed hitters and away from right-handers.
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