Mariano Rivera built one of the most dominant careers any pitcher has ever had, becoming the gold standard for closers during his time with the New York Yankees. Armed with his legendary cut fastball and unmatched calm under pressure, he saved 652 regular-season games and was even more feared in October, where he posted a microscopic postseason ERA and helped lead the Yankees to five World Series titles. A 13-time All-Star and the first player unanimously elected to the Hall of Fame, Rivera wasn’t just great, he redefined the closer role and left a legacy of consistency, humility, and excellence that few athletes in any sport have matched.