- New York Yankees All-Time Saves Leader (652).
- 2003 American League Championship Series MVP.
- Considered one of the best relievers in Major League history and a crucial component on the Yankees championship teams, Mariano Rivera was almost a Seattle Mariner. In early 1996 with Derek Jeter struggling at shortstop, Rivera, who had an unimpressive 5.51 ERA the year before, was almost traded to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Felix Fermin. Fermin was a light-hitting shortstop who was released by the Mariners later in the season and signed by the Yankees, only to be cut two weeks later. This, without a doubt, would have been one of the worst trades in Major League history. Not only would the Yankees have given the Mariners a Hall of Famer in Rivera but it also may have affected the development of Jeter, who would have been demoted to the minor leagues.
- In the 2004 American League Championship Series, had 2 blown saves against the Boson Red Sox, which helped them overcome a 3-0 deficit to win the series.
- 1999 World Series MVP with three saves.
- In the 1997 American League Division Series, the Yankees were leading 2-1 against the Cleveland Indians with 5 outs away in the 8th inning to go to the ALCS. Sandy Alomar Jr. hit the tying home run off of his fast ball and the Indians won that game 3-2. The Yankees got eliminated the game after.
- Has only one blown save in his career in the World Series, against the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001.
- Pitcher with the New York Yankees, 1995-2013.
- Made major league debut on 23 May 1995.
- Was the last active major league player to wear the uniform number 42, which had been retired throughout baseball in 1997 in honor of Jackie Robinson. Players who wore the number at that time were allowed to keep it until they retired.
- Made the last pitch in the final game at the old Yankee Stadium in 2008.
- Has three sons with wife Clara: Mariano Jr., Jafet, and Jaziel.
- Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019, his first year eligible. First player to be named on 100% of the ballots cast by the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA).
- [16 September 2019] Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump in a ceremony in the East Room of the White House.
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