Mariano Rivera 602nd Save Sends Yankee Fans Into Rapture

By CP News Briefs, Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Mariano Rivera made history Monday when he broke Trevor Hoffman's mark and made his 602nd save.

The feat was accomplished in front of a small crowd, however, those that did venture out were certainly not lacking vocally. Rivera’s every pitch and move were cheered, and the pitcher obliged to the encouragement by retiring Twins' Trevor Plouffe, Michael Cuddyer and Chris Parmelee to end the Yankees' 6-4 win over Minnesota.

The crowd was treated by Rivera as the pitcher even broke Parmelee’s bat. His pitch destroyed the bat, sending the rookie back to the dugout for a replacement.

It was not worth the wait, as Parmelee lasted only one more pitch.

Catcher Russell Martin came out to the mound, giving the ball to Rivera before embracing him in celebration.

Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira and finally Derek Jeter also came over before the bullpen and bench arrived to celebrate the achievement with Riviera.

Rivera attempted to join his teammates walking off the field, however, he was pushed back on by his colleagues to take further applause to the crowd’s delight.

Rivera smiled, blew a kiss to the crowd. Later he said: "For the first time in my career, I'm on the mound alone. It was priceless. I didn't know it could be like that," according to AP.

Paid attendance at the new Yankee Stadium was just 40,045, which is the fewest to attend a game since the new Yankee Stadium opened.

Just five pitchers who were primarily relievers are in the Hall of Fame: Hoyt Wilhelm (1985), Rollie Fingers (1992), Dennis Eckersley (2004), Bruce Sutter (2006) and Goose Gossage (2008).

Rivera, who turns 42 in November, will become the sixth when he retires.