There has never been a Major League Baseball Hall of Famer who received 100% of the vote from the writers. There has also never been another pitcher dominate the most clutch moments like Mariano Rivera. On Tuesday, Rivera solidified his legacy by becoming the first ever baseball player to be a unanimous selection to Cooperstown.
What can be said that hasn’t already been said. Rivera dominated hitters by breaking their bat and their spirit with one pitch. True greatness is when your opponent knows what’s coming and also knows they can’t do anything about it. Mariano Rivera and his cutter was true greatness. Rivera’s 652 career saves is first all time and a record that reasonably be deemed untouchable. He also has the best all time ERA+ at 205, he finished 11 seasons with a sub two ERA and only had an ERA greater than 3 twice!
If it wasn’t for Rivera, I really don’t think we would have seen a unanimous selection to Cooperstown. Even before he retired, Rivera was considered the greatest closer of all time. If a guy like that couldn’t be unanimous, no one would. The writers have made a habit not to vote for certain guys because they knew the player would get in regardless of the vote. I’m glad they gave Rivera the elite credit he deserves.
Rivera made a living closing the door on other teams’ comeback chances. With his election to the hall, did he open the door for other players receive 100% of the vote? Only time will tell.
