What Number Did Mariano Rivera Wear
Mariano Rivera wore uniform number 42 throughout his entire Major League Baseball career with the New York Yankees. The number 42 is globally recognized as the retired MLB number honoring Jackie Robinson, but Rivera’s association with it became iconic due to his long tenure as the Yankees’ closer. His number 42 was retired league-wide in 1997, yet Rivera continued to wear it under a special grandfather clause, making him the last active player to do so. MLB official page on Rivera’s number
Rivera’s number 42 is now permanently displayed in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium, alongside other retired Yankees numbers. The Yankees also retired his number 42 at the team level in 2013, reinforcing his unique status. His jersey retirement ceremony was attended by MLB officials, former teammates, and thousands of fans. The number symbolizes both Rivera’s personal legacy and the broader history of the Yankees’ bullpen dominance.
Mariano Rivera Career Stats and Achievements
Rivera finished his career with a 2.21 ERA, 652 saves, and 952 games pitched, all MLB records for a reliever. He won five World Series titles with the Yankees and was named the World Series MVP in 1999. Rivera was selected to 13 All-Star Games and led the American League in saves five times. Baseball Reference career stats
His signature cut fastball is widely regarded as one of the most effective pitches in baseball history. Rivera’s career WHIP of 0.70 and batting average against of .205 highlight his unmatched dominance. He earned the AL Rolaids Relief Man Award three times and the Delivery Man of the Month Award multiple times. His consistency and longevity set the standard for modern relief pitchers.
Hall of Fame and Lasting Legacy
Mariano Rivera was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019 in his first year of eligibility, receiving 100% of the vote. He is the only player in MLB history to be elected unanimously by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. The Hall of Fame displayed his number 42 jersey and cutter glove as central artifacts of his exhibit. Baseball Hall of Fame profile
Rivera’s influence extends beyond statistics, shaping how teams value elite relievers and build late-inning bullpens. His sportsmanship, humility, and mentorship are frequently cited by current players as career inspirations. The Yankees have not issued number 42 to any other player since his retirement, preserving it as a symbol of his legacy. Forbes analysis on Rivera’s legacy