In 1990 the Yankees paid a signing bonus of 2000 to acquire a youngshortstop from an amateur baseball team in Panama. <strong>Mariano Rivera</strong> had nevere... » 

In 1990 the Yankees paid a signing bonus of 2000 to acquire a youngshortstop from an amateur baseball team in Panama. Mariano Rivera had nevereven considered a career in baseball until he became a Yankee. Now he isconsidered the best postseason closerand perhaps the best closerof alltime as well as one of the main reasons the team won four World Series titlesbetween 1996 and 2000. In close games Riveras clutch saves have securedwins with the Yankees continued appearances in the postseason. Off the fieldRivera has been recognized for his philanthropic work in the United States andPanama alike. Mariano Rivera recounts the story of the man who grew up playingbaseball with a homemade cardboard glove in a small fishing village to becomethe Yankees beloved Mo through hard work and natural talent. «