Mariano Rivera has always placed the fortunes of the team above personal accomplishments, so it was only fitting that he needed to rely on his teammates to help him join the 600-save club.
Russell Martin fired a strike to Derek Jeter at second base, catching Ichiro Suzuki stealing for the final out as Rivera recorded save No. 600 in a 3-2 victory over the Mariners on Tuesday at Safeco Field.
“It was a great moment for my teammates to be there. They’re my family away from my family,” Rivera said. “It was great seeing them all come to the mound.”
“I’ve been blessed to have a great bunch of guys as my teammates, supporting me and giving me all the opportunities to be able to pitch.”
Trevor Hoffman is the only other pitcher to have recorded as many as 600 saves, and Hoffman’s hold on the all-time saves mark could be eclipsed as soon as this week.
Rivera needs just one save to tie Hoffman, who retired after last season, and the 41-year-old closer plans to have a full complement of his family and friends on hand whenever the chance for No. 602 should arrive.
Article Courtesy or MLB.com
