The All-Time MLB Team, relief pitcher: Mariano Rivera

Photo credit should read -/AFP via Getty ImagesWhat, you expected me to use any other picture to illustrate this piece? Because when you mention Mariano Rivera to D-backs’ fans, there’s only one thing they think of: the ninth inning of Game 7 in the 2001 World Series. Gonzo’s bloop single capped the rally which won Arizona what’s still its only title in the big four sports, to this day. But part of what made that night so special, was doing it against the pitcher who was the best reliever of all time. I mean, even every other time he faced the D-backs, he was dominant. Including both regular season and the rest of that 2001 series (just not game 7), he tossed 11 scoreless innings against Arizona, allowing only four hits. The D-backs batted .111 against him. Just not on that November night.

…