Yankees Hall of Fame pitcher Mariano Rivera was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump on Monday.
Rivera was honored with the nation's highest civilian honor at the White House after becoming the first player unanimously elected into the Hall of Fame earlier this year.
"He is the most dominant relief pitcher in the history of baseball, and more than that, he has lived the American dream and shines as an example of American greatness for all to see," Trump said.
The greatest closer in the history of the game, Rivera tallied an MLB all-time record 652 saves over the span of his 19-year career with the Yankees.