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New York Yankees reliever Zack Britton inspired to recognize key bullpen performances with FDNY helmet

NEW YORK -- Reliever Zack Britton wanted to light a fire under the Yankees' bullpen. And he got a helmet to prove it.

Britton was looking for a way to not only recognize a job well done recently, but also spur some friendly competition within the New York Yankees' relief corps.

And a 1986 Dave Righetti Rolaids Relief Man Award trophy spurred an idea.

From 1976 to 2012, the Rolaids award was bestowed annually to the top relievers in each league. And because so many relievers are known for "putting out a fire," the trophy awarded was a gold-plated firefighter's helmet.