Mariano Rivera. There’s really not much to add regarding Mariano’s career that hasn’t already been said. He has been lauded by his teammates, his opponents, those he’s played for and by those who are far more eloquent than I am. Still, I’d have felt bad if I didn’t congratulate him on what has been a truly amazing career to this point (and it's not nearly over yet).

He’s truly been something to watch for the last 10 seasons. All Yankees fans know the numbers but David Pinto over at Baseball Musings points them out just in case you forgot:

Rivera picked up his first save in 1996. Since then, only Trevor Hoffman earned more (though Mo has a big lead in actual games finished). In that same period, no one with at least 700 innings pitched comes close in ERA.

Rivera's great strength is keeping the ball in the park. Again, since going to the bullpen in 1996, he's allowed just 31 home runs. Note that individual pitchers posted 100 seasons of 31 homers or more since 1996.

He earned the save in fitting fashion, going two innings to close the game. That's his 85th save of four outs or more. From 1996 on, that's 30 more saves than any other closer (Keith Foulke has 55). And none of this counts his post-season contributions (That would be 8-1 with 34 saves and 0.81 ERA in 72 G (111.7 IP; 69H, 10 ER, 15 BB, 87K)) . A simply amazing career.

It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to watch him go about his business. I don’t usually get worked up about professional athletes because for the most part, they’re just regular people who have been blessed with physical gifts. However, Mo is one of the exceptions. Heck, I even have a McFarlane Rivera toy (it’s not a doll, it’s an action figure!) propped high on my desk. With Mariano, I, along with millions of fans out there, simply can’t help it - he is simply just too easy to like. He has always exuded class and determination and personally, his quiet intensity and devotion to his religious beliefs have always reminded me of my dad, which for me, is the highest compliment I can give.

Mariano once said that he thought that the good Lord was a Yankee. Considering how blessed the Yankees and their fans have been to see Mariano pitch in pinstripes for the past ten years, I think he might be right. It will be a sad day when Mo walks off the mound for the last time but until that day, I will continue to be amazed by his performance, humbled by his modesty and in awe of his faith.