October Legends
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/2/2013
By 2003, Mariano Rivera was the undisputed best relief pitcher in the game. Besides his game-saving exploits during the regular season, Rivera was even better in post-season play. However, the 33 year-old began the 2003 season amid speculation by sportswriters that injuries would curtail his meteoric career. The writers were terribly wrong. By the time the Yankees clinched the pennant, Rivera had rung up an unbelievable 40 saves in 46 opportunities. It was the 4th time in his career that he'd reached that plateau, and by 2013 he's done it another five times, becoming only the second pitcher in history to do so. His 1.66 ERA attests to his complete dominance during the 2003 season. On September 28, 2003, Mariano Rivera slipped on this Nike glove and jogged out of the bullpen to face the Baltimore Orioles in the top of the 9th at Yankee Stadium. With the Yanks leading 3-1, Rivera gave up a harmless single and fanned two Birds to end the game and the 2003 season with his 40th save. This DRI-FIT PPRO GOLD MO 42 glove is a specially made model made to the reliever's own specifications and not available to anyone but Rivera. The Yankees navy blue leather glove exhibits good game use. "Mariano Rivera" is embroidered in white along the thumb and "42" is embroidered on the hand strap next to the Nike "swoosh" logo. Best of all, Rivera has signed the top of the index finger in silver ink, adding "Game Used 2003 Save #40" to make this career milestone. The signature and inscription pops off the navy blue leather however "iano" has a touch of bleeding. A Steiner Sports hologram sticker has been affixed just below the inscription and their Letter of Authenticity is signed by Mariano Rivera, attesting to the provenance of the glove and how it was constructed to his personal specifications. A very attractive piece of memorabilia from the greatest relief pitcher in the history of the game.