Now known as the greatest relief specialist in Yankees history, Mariano Rivera began his career as a sore-armed spot starter trying to catch a break on a staff filled with all-stars. The Sandman spent 1995 starting 10 of the 19 games he appeared in, winning 5. The next season saw him primarily in the bullpen with a nice 2.09 ERA, but still not the dominant closer he would later be known as.

That would change in 1997 when he lowered his ERA to a miniscule 1.88 and saved 43 games for the Bronx Bombers. This well-used gamer dates to Rivera’s early seasons of 1996-97 with New York. The Mizuno fielder’s glove is made from choice black double-tanned leather with gold stitching and black rawhide lacing. The glove shows great game use with scuffs and abrasions throughout, particularly on the fingertips, and the pocket displays good wear. The black and gold Mizuno label is present but is slightly frayed. The outside of the pinky finger has been custom embroidered with “M. Rivera” in gold script. A real “been there” gamer used by the Hall of Famer back when the Sandman was a starter trying to break into a formidable Yankees rotation. The glove was obtained by Willie Randolph and is part of the Willie Randolph Collection. This glove comes with a LOA from PSA/DNA (1G00603) for the game use and a LOA from former Major Leaguer Willie Randolph.

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