Former New York Yankees legendary closer Mariano Rivera was elected into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame today by unanimous vote (see stats below via ESPN.com), the first time this has ever happened. Rivera, who began as the closer of the Yankees in 1996 used to enter the game to ‘Enter Sandman’ by Metallica and was nicknamed ‘The Sandman’ by announcers and fans. Over the years the band and the sports star built a kinship, with them participating in Rivera’s farewell tour 2013. The band has sent a video message congratulating the pitcher on his Hall of Fame news. Rivera’s career numbers 82 wins, 60 losses, 652 saves, with an ERA 2.21 in 1115 games, 10 games started in 1283 innings pitches, and 1173 strikeouts. He is also statistically the best pitcher in the postseason ever and was key to winning 5 world series and 13 times all-star in an 18-year career. Continue reading →