Mariano is the second pitcher of all-time to reach 500 saves, but to me at least, he should already be enshrined with the title of “Greatest Relief Pitcher of All-Time.” Just to be clear on Mariano’s numbers, lifetime he is 69-51, has 500 saves, a 2.30 career ERA, pitched 1054.1 innings and struck out just under 1000 batters. Let’s take a look at the competition. The obvious first place to look is at the other man who has 500 saves, 571 to be exact, Trevor Hoffman. While I think you can make a good case for Hoffman, because he has two years on Mariano and thus 71 more saves. And while his ERA is an incredible 2.76, it’s nothing compared to Mo’s.

Taking a look at the other relievers in the Hall, I think the best case to rival Mariano can be made for Dennis Eckersley or Rollie Fingers. Eck for me doesn’t count because he gets a lot of his credit from his time as a starting pitcher, so its sort of like an unfair advantage/different category, so I exclude him. Fingers I think you can make a case because while he didn’t have the save totals (341) he threw 1700 innings while maintaining a 2.90 ERA, which is impressive. I still say he falls just short though.

If Billy Wagner keeps going, he might have a chance, I suppose. He won’t though.

Maybe it’s because I am a Red Sox fan and therefore have had to face Mariano too many times when I wish we wouldn’t have to, but he’s always been the ultimate closer to me. So maybe I’m embellishing him a bit much, but I think you will be hard pressed to find evidence that says Mariano isn’t the best reliever of all-time. If you do think there was someone else, by all means share.

“People say we have Mariano’s number. Nobody has Mariano’s number.” –Jason Varitek