Part 2/9:
Rising Through the Ranks
Rivera made his professional debut in 1990 with a stunning 0.17 earned run average (ERA) in the summer league. However, his initial years with the Yankees were fraught with challenges, including the struggle of being away from family and a major injury in 1992. Despite these obstacles, Rivera’s fastball improved significantly over time, increasing from 87 to 94 mph. In May 1995, he made his MLB debut, but after disappointing performances, he was transitioned to the bullpen, where he began to thrive. By the end of the season, he had found his footing and demonstrated that he could perform under pressure, paving the way for a promising career.