There is Another

Around this time every year we hear a little anecdote: Derek Jeter, in his eleven seasons in the Major Leagues, has always known October baseball. The yarn is often accompanied by an insuation that Jeter is a Midas, turning more to gold than just his glove — that Jeter imparts some magic that carries his team to autumnal greatness.

But the streak is longer than Jeter's tenure.

The tale we do not hear is about another Yankee with an even longer October run. He's mentioned often, revered without pause, but his magic mark on the team's post-season persistence has seldom, if ever, been cited.

There’s another stalwart, another champion, who has played a critical role in escorting the Yankees to and through Octobers for twelve consecutive years, starting with his rookie season in 1995.

Mariano Rivera.