In 1959, journalist Jerome Holtzman created a new statistic to measure the effectiveness of relief pitchers in Major League Baseball: the save. A save is earned by pitching at least one inning without surrendering a lead of three runs or fewer, or by pitching the final three innings while preserving the lead. MLB adopted the save as an official statistic in 1969, giving birth to one of the most prized and pressure-packed positions in baseball today: the closer.

Since 1969, baseball fans have witnessed the eruption of fanfare surrounding the closer position. Most closers have earned their own signature entrance from the bullpen, and these entrances have taken on a life of their own. From the intense introductions of Mason Miller of the San Diego Padres to the dramatic, themed entrances of Raisel Iglesias of the Atlanta Braves, MLB closers have created unforgettable moments in the ninth inning for more than five decades.

However, no one in baseball has played the position better—or collected more saves—than Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees. The all-time leader with 652 career saves, Rivera entered games to Metallica’s iconic “Enter Sandman” and dazzled opposing lineups with his signature cut fastball. He earned his place in Cooperstown in 2019 as the first player ever to be elected to the Hall of Fame unanimously on the first ballot.

As Christians, we celebrate and worship the greatest Closer in history, whose saves are too numerous to count. When Jesus Christ died for our sins and was resurrected, He conquered the grave and defeated sin once and for all, securing salvation for generations of believers to come.

Luke 24:44–48 teaches us that Jesus’ death and resurrection fulfilled prophecy and God’s promise of forgiveness for all who repent of their sins and place their faith in His Son. That makes Jesus Christ the ultimate Closer and Savior for all who trust in Him.