At Camden Yards, Yankee closer Mariano Rivera establishes a franchise single-season record when he saves his 47th game, a 5-4 victory over Baltimore in 10-innings. The previous record was held by Dave Righetti, who set the mark in 1986.
Derek Jeter (.314, 10, 78) is the unanimous choice of the 28 BBWAA scribes for the American League’s Rookie of the Year. The 22 year-old shortstop is the eighth Yankee freshman to be honored, the first since Dave Righetti copped the award in 1981.
1993 – Free agent pitcher Dave Righetti signs a contract with the Oakland Athletics.
1992 – Pete Incaviglia ties the club record with seven RBIs as the Astros drub the Giants, 15-7, at the Astrodome. “Inky” swats a three-run homer off Dave Righetti and a two-run shot off Dave Burba before belting a two-run double off Burba to complete his day. Eric Anthony adds three hits.
The Giants sign Yankee free agent Dave Righetti (1-1, 3.57, 36 saves) to a four-year deal worth nearly $10 million. After the South Bay native’s playing days are over, the left-handed reliever will become the club’s long-time pitching coach.
New York beats Texas, 5 – 4, to snap pitcher Bobby Witt’s personal 12-game winning streak. The Yanks score two in both the 7th and 8th innings to come from behind. Dave Righetti saves his 31st.
1988 – Dennis Eckersley sets an A’s record with his 37th save of the season in Oakland’s 5 – 4 win over New York. Eckersley will save 45 games this season, one shy of Dave Righetti’s major league record.
New York sweeps a doubleheader from Boston at Fenway Park, 5-3 and 3-1. Yankee closer Dave Righetti saves both ends of the twin bill, bringing his major league record total to 46.
1984 – Dave Kingman hits a double and homer to help Oakland score six runs in the 7th inning, but that’s all the A’s score in losing to the Yankees, 7 – 6. Bobby Meacham has two homers, including the game-winner in the 8th, to back Dave Righetti’s relief win. Bill Caudill loses.
On January 5, 1984, the New York Yankees sign future Hall of Famer Phil Niekro to a two-year contract. Niekro, who went 11-10 with a 3.97 ERA for the Atlanta Braves in 1983, will fill a void in the Yankee rotation and allow the team to move Dave Righetti to the bullpen. Niekro will…