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The closer finished his career with the most saves ever (652) and thanked the Yankees for creating a great environment Sunday.

Baseball Hall of Fame 2019: Mariano Rivera says playing for Yankees was 'a privilege and honor'

Mariano Rivera is the first player in the history of MLB to be voted into the Hall of Fame unanimously.

The closer finished his career with the most saves ever (652) and thanked the Yankees for creating a great environment during his induction speech Sunday.

"I tried to carry the pinstripes the best that I could." - @MarianoRivera. @Yankees | @baseballhall | #HOFWKND pic.twitter.com/6epDQzYfpl
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 21, 2019

"It's a privilege and honor to just be part of one organization," Rivera said. "I did it with dignity, with honor and pride. I tried to carry the pinstripes the best that I could. I think I did alright with that."

Rivera also praised Yankees fans for standing behind him throughout his 19 seasons with the team.

"To the fans... you guys always pushed me to the best." - @MarianoRivera.@Yankees | @baseballhall | #HOFWKND pic.twitter.com/g5m9gzD472
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 21, 2019

"To the fans...you guys always pushed me to be the best," Rivera said. "All those New York fans when I was at Yankee Stadium pitching, it felt like I was pitching with 55,000 people next to me, throwing one pitch after another. You guys are the best. Without your support I could not do it. You always pushed me to the limit. Always wishing me the best but always also booing when I didn't do my job."

Rivera, a 13-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, headlined a group that included Roy Halladay, Mike Mussina, Edgar Martinez, Lee Smith and Harold Baines.

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