Is Mariano Rivera a first-ballot Hall of Famer?

[NewYorkExpress]

Please explain the logic, or lack thereof behind your answer.

[Хahar 🤔]

The "first-ballot" distinction is useless nonsense, but Mariano Rivera is the only relief pitcher of the modern era who belongs in the Hall of Fame.

[DemPGH]

Yes, absolutely.

He enjoyed a long, illustrious career with only one real blemish: the 2001 World Series. Otherwise, the stats, the closes, the titles all warrant HoF ASAP.

[bedstuy]

Yes, absolutely.

He enjoyed a long, illustrious career with only one real blemish: the 2001 World Series. Otherwise, the stats, the closes, the titles all warrant HoF ASAP.

It's hard to fault someone for one bad inning.  Rivera's post-season ERA was 0.7, he was an amazing clutch pitcher. 

Obviously, there's somewhat less value to relief pitching compared to starting pitching.  But, Rivera was the best relief pitcher ever.  Best ERA+ ever alone kind of says it all.  Beyond the stats, Rivera had a great impact on strategy of every game because the Yankees knew their closer was lights-out. 

[Joe Biden 2020]

There's no doubt he will be a first-ballot.

[The Dowager Mod]

Will he be a first ballot inductee? Yes.
Should he be a first ballot inductee? No.

[NewYorkExpress]

Will he be a first ballot inductee? Yes.
Should he be a first ballot inductee? No.

If you don't mind elaborating...

[The Dowager Mod]

The save is the most overrated stat in baseball.

[Smash255]

Will he be a first ballot inductee? Yes.
Should he be a first ballot inductee? No.

This has to be one of the dumbest things I have ever heard.....

[Grumpier Than Uncle Joe]

Will he be a first ballot inductee? Yes.
Should he be a first ballot inductee? No.

This has to be one of the dumbest things I have ever heard.....

So you agree he sound not be a first ballot inductee, Smash?  Good man!