One year after inheriting the job from John Wetteland, Rivera served as the Yankees closer for the first time in the 1998 World Series. He kept the Padres scoreless through each of the 4 1/3 innings he logged while striking out four batters and allowing just five hits in three appearances, all of which resulted in saves.
Rivera was named World Series MVP for his performance in the 1999 Fall Classic after allowing just four total baserunners while striking out three across 4 2/3 innings. Rivera went 1–0 with two saves in three appearances, capping what's considered to be the best postseason stretch of his career.