A's closer Liam Hendriks was named the 2020 Mariano Rivera AL Reliever of the Year on Saturday.
“Honored is an understatement,” Hendriks said in a statement released by the A's. “It’s humbling to win an award that bears the name of the greatest closer in history. I’m extremely thankful to my teammates. If they weren’t behind me on the field, I wouldn’t be half the pitcher I am today. A huge thank you to the bullpen for sharing years of invaluable advice and experience with me.”
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“Thank you to the coaching staff and the entire organization for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play in the green and gold,” Hendriks added. “To my agency, MVP, for all the work you do behind the scenes. A huge thank you to Codify for keeping me ahead of the game. A sincere thank you to the panel of voters. To be recognized by your greatness is a true honor. Finally, to A’s fans everywhere, I’ve had the privilege to represent you since I arrived here five years ago, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
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Hendriks boasted a 1.78 ERA this season, striking out 37 in 25 1/3 innings and walking just three. He also ranked second in the majors in saves (14) and didn’t blow a save in his last 14 appearances.
Hendriks became the first Athletic to win the award, which was established in 2014. The 31-year-old is no doubt the first reliever to win the award who also kept a cardboard cutout of his cat in the bullpen during the playoffs. Winnie Sanderson Hendriks would be proud.
