Mariano Rivera, arguably the best closer in MLB history, credits his Hall of Fame career to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in his brand new autobiography book titled "The Closer." He reveals in the book that he first learned about God when he was 18-years-old in 1987 when his cousin Vidal Ovalle was acting out of character.

"I have come to know the Lord," said Ovalle to Rivera.

Rivera explained how his cousin Vidal played a major role in leading him to Christ.

"Vidal is the first one to really teach me about the Bible, and what it means to know Jesus, and to know what he did for us, dying on the cross to forgive our sins," says Rivera in the book.

However, he revealed it wasn't until 1992 when he finally accepted Christ into his heart when a pastor in the city of Puerto Caimito said at the end of the church service, "Does anyone who hasn't done so yet want to accept the Lord as their personal Savior?"

He revealed he immediately felt the Holy Spirit entering his body after he put his faith in Christ.

"It is the burden of feeling you have to do it by yourself, of feeling alone and overwhelmed by your own limitations," said Rivera, recalling his feelings before receiving the Holy Spirit.

Rivera was originally born in Panama City, Panama on November 29, 1969, far away from the bright lights of New York City where he would later dominate the game of baseball during the mid-1990's to the early 2010's.

During his playing career, Rivera had the inspirational words "Phil. 4:13" written on his glove in reference to the Philippians 4:13 Bible verse, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."

Rivera retired at the end of the 2013 season after spending his entire 17 year career as a member of the New York Yankees. In addition, "The Sandman" won five World Series rings in 1996, 1998-2000 and 2009 alongside Yankees captain Derek Jeter. His former teammate (Jeter) has revealed this season will be his last year in baseball.

In 1998, Rivera and his wife Clara created "The Mariano Rivera Foundation" in order to help children in America and his native country Panama receive a good education and health care. His goal is to create a better life for kids in need.

Rivera is the last player in Major League Baseball history to wear a No. 42 jersey because that number was retired on April 15, 1997 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the late Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in 1947. Like Robinson, Rivera left an irreplaceable mark on baseball on and off the field.

"It is a gift from the Lord," said Rivera in his book. "I have known for a long time that He is using me for His own purposes, that he wants my pitching to help spread the good news about the Gospel of Jesus."