Mariano Rivera covers Sports Illustrated

The sun is setting on the career of the greatest closing pitcher in baseball history and "Sports Illustrated" is sending off Mariano Rivera with the fourth cover of his career.

While the Yankees were hoping to take Rivera into yet another postseason run, it appears the Bronx Bombers are unlikely snag a wildcard slot.

The 43-year-old Rivera, who has played 19 seasons for New York, is widely considered the best ever in the closer's role. He holds the records for most career saves (651) and the most saves in the postseason (42).

Notably, he is the last active player to wear the jersey number 42, which was retired league-wide in 1997 to honor Jackie Robinson.

The September 23 "Sports Illustrated" issue pays tribute to "Enter Sandman," the Metallica song that has been Rivera's walkup music since 1999 and is closely associated with Rivera's game-ending dominance.