NEW YORK – For 15 years, Mariano Rivera has decided when the game ends.

Even with a freakish injury that has likely ended his season, he is promising to close out his remarkable career on his own terms and vows to return no later than next spring.

Rivera confounded batters with a cut fastball that changed direction as it neared home plate, shattered bats by the hundreds and sent hitters back to the dugout muttering. In his time in New York, the Yankees added five World Series championships to their record total.