On March 9, 2013, the greatest closer of all time announced that he would retire from the game that he dominated for 19 seasons. The 13x all-star boasted a career ERA of 2.21, is a 5 time World Series champion, and holds the record for most career saves at 652. Mariano Rivera needs no introduction.
Rivera’s signature pitch was a cut fastball or “cutter”, a pitch he made famous while breaking hundreds of bats and shattering records. He strolled to the mound with a presence that few posses to one of the most popular rock songs of all time “Enter Sandman”, a song that all but became synonymous with the legend.
In a city where the bright lights can be overwhelming for some, Rivera excelled. He carried himself with grace on and off the field, gaining the respect of those he competed with and against. He led the league in saves 1999, 2001, and 2004. In 2013, his final year in pinstripes he earned the AL Comeback Player of the Year Award after returning from an excruciating ACL tear that many thought was the end of his career. Mariano Rivera decided to go out on his own terms.
Throughout Rivera’s final season there were many touching tributes presented to thank Mariano for his contribution to the game of baseball. 20 teams gave Rivera gifts on his farewell tour. Never has such a display of respect truly defined a legacy like that of Mariano. The gifts ranged from broken bat sculptures, a sand sculpture, a custom fishing pole and cowboy boots to paintings and a sand cruiser. Of course, there were countless donations to the Mariano Rivera Foundation, a foundation dedicated to helping impoverished youth.
Yankee fans and baseball fans alike reflected nostalgically on the career of Mariano Rivera. One fan in particular came up with an idea for a fitting tribute of his own. On September 4, 2013, Long Island native Dan Salogub watched Mariano Rivera do something he has done time and time again. During a game against the White Sox where the Yankees were looking to secure a playoff spot, Rivera came into the game with two outs in the 8th with runners in first and second. Like the magician Rivera is , he got out of the jam and pitched a 1-2-3 9th inning for his 41st save of the season. It was then that Dan Salogub had an idea. An idea that would cement Rivera and his legacy to the Bronx for eternity.
With River Avenue being one of the main streets that borders Yankee stadium, Dan bought the domain name and went to work on a campaign to change the name of River Ave to Rivera Ave. After taking to twitter with @161stRiveraAve, Dan went to work. Too engrossed in the excitement of it all, the twitter account was taken down after the 1st day with suspicion of being spam. Dan would not be deterred.
Dan reached out to NY Post beat writer Mike Vaccaro and was soon after featured in his front page story on September 18th. Sharing Dan’s brilliant idea was a man named Tom Ferrara who also had been pursuing the same goal, to change River Ave near Yankee Stadium to Rivera Ave. Seeking more reinforcements, the men reached out to Foley’s Pub in NYC, a bar known for their extensive collection of sports memorabilia. Foley’s owner, Shaun Clancy was on board and organized a petition in honor of MO-vember.
These men all shared the same goal in common; to honor the humble man and ballplayer that is the embodiment of what others should embrace.
On Tuesday, December 17th, NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed the law to add the Sandman’s name to one block of The Bronx’s River Avenue. The mission was complete. The final tribute to a man who changed the face of baseball.
Dan Salogub
Mariano Rivera- Camden Yards 2013
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