A True Legend….Mariano Rivera

In an era where steroids casts a black cloud over America’s favorite past-time, reflecting on a baseball great can provide a welcoming distraction to the chaos.

Many of us weren’t lucky enough to have seen Mantle, Aaron, Gehrig, Ruth, and Williams play the game they were born to play. Names like Walter Johnson, Ty Cobb, and Tom Seaver rarely cross the minds of today’s casual baseball fan. Those of us who truly love the game appreciate the rare moment when a player emerges with such raw talent, that one cannot help but stop to wonder if they were a gift from God. This year, baseball says goodbye to one of it’s chosen sons. A man who not only is the best player ever at his position, but a man who is as classy off the field as he is on.

Mariano Rivera made his Major League debut in 1995. Born in Panama, Rivera grew up in a small, fishing village called Puerto Caimita. After working in the fishing industry with his father, who was a ship captain, Rivera joined an amateur baseball team in 1988. Starting off at shortstop, Rivera volunteered to pitch and was invited to a Yankees tryout camp. The rest is history.

Originally slated as a starter, Yankees decided to move Rivera to the bullpen after 5 1/3 scoreless innings of relief in the 1995 ALDS. Although, Rivera’s early years from 1990-1995 were somewhat shaky, the Yankees always saw something in him. Maybe it was his hard work and athleticism, or maybe just the gut feeling that he may be something special.

There is no doubt that 1996 was the breakout year for Rivera. Used primarily as the setup man for John Wetteland, the Yankees had a 70-3 win-loss record when leading after 6 innings. That year was the beginning of Rivera’s dominance. The Yankees decided to make Rivera a full-time closer and chose not to re-sign Wetteland in the off-season.

Fireman, stopper, short reliever, closer, whatever you want to call him, Rivera has set the bar high. Mariano has the most 30-save seasons in baseball history with 15. He currently has 642 saves lifetime, passing 18-year veteran Trevor Hoffman’s 601. He is best known for his cut-fastball, a pitch that is designed to draw-off balance contact jamming the hitter.

In a role where turnover is consistent, Rivera has been the constant that Yankee fans know and love. No true baseball fan can ever hear Metallica’s Enter Sandman without an image of Rivera walking to the mound. The only analogy that comes close would be Charlie Sheen’s Ricky Vaughn strolling in to Wild Thing. Comparing Rivera’s legacy to a movie is not a far stretch. His story reads like a Hollywood blockbuster.

In May of 2012, shagging balls in the outfield prior to a a game against the Royals, Rivera tore his ACL in his right knee ending his year. Speculation at that time had begun that it would be the end of his career. Rivera quickly ended the rumors by informing media and fans that he would be back.

Back he is. After rehabilitation, Rivera announced on March 9, 2013 that he would retire after the 2013 season. Rivera is ending his career with the dominance that he has carried throughout his entire career. With about 55 games left in the season, Rivera has 34 saves with 1.60 ERA. Not too shabby for a 43-year old man just coming off an ACL injury.

We are the lucky ones that get to witness his greatness. Ten years, Twenty years, Thirty years from now we can recant our memories of Rivera. For a moment, forget about the Biogenesis drama. Forget about the negativity affecting the game and focus on the positive. Take it in, enjoy his farewell tour. I know I am. Thanks # 42 for being a reminder of why baseball is the greatest sport in the world.

“He’s the most mentally tough person I’ve ever played with.”
– Derek Jeter 

“I think everyone should look up to Mariano. Not just relievers, players in general. He doesn’t show anyone up, he treats his teammates with respect, he treats his opponents with respect.”
-Joe Nathan


“He’s very special. He loves the competition. He’s always responded real well in big games. I think when you talk about his career, the reason he’ll go to the Hall of Fame is all about the postseason. He’s been second to none.”
– Joe Torre

 “A summer afternoon of baseball ought to be nothing if not relaxing, and no other player can instill calm in his team’s fans as reliably as Mariano Rivera, the game’s dominant closer and arguably the best relief pitcher of all time.” Columnist Buster Olney in New York Magazine (06/28/2004)

 

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