Mariano Rivera: Best Closer in the Bronx
By Yeisa Martinez
He was signed by the Yankees as an undrafted free agent in 1990 and had his debut on May 23, 1995. Mariano Rivera has not just saved over 500 games for the Yankees as a closer for the last 16 years, but has made his mark in the hearts of all Yankee fans.
With five World Series Championships, five Cy Young awards, 11 All-Star game appearances and countless other achievements, “Mo the Show” Rivera is the true definition of what the word “clutch” is in the Major League Baseball dictionary.
Despite all of his accomplishments, Mariano has managed to stay humble and gives thanks to God for all of his blessings. “I never expected this, if I told you that I would be playing (professional baseball), I’d be lying…. All this has happened solely cause of God’s will. I didn’t look for the MVP awards, or the championships, or even the All-Star games. All the records that I have won, I haven’t gone out to obtain them, but yet have earned them all cause of God’s will. I just make sure to do my part, and God gives me the strength to be the best that I can be.”
With over 550 saves under his belt, Mariano gets closer to the current record of 600 saves. This very same record was reached for the first time in Major League Baseball History on September 7, 2010 by the Milwaukee Brewers 42-year-old right-handed pitcher Trevor Hoffman.
With the 2011 season less then a month away, many wonder how much longer the 40-year-old closer will be playing in pinstripes before he retires. “I would love to play one year or even more. I am personally not going after any records. I am not the only player on this team, I don’t work alone…..I don’t view a save as mine alone, but a save for the Yankees, there are nine players on the field, and another 25 wanting to be in our positions. If God allows me to play one more year, then that is that, if he allows me to play many more years, then that it his will as well. I just thank God for being here.
When Mariano does decide to retire, he is committed to continue his dedication to God. He wants to continue to work with kids and also work with players in the minor leagues. He feels blessed to be in the position that he is and wants to help mold and keep focused the future stars of major league baseball. ”Jesus Christ is everything. He has given me life and talent, everything I am really. I would like to share the same blessing that he has given me to other people. That is what is important in my life.”
When number 42 is called up to the mound, a breath of fresh air sweeps through the stadium as all the Yankees fan are confident that he will get the job done, and bring home the save.