Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Little, Brown to publish Mariano Rivera autobiography, 'The Closer,' in 2014
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4/30/13, "Little, Brown Buys Rivera Memoir," Publishers Weekly
"Little, Brown has acquired world rights to Yankee pitcher Mariano Rivera's memoir, The Closer. The book, which was acquired by executive editor John Parsley from the athlete's representatives at SFX Baseball and Relativity Sports, is planned for spring 2014. Simultaneous to the English edition, LB will also a release a Spanish and audio edition of the title, with Little, Brown Books for Young Readers planning a children's edition for fall 2014.
Rivera, who has announced that he intends to retire after his forthcoming season with the Yankees, is considered one of the greatest relief pitchers to have played the game. The book will cover his impoverished childhood in Panama through his signing with the Yankees and his reign on the mound. Speaking to the book, LB said Rivera will "reveal details and stories of the championship teams of which he’s been a part; the pressure of playing for a team and a city as epic as New York for his entire career—not to mention the pressure of being the closer for such a team; the rivalries...the experience of being a Latino baseball player in the United States; and what it is like to maintain deeply Christian values in professional athletics."
Parsley, who is also editing, said the book will be for all fans, not just Yankee ones and that Rivera will, in his first book, "finally open up to the world, showing how passion for the game, dogged hard work, commitment to leadership and excellence, and his faith have made him a world champion, future Hall of Famer, and Yankee legend."" via mention on Yankee Radio
4/30/13, "Little, Brown Buys Rivera Memoir," Publishers Weekly
"Little, Brown has acquired world rights to Yankee pitcher Mariano Rivera's memoir, The Closer. The book, which was acquired by executive editor John Parsley from the athlete's representatives at SFX Baseball and Relativity Sports, is planned for spring 2014. Simultaneous to the English edition, LB will also a release a Spanish and audio edition of the title, with Little, Brown Books for Young Readers planning a children's edition for fall 2014.
Rivera, who has announced that he intends to retire after his forthcoming season with the Yankees, is considered one of the greatest relief pitchers to have played the game. The book will cover his impoverished childhood in Panama through his signing with the Yankees and his reign on the mound. Speaking to the book, LB said Rivera will "reveal details and stories of the championship teams of which he’s been a part; the pressure of playing for a team and a city as epic as New York for his entire career—not to mention the pressure of being the closer for such a team; the rivalries...the experience of being a Latino baseball player in the United States; and what it is like to maintain deeply Christian values in professional athletics."
Parsley, who is also editing, said the book will be for all fans, not just Yankee ones and that Rivera will, in his first book, "finally open up to the world, showing how passion for the game, dogged hard work, commitment to leadership and excellence, and his faith have made him a world champion, future Hall of Famer, and Yankee legend."" via mention on Yankee Radio
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Sunday, April 28, 2013
Rivera v Blue Jays at the Stadium, 10 pitches
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4/28/13, Rivera v Blue Jays in the 9th, final 3-2 Yankees, getty
4/28/13, Lyle Overbay and Rivera after Arencibia grounded out to first to end the game, final 3-2 Yankees, getty
4/28/13, Rivera in the 9th v Blue Jays, final 3-2 Yankees, ap
4/28/13, "Yanks flip upside-down expectations," ESPN, Andrew Marchand, commentary
"Rivera is one of the more amazing athletes of all-time. It is nearly a year since his knee injury and Rivera is as consistent as ever."...(near end of article)
4/28/13, Rivera v Blue Jays in the 9th, final 3-2 Yankees, getty
4/28/13, Lyle Overbay and Rivera after Arencibia grounded out to first to end the game, final 3-2 Yankees, getty
4/28/13, Rivera in the 9th v Blue Jays, final 3-2 Yankees, ap
4/28/13, "Yanks flip upside-down expectations," ESPN, Andrew Marchand, commentary
"Rivera is one of the more amazing athletes of all-time. It is nearly a year since his knee injury and Rivera is as consistent as ever."...(near end of article)
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Rivera and Chris Stewart, 4/26/13 v Blue Jays
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Chris Stewart and Mariano Rivera, 4/26/13, final 6-4 v Blue Jays. With bases loaded, Rivera struck out the final batter swinging. ap photo
Chris Stewart and Rivera, 4/26/13, final 6-4 v Blue Jays, getty
Rivera and Ichiro, 4/26/13, final 6-4 v Blue Jays, getty
Chris Stewart and Mariano Rivera, 4/26/13, final 6-4 v Blue Jays. With bases loaded, Rivera struck out the final batter swinging. ap photo
Chris Stewart and Rivera, 4/26/13, final 6-4 v Blue Jays, getty
Rivera and Ichiro, 4/26/13, final 6-4 v Blue Jays, getty
Friday, April 26, 2013
Rivera v Blue Jays at the Stadium
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Rivera meets vets and active duty soldiers at The Trop before game v Tampa Bay Rays
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4/23/13, Rivera meets with "veterans and active duty soldiers getting treatment at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital" who assembled at the Trop prior to first pitch v the Rays," photo Tampa Bay Rays
St. Petersburg, "Bill Werts spends most of his time at Tropicana
Field working in the media dining room or, toward the end of each home
game, taking in the final innings from his wheelchair in the press box.
But the 67-year-old Vietnam War veteran, wheelchair-bound because of multiple sclerosis, ventured into the bowels of the stadium early Tuesday evening to join 16 veterans from Tampa's James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in a small equipment room, where they met with Yankees closer Mariano Rivera for about half an hour. The group included veterans of the Vietnam War, Gulf War, current military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and one man who served in the Army during World War II. "It's amazing. They're sacrificing," Rivera said. "We go on the field to play. They go on the field to defend us, fight for us, give their life for us. We need more things to be done for these people after they finish. We've seen people that are injured. What gets done for them? We need to get more stuff done."
Rivera talked to the assembled crowd, which also included family members and hospital staffers, then answered questions and took pictures with the veterans. He signed a baseball for each of them, with Tuesday's date below his signature."...
Above, Rivera in the 9th in Tampa Bay, 4/23/13, ap. final 4-3 Yankees.
Rivera and Chris Stewart after game, 4/23/13, ap
Two stories: 4/23/13, "Yankees' Mariano Rivera meets with veterans in hospital," NY Daily News
4/23/13, "Rivera takes time to talk with veterans at the Trop," MLB.com, Adam Berry
4/23/13, Rivera meets with "veterans and active duty soldiers getting treatment at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital" who assembled at the Trop prior to first pitch v the Rays," photo Tampa Bay Rays
But the 67-year-old Vietnam War veteran, wheelchair-bound because of multiple sclerosis, ventured into the bowels of the stadium early Tuesday evening to join 16 veterans from Tampa's James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in a small equipment room, where they met with Yankees closer Mariano Rivera for about half an hour. The group included veterans of the Vietnam War, Gulf War, current military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and one man who served in the Army during World War II. "It's amazing. They're sacrificing," Rivera said. "We go on the field to play. They go on the field to defend us, fight for us, give their life for us. We need more things to be done for these people after they finish. We've seen people that are injured. What gets done for them? We need to get more stuff done."
Rivera talked to the assembled crowd, which also included family members and hospital staffers, then answered questions and took pictures with the veterans. He signed a baseball for each of them, with Tuesday's date below his signature."...
Above, Rivera in the 9th in Tampa Bay, 4/23/13, ap. final 4-3 Yankees.
Rivera and Chris Stewart after game, 4/23/13, ap
Two stories: 4/23/13, "Yankees' Mariano Rivera meets with veterans in hospital," NY Daily News
4/23/13, "Rivera takes time to talk with veterans at the Trop," MLB.com, Adam Berry
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Yankees and Rivera in 11 v Toronto
Rivera and Cervelli, 5-3 win in Toronto in 11, 4/20/13, ap
Rivera, Vernon Wells, and Cervelli after Toronto win, Sat., Apr.20, 2012, ap. final 5-3 Yankees in 11.
4/20/13, Rivera in Toronto, EPA photo
Rivera v Blue Jays in the 11th, 4/20/13, reuters
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Rivera v Diamondbacks at the Stadium, April 17, 2013
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Rivera in the 9th v Diamondbacks, 4/17/13, final 4-3 Yankees. Star-ledger Mills
Rivera and team mates after 4-3 win v Diamondbacks, 4/17/13
Above, Rivera and Cervelli, 4/17/13, ap
.
Rivera in the 9th v Diamondbacks, 4/17/13, final 4-3 Yankees. Star-ledger Mills
Rivera and team mates after 4-3 win v Diamondbacks, 4/17/13
Above, Rivera and Cervelli, 4/17/13, ap
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Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Rivera v Diamondbacks at the Stadium
.
Rivera in the 9th v Diamondbacks, 4/16/13, ap. final 4-2 Yankees
4/16/13, "Chris Stewart and Mariano Rivera, both wearing #42, enjoy the 4-2 victory as the Arizona Diamondbacks visit the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Bronx, NY," Munson, Star-Ledger
Rivera in the 9th v Diamondbacks, 4/16/13, ap. final 4-2 Yankees
4/16/13, "Chris Stewart and Mariano Rivera, both wearing #42, enjoy the 4-2 victory as the Arizona Diamondbacks visit the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Bronx, NY," Munson, Star-Ledger
Friday, April 12, 2013
Rivera at the Stadium v Orioles, April 12, 2013
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Rivera at the stadium v Orioles, Friday, April 12, 2013.
Top, getty, Second, ap,Third, getty, Fourth getty. Final, 5-2 Yankees.
Rivera at the stadium v Orioles, Friday, April 12, 2013.
Top, getty, Second, ap,Third, getty, Fourth getty. Final, 5-2 Yankees.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Rivera meets behind the scenes Cleveland Indians people including the drummer
.
4/11/13, "Rivera Thanks Indians Employees for Memories," AP, Tom Withers
"Before Mariano Rivera answered questions from Indians employees he wanted to personally thank on his last visit to Progressive Field, the greatest closer in history had a request of his own.
"Where's the drummer?" Rivera asked.
He wanted to finally meet the man who has kept a steady sports beat in Cleveland for 40 years, the guy sitting at the top of the bleachers year after year pounding away to spark a rally.
"Right here," John Adams said, raising one of his drum sticks so the New York legend could see him in the back of the room.
"Hey, you the man," Rivera said. "Being loyal, being there day in and day out. I really respect that."
"Thank you," Rivera said.
During his final trip around the majors, Rivera, who is retiring at the end of this, his 19th season with the Yankees, is taking time to visit with team employees who work behind the scenes. On Wednesday, Rivera met with 25 Indians employees — ushers, ticket salespersons, custodians and others — for 30 minutes before the Yankees played the Indians.
They came to say goodbye to Rivera, who answered questions, posed for pictures and handed out autographed baseballs to Clevelanders who seemed in awe of the classy gesture.
"I appreciate what you guys do," Rivera said. "We see mostly what goes on when we're on the field and not what's going on behind the scenes. I wanted to say thank you for everything that you guys do, for the love and passion you have for your team. It doesn't matter if you are a Yankee fan or not. You are a baseball fan.
"Thank you for being here. I know you are busy, but thank you for taking a little bit of time. I appreciate that."
With that, Rivera said he was ready for questions and braced himself to be peppered by some Indians die-hards who have watched No. 42 come in and close out comebacks and dash more than a few special seasons in Cleveland.
"You can say whatever you want now," Rivera said with a laugh.
It didn't take long for one of the employees to ask Rivera for his favorite memories in Cleveland. In 1997, Rivera famously gave up a game-tying homer to Sandy Alomar Jr. in the eighth inning of Game 4 of the AL division series. The Indians went on to win and take the series in five games, denying the Yankees a chance to defend their World Series title.
For Rivera, it was a rare moment of failure.
But looking back, the 43-year-old said it provided motivation.
"Let me tell you something, if you think '97 was bad," he said. "For me, it was the stone where I stepped to push forward because it helped me to become better. If that wouldn't have happened, God only knows where I would have ended up. But because that happened, it pushed me to be better in moments like that and in situations like that."
Rivera recalled facing dominant Cleveland teams of the 1990s, when the Indians had one of baseball's most feared lineups with Jim Thome, Manny Ramirez, Kenny Lofton, Omar Vizquel and Albert Belle.
"All those years it was a battle here," said Rivera, who announced on March 9 that this would be his final season. "It was never easy."
Rivera, though, often made it look so. He has 609 career saves, and has converted his last 17 save opportunities against the Indians since 2003.
Rivera recoiled playfully when Adams told him he's been drumming at Indians games since 1973.
"This is stress relief for me," he told Rivera. "And you've given me a lot of stress."
Rivera plans special goodbyes during the remainder of his final season. Last week in Detroit, he met with a longtime member of the grounds crew who worked at Tiger Stadium and Comerica Park. He also visited with other members of the Tigers' extended family, faces not as recognizable as his own but people he feels indebted to.
He told them Edgar Martinez was the toughest hitter he ever faced, and he grew up worshipping Pele, the Brazilian soccer legend.
At the end of the visit inside the Indians' press conference room, Rivera met with each of the employees, taking a moment to talk about their jobs, families, whatever they wanted to say.
Mary Forkapy has worked for the Indians since 1996, handling the team's payroll. She shook hands with Rivera, posed for a picture with his valuable right arm around her shoulder and accepted a baseball with the signature of the future Hall of Famer.
"It was very genuine, very heartfelt, very nice," she said of her one-on-one time with Rivera. "He told me I was a very important person."
So did this soften her hatred toward the Yankees?
"A little," she said.
As the group dwindled to just a few, Rivera shook hands with Adams, who tried to get the reliever to take a whack at his large drum.
"No, I can't," Rivera said. "That's your thing."
NOTES: With Wednesday night's game postponed by rain, the Indians will also delay a ceremony to honor Rivera. The Yankees were only scheduled to play four games in Cleveland, but will have to come back at a future date for the makeup. .... RHP Ivan Nova's turn will be skipped and Phil Hughes will start Thursday for New York. ... The rainout cooled off Robinson Cano, who went 7 for 10 with three doubles, three homers and seven RBIs in the first two games of the series. He has twice had consecutive three extra-base hit games. The only other Yankee to do that was Lou Gehrig in 1936."
.
4/11/13, "Rivera Thanks Indians Employees for Memories," AP, Tom Withers
"Before Mariano Rivera answered questions from Indians employees he wanted to personally thank on his last visit to Progressive Field, the greatest closer in history had a request of his own.
"Where's the drummer?" Rivera asked.
He wanted to finally meet the man who has kept a steady sports beat in Cleveland for 40 years, the guy sitting at the top of the bleachers year after year pounding away to spark a rally.
"Right here," John Adams said, raising one of his drum sticks so the New York legend could see him in the back of the room.
"Hey, you the man," Rivera said. "Being loyal, being there day in and day out. I really respect that."
"Thank you," Rivera said.
During his final trip around the majors, Rivera, who is retiring at the end of this, his 19th season with the Yankees, is taking time to visit with team employees who work behind the scenes. On Wednesday, Rivera met with 25 Indians employees — ushers, ticket salespersons, custodians and others — for 30 minutes before the Yankees played the Indians.
They came to say goodbye to Rivera, who answered questions, posed for pictures and handed out autographed baseballs to Clevelanders who seemed in awe of the classy gesture.
"I appreciate what you guys do," Rivera said. "We see mostly what goes on when we're on the field and not what's going on behind the scenes. I wanted to say thank you for everything that you guys do, for the love and passion you have for your team. It doesn't matter if you are a Yankee fan or not. You are a baseball fan.
"Thank you for being here. I know you are busy, but thank you for taking a little bit of time. I appreciate that."
With that, Rivera said he was ready for questions and braced himself to be peppered by some Indians die-hards who have watched No. 42 come in and close out comebacks and dash more than a few special seasons in Cleveland.
"You can say whatever you want now," Rivera said with a laugh.
It didn't take long for one of the employees to ask Rivera for his favorite memories in Cleveland. In 1997, Rivera famously gave up a game-tying homer to Sandy Alomar Jr. in the eighth inning of Game 4 of the AL division series. The Indians went on to win and take the series in five games, denying the Yankees a chance to defend their World Series title.
For Rivera, it was a rare moment of failure.
But looking back, the 43-year-old said it provided motivation.
"Let me tell you something, if you think '97 was bad," he said. "For me, it was the stone where I stepped to push forward because it helped me to become better. If that wouldn't have happened, God only knows where I would have ended up. But because that happened, it pushed me to be better in moments like that and in situations like that."
Rivera recalled facing dominant Cleveland teams of the 1990s, when the Indians had one of baseball's most feared lineups with Jim Thome, Manny Ramirez, Kenny Lofton, Omar Vizquel and Albert Belle.
"All those years it was a battle here," said Rivera, who announced on March 9 that this would be his final season. "It was never easy."
Rivera, though, often made it look so. He has 609 career saves, and has converted his last 17 save opportunities against the Indians since 2003.
Rivera recoiled playfully when Adams told him he's been drumming at Indians games since 1973.
"This is stress relief for me," he told Rivera. "And you've given me a lot of stress."
Rivera plans special goodbyes during the remainder of his final season. Last week in Detroit, he met with a longtime member of the grounds crew who worked at Tiger Stadium and Comerica Park. He also visited with other members of the Tigers' extended family, faces not as recognizable as his own but people he feels indebted to.
He told them Edgar Martinez was the toughest hitter he ever faced, and he grew up worshipping Pele, the Brazilian soccer legend.
At the end of the visit inside the Indians' press conference room, Rivera met with each of the employees, taking a moment to talk about their jobs, families, whatever they wanted to say.
Mary Forkapy has worked for the Indians since 1996, handling the team's payroll. She shook hands with Rivera, posed for a picture with his valuable right arm around her shoulder and accepted a baseball with the signature of the future Hall of Famer.
"It was very genuine, very heartfelt, very nice," she said of her one-on-one time with Rivera. "He told me I was a very important person."
So did this soften her hatred toward the Yankees?
"A little," she said.
As the group dwindled to just a few, Rivera shook hands with Adams, who tried to get the reliever to take a whack at his large drum.
"No, I can't," Rivera said. "That's your thing."
NOTES: With Wednesday night's game postponed by rain, the Indians will also delay a ceremony to honor Rivera. The Yankees were only scheduled to play four games in Cleveland, but will have to come back at a future date for the makeup. .... RHP Ivan Nova's turn will be skipped and Phil Hughes will start Thursday for New York. ... The rainout cooled off Robinson Cano, who went 7 for 10 with three doubles, three homers and seven RBIs in the first two games of the series. He has twice had consecutive three extra-base hit games. The only other Yankee to do that was Lou Gehrig in 1936."
.
Sunday, April 07, 2013
Rivera in Detroit, April 7, 2013
.
"New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera throws during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers in Detroit, Sunday, April 7, 2013," ap. final 7-0 Yankees
"New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera shakes the hand of catcher Francisco Cervelli after their 7-0 win over the Detroit Tigers in a baseball game in Detroit, Sunday, April 7, 2013," ap. final 7-0 Yankees
"New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera acknowledges the crowd with Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland after being presented a frame with photographs of him pitching at Tiger Stadium and Comerica Park before a baseball game in Detroit, Sunday, April 7, 2013," ap. Suzyn Waldman notes in the post game show that the Tigers also gave Mo small containers of dirt from the mounds of both Tiger Stadium and Comerica.
From NY Times:
"Inside Pitch" (scroll down)
4/7/13, "In a pregame ceremony, Tigers Manager Jim Leyland presented Mariano Rivera, who will retire after the season, with a framed memento containing photographs of Rivera at Tiger Stadium and Comerica Park and bottles filled with dirt from each field. ...
.
The three-game series drew 127,333 fans, the most in Detroit for an opening series since 1948."
.
"Sabathia Outduels Verlander, and Yankees Avoid Sweep," NY Times, David Waldstein
------------------------------------------------------
4/8/13, "Jim Leyland thrilled to give Yankees' Mariano Rivera gift from Tigers," Detroit Free Press
George Sipple
"Tigers manager Jim Leyland presented Yankees closer Mariano Rivera with a framed photo display before the final game of the weekend series against the Yankees on Sunday at Comerica Park. Rivera has announced this will be his final season, and the Tigers wanted to honor him, arguably the game's greatest closer.
Leyland said Tigers president/general manager Dave Dombrowski asked him to present the gift to Rivera.
"I was thrilled. I was thrilled that Dave asked me to be the guy that presented it to him," Leyland said.
"That's quite an honor for me. I've gone on record -- I think he's the best of all time. I'm not looking for an argument from people who compare. I know in my time, he's been the best that I've seen. It was just an honor really to be part of it."
The display included photos of Rivera pitching at Tiger Stadium and at Comerica Park, and it included dirt from the mounds at both ballparks."...
------------------------------------------------------
4/8/13, "Yankees notes: Mariano Rivera gets retirement gift from Jim Leyland, Tigers," Bergen Record, Pete Caldera
"Rivera concludes his regular-season career having never blown a save at Comerica Park. He’s 23-for-23 in save opportunities versus Detroit since 1999."..
"New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera throws during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers in Detroit, Sunday, April 7, 2013," ap. final 7-0 Yankees
"New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera shakes the hand of catcher Francisco Cervelli after their 7-0 win over the Detroit Tigers in a baseball game in Detroit, Sunday, April 7, 2013," ap. final 7-0 Yankees
"New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera acknowledges the crowd with Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland after being presented a frame with photographs of him pitching at Tiger Stadium and Comerica Park before a baseball game in Detroit, Sunday, April 7, 2013," ap. Suzyn Waldman notes in the post game show that the Tigers also gave Mo small containers of dirt from the mounds of both Tiger Stadium and Comerica.
From NY Times:
"Inside Pitch" (scroll down)
4/7/13, "In a pregame ceremony, Tigers Manager Jim Leyland presented Mariano Rivera, who will retire after the season, with a framed memento containing photographs of Rivera at Tiger Stadium and Comerica Park and bottles filled with dirt from each field. ...
.
The three-game series drew 127,333 fans, the most in Detroit for an opening series since 1948."
.
"Sabathia Outduels Verlander, and Yankees Avoid Sweep," NY Times, David Waldstein
------------------------------------------------------
4/8/13, "Jim Leyland thrilled to give Yankees' Mariano Rivera gift from Tigers," Detroit Free Press
George Sipple
"Tigers manager Jim Leyland presented Yankees closer Mariano Rivera with a framed photo display before the final game of the weekend series against the Yankees on Sunday at Comerica Park. Rivera has announced this will be his final season, and the Tigers wanted to honor him, arguably the game's greatest closer.
Leyland said Tigers president/general manager Dave Dombrowski asked him to present the gift to Rivera.
"I was thrilled. I was thrilled that Dave asked me to be the guy that presented it to him," Leyland said.
"That's quite an honor for me. I've gone on record -- I think he's the best of all time. I'm not looking for an argument from people who compare. I know in my time, he's been the best that I've seen. It was just an honor really to be part of it."
The display included photos of Rivera pitching at Tiger Stadium and at Comerica Park, and it included dirt from the mounds at both ballparks."...
------------------------------------------------------
4/8/13, "Yankees notes: Mariano Rivera gets retirement gift from Jim Leyland, Tigers," Bergen Record, Pete Caldera
"Rivera concludes his regular-season career having never blown a save at Comerica Park. He’s 23-for-23 in save opportunities versus Detroit since 1999."..
Rivera greets longtime Detroit Tigers fans
.
4/7/13, "Jeff Seidel: Yankees closer Mariano Rivera's rare talent worth celebrating," Detroit Free Press, Jeff Seidel
"At the corner of Michigan and Trumbull, a chain-link fence stretches around a patch of grass and weeds and rocks where Tiger Stadium used to stand. Joe Angotti squeezed through an opening in the fence on Saturday morning and dipped into the memories as he walked with his 10-year-old son, Rory. "It gave me goose bumps," said Angotti, who lives in Grosse Pointe.
So
many great players played right here, at this corner, from Babe Ruth
and Ted Williams and Al Kaline, all the way to Mariano Rivera, the
greatest relief pitcher of all time.
Rivera has simply dominated the Tigers, recording 23 consecutive saves for the Yankees against Detroit. In fact, his last blown save against Detroit was in 1999 -- in Tiger Stadium. That has turned
Rivera into a living link between the past and the present, from that weedy lot in Corktown to Comerica Park.
But it is about to come to an end.
Today, Rivera will be in uniform for his last regular-season game in Detroit because this is New York's only visit to Detroit, and he will retire at the end of the season. The Tigers plan to honor Rivera with a pregame ceremony before today's game at Comerica Park.
The Tigers will take this unusual step -- to honor an opponent -- not only because he is a great player but because he is a great man. This is the best part of Major League Baseball, the respect, honor and civility shared among teams, players and fans.
"He's the best of all time," Tigers skipper Jim Leyland said.
In many respects, this season will turn into a year-long tribute to Rivera. A victory lap around professional baseball for this living legend who has played 19 seasons for the Yankees, the most ever. That's longer than Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle and Derek Jeter (Jeter will tie the record as soon as he gets off the disabled list).
Sitting in the Yankees' clubhouse on Saturday, Rivera admitted that he doesn't know how to handle the attention. He is a man of extraordinary confidence wrapped in uncommon humility....
It is expected that Rivera will be honored throughout this season, but he has flipped the script. Rivera wants to honor those who are honoring him. He has asked to meet with pure baseball fans in every city that he visits. To thank them. And it doesn't even matter if they are Yankees' fans.
We pause here to pull our jaws off the ground. Here is a professional athlete who begs to meet with fans? To thank them?
That's about as rare as a Honus Wagner rookie card (there is no truth to the rumor that Rivera once pitched against Wagner).
On Saturday afternoon, in a room adjacent to the Yankees clubhouse, Rivera spent time with three Tigers fans, a group picked for symbolic reasons.
He met Eddie Goward, a former groundskeeper at Tiger Stadium; Steven Rollins of Gaylord, a Navy man who has served three combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq; and John O'Neil Sr., who was born in Detroit and has been a season-ticket holder since 1991 in Tiger Stadium.
Rivera posed for pictures and signed autographs for all three.
"I never left a game, like most people, when you came in to pitch," O'Neil said. "Because most people thought it was over when you came in."
"Thank you," Rivera said. "Thank you for being fans."
In his retirement, Rivera will stop saving games and he's going to try and save souls. He plans to open a church in a few months in New York. "It's a church for people to congregate and sing to the Lord," Rivera said. "I have a passion for souls. To preach the word of God. To me, that's everything."
Rivera's legacy and influence stretches into the Tigers' bullpen. He played with Phil Coke in New York, and they became close.
"I have immense respect for Mariano Rivera as a person, first of all," Coke said. "He took me under his wing. He didn't have to do that. He really took his time, explaining things about the game to me."
Out in the bullpen, Rivera is like a professor holding class for young relievers.
"He taught me to have the conviction and confidence in myself," Coke said, "to throw the pitch with confidence, whatever pitch it may be."
A few years ago, Justin Verlander sat with Rivera at an awards banquet.
"What a great guy, very classy," Verlander said. "I've had the utmost admiration for him since I was younger. Getting to see him work in person is more impressive than seeing him on TV all those years."
When Verlander was told that Rivera has never blown a save in Comerica Park, Verlander had a simple wish.
"Let's hope we have a lead and don't see him," Verlander said, with a smile.
Verlander got his wish on Saturday, as the Tigers earned a 8-4 victory over the Yankees.
Rivera sat in the bullpen and didn't even warm up. Which was a great sight for the Tigers. Yes, they will honor him today. But, with all due respect, they just hope he doesn't pitch today." "
.
"New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera is seen in the dugout before a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers in Detroit, Sunday, April 7, 2013," ap
4/7/13, "Jeff Seidel: Yankees closer Mariano Rivera's rare talent worth celebrating," Detroit Free Press, Jeff Seidel
"At the corner of Michigan and Trumbull, a chain-link fence stretches around a patch of grass and weeds and rocks where Tiger Stadium used to stand. Joe Angotti squeezed through an opening in the fence on Saturday morning and dipped into the memories as he walked with his 10-year-old son, Rory. "It gave me goose bumps," said Angotti, who lives in Grosse Pointe.
So
many great players played right here, at this corner, from Babe Ruth
and Ted Williams and Al Kaline, all the way to Mariano Rivera, the
greatest relief pitcher of all time.Rivera has simply dominated the Tigers, recording 23 consecutive saves for the Yankees against Detroit. In fact, his last blown save against Detroit was in 1999 -- in Tiger Stadium. That has turned
Rivera into a living link between the past and the present, from that weedy lot in Corktown to Comerica Park.
But it is about to come to an end.
Today, Rivera will be in uniform for his last regular-season game in Detroit because this is New York's only visit to Detroit, and he will retire at the end of the season. The Tigers plan to honor Rivera with a pregame ceremony before today's game at Comerica Park.
The Tigers will take this unusual step -- to honor an opponent -- not only because he is a great player but because he is a great man. This is the best part of Major League Baseball, the respect, honor and civility shared among teams, players and fans.
"He's the best of all time," Tigers skipper Jim Leyland said.
In many respects, this season will turn into a year-long tribute to Rivera. A victory lap around professional baseball for this living legend who has played 19 seasons for the Yankees, the most ever. That's longer than Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle and Derek Jeter (Jeter will tie the record as soon as he gets off the disabled list).
Sitting in the Yankees' clubhouse on Saturday, Rivera admitted that he doesn't know how to handle the attention. He is a man of extraordinary confidence wrapped in uncommon humility....
It is expected that Rivera will be honored throughout this season, but he has flipped the script. Rivera wants to honor those who are honoring him. He has asked to meet with pure baseball fans in every city that he visits. To thank them. And it doesn't even matter if they are Yankees' fans.
We pause here to pull our jaws off the ground. Here is a professional athlete who begs to meet with fans? To thank them?
That's about as rare as a Honus Wagner rookie card (there is no truth to the rumor that Rivera once pitched against Wagner).
On Saturday afternoon, in a room adjacent to the Yankees clubhouse, Rivera spent time with three Tigers fans, a group picked for symbolic reasons.
He met Eddie Goward, a former groundskeeper at Tiger Stadium; Steven Rollins of Gaylord, a Navy man who has served three combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq; and John O'Neil Sr., who was born in Detroit and has been a season-ticket holder since 1991 in Tiger Stadium.
Rivera posed for pictures and signed autographs for all three.
"I never left a game, like most people, when you came in to pitch," O'Neil said. "Because most people thought it was over when you came in."
"Thank you," Rivera said. "Thank you for being fans."
In his retirement, Rivera will stop saving games and he's going to try and save souls. He plans to open a church in a few months in New York. "It's a church for people to congregate and sing to the Lord," Rivera said. "I have a passion for souls. To preach the word of God. To me, that's everything."
Rivera's legacy and influence stretches into the Tigers' bullpen. He played with Phil Coke in New York, and they became close.
"I have immense respect for Mariano Rivera as a person, first of all," Coke said. "He took me under his wing. He didn't have to do that. He really took his time, explaining things about the game to me."
Out in the bullpen, Rivera is like a professor holding class for young relievers.
"He taught me to have the conviction and confidence in myself," Coke said, "to throw the pitch with confidence, whatever pitch it may be."
A few years ago, Justin Verlander sat with Rivera at an awards banquet.
"What a great guy, very classy," Verlander said. "I've had the utmost admiration for him since I was younger. Getting to see him work in person is more impressive than seeing him on TV all those years."
When Verlander was told that Rivera has never blown a save in Comerica Park, Verlander had a simple wish.
"Let's hope we have a lead and don't see him," Verlander said, with a smile.
Verlander got his wish on Saturday, as the Tigers earned a 8-4 victory over the Yankees.
Rivera sat in the bullpen and didn't even warm up. Which was a great sight for the Tigers. Yes, they will honor him today. But, with all due respect, they just hope he doesn't pitch today." "
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photo above, "New York's Mariano Rivera poses with, from left, Steven Rollins, Eddie Goward and John O'Neil Sr. on Saturday at Comerica Park. / JOHN LOWE/Detroit Free Press"
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"New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera is seen in the dugout before a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers in Detroit, Sunday, April 7, 2013," ap
Friday, April 05, 2013
Rivera signs for fans in Detroit before game
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"Mariano Rivera signs autographs for fans before an opening day baseball game against the Detroit Tigers in Detroit, Friday, April 5, 2013," ap
"Mariano Rivera signs autographs for fans before an opening day baseball game against the Detroit Tigers in Detroit, Friday, April 5, 2013," ap
Thursday, April 04, 2013
Win-save number 81 for Pettitte and Rivera, 70 in regular season, 11 in post season
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5/11/13, Pettitte-Rivera win-save #81, 70th in regular season, final 3-2 vs Royals.
Rivera in the 9th, 4/4/13, ap. 80th win-save combination with Andy Pettitte, 69th in regular season. final 4-2, Yankees over Red Sox
'Throwback win," NY Post banner, 4/5/13
Rivera and Cervelli, 4/4/13, ap
Rivera and Cervelli after the game, 4/4/13, Barton Silverman
Pettitte in the 5th, 4/4/13. final 4-2, Yankees over Red Sox.
Pettitte after final out in the 6th, 4/4/13, final 4-2,, Yankees over Red Sox
"Old Reliables, Pettitte goes 9, Rivera gets save, as Yanks avoid sweep," Newsday back page, Friday, April 5, 2013
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5/11/13, Pettitte-Rivera win-save #81, 70th in regular season, final 3-2 vs Royals.
==================================
Before 4/4/13, Last Pettitte-Rivera win-save was Oct. 7, 2010. Below are notes I made previously about their regular and post season win saves. July 8, 2010 in Seattle was their last regular season win-save:
As of 10/7/10, ***WIN-SAVES: Total of 79. 68 in regular, 11 in post season:***
July 8, 2010 in Seattle was #68 win-save combo for Pettitte and Rivera in regular season,
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Honorable Mention: The "Bugs" Game, Game 2, 2007 ALDS, NYY @ Cleveland, 2IP for Rivera. Pettitte and Rivera appeared together in other games that didn't have the exact technical requirements for a win-save combo.
*References: 4/19/10 NY Post article notes 65th reg. season combo on 4/18/10. May 26, 2010 was their 66th regular season win-save combination. 6/11/10, 4-3 win for the Yankees at the stadium (6/11) was 67th regular season win-save. July 8, 2010 in Seattle was #68.
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4/5/13, "Mariano Rivera returns, earns save," ESPNNY.com, M. Ehalt
""It's amazing. I always say I'm going to tell my kids I caught Mariano Rivera," Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli said. "It's one of the greatest moments I ever had in my career because he's going to be the best reliever I ever see in my life."
Added Pettitte: "It'll be special for me watching him this year and knowing this is it. After this, he won't be closing any games for us, so I'll savor it as much as I can."
After the victory, Rivera received the game ball as he normally does. While he usually gives away the ball, he told ESPNNewYork.com that he plans to keep this one.
Rivera is baseball's all-time saves leader with 609. One of the Yankees' Core Four alongside Jeter, retired catcher Jorge Posada and Pettitte, Rivera has captured five World Series titles with the Yankees."...
5/11/13, Pettitte-Rivera win-save #81, 70th in regular season, final 3-2 vs Royals.
Rivera in the 9th, 4/4/13, ap. 80th win-save combination with Andy Pettitte, 69th in regular season. final 4-2, Yankees over Red Sox
'Throwback win," NY Post banner, 4/5/13
Rivera and Cervelli, 4/4/13, ap
Rivera and Cervelli after the game, 4/4/13, Barton Silverman
Pettitte in the 5th, 4/4/13. final 4-2, Yankees over Red Sox.
Pettitte after final out in the 6th, 4/4/13, final 4-2,, Yankees over Red Sox
"Old Reliables, Pettitte goes 9, Rivera gets save, as Yanks avoid sweep," Newsday back page, Friday, April 5, 2013
========================================
5/11/13, Pettitte-Rivera win-save #81, 70th in regular season, final 3-2 vs Royals.
==================================
Before 4/4/13, Last Pettitte-Rivera win-save was Oct. 7, 2010. Below are notes I made previously about their regular and post season win saves. July 8, 2010 in Seattle was their last regular season win-save:
As of 10/7/10, ***WIN-SAVES: Total of 79. 68 in regular, 11 in post season:***
July 8, 2010 in Seattle was #68 win-save combo for Pettitte and Rivera in regular season,
- along with then 10 post season win-saves for then total of 78.
- Now, October 7, 2010 makes 11 in post season, added to 68 in regular season,
- 79 grand total.
- 1. Game 2, 1998 ALDS, Tex @ NYY
- 2. Game 4, 1998 World Series, NYY @ San Diego
- 3. Game 2, 1999 ALDS, Tex @ NYY
- 4. Game 4, 1999 ALCS, NYY @ Boston
- 5. Game 2, 2000 ALDS, NYY @ Oak
- 6. Game 3, 2000 ALCS, NYY @ Seattle
- 7. Game 1, 2001 ALCS, NYY @ Seattle
- 8. Game 2, 2003 ALDS, Minn. @ NYY
- 9. Game 3, 2009 ALDS, NYY @ Twins
- 10. Game 6, 2009 ALCS, LAA @ NYY
- 11. Game 2, 2010 ALDS, NYY @ Minn.
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Honorable Mention: The "Bugs" Game, Game 2, 2007 ALDS, NYY @ Cleveland, 2IP for Rivera. Pettitte and Rivera appeared together in other games that didn't have the exact technical requirements for a win-save combo.
*References: 4/19/10 NY Post article notes 65th reg. season combo on 4/18/10. May 26, 2010 was their 66th regular season win-save combination. 6/11/10, 4-3 win for the Yankees at the stadium (6/11) was 67th regular season win-save. July 8, 2010 in Seattle was #68.
=============================
""It's amazing. I always say I'm going to tell my kids I caught Mariano Rivera," Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli said. "It's one of the greatest moments I ever had in my career because he's going to be the best reliever I ever see in my life."
Added Pettitte: "It'll be special for me watching him this year and knowing this is it. After this, he won't be closing any games for us, so I'll savor it as much as I can."
After the victory, Rivera received the game ball as he normally does. While he usually gives away the ball, he told ESPNNewYork.com that he plans to keep this one.
Rivera is baseball's all-time saves leader with 609. One of the Yankees' Core Four alongside Jeter, retired catcher Jorge Posada and Pettitte, Rivera has captured five World Series titles with the Yankees."...
Monday, April 01, 2013
Rivera greets crowd on his last opening day at the stadium
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"New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera, who has said 2013 will be his last season, blows a kiss to the crowd at an Opening Day baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York, Monday, April 1, 2013," ap
"New York Yankees players stand at attention during the national anthem before an opening day baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Monday, April 1, 2013, in New York," ap
"Mariano Rivera waves to fans after the payer intros before the Boston Red Sox visit the New York Yankees for the 2013 Opening Day at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Bronx, NY 4/1/13 (John Munson/The Star-Ledger)"
"New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera, who has said 2013 will be his last season, blows a kiss to the crowd at an Opening Day baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York, Monday, April 1, 2013," ap
"New York Yankees players stand at attention during the national anthem before an opening day baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Monday, April 1, 2013, in New York," ap
"Mariano Rivera waves to fans after the payer intros before the Boston Red Sox visit the New York Yankees for the 2013 Opening Day at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Bronx, NY 4/1/13 (John Munson/The Star-Ledger)"
'One Mo Time,' Newsday back page, Sun., 3/31/13
