Monday, June 30, 2014
Rivera speaking to religious group in Brooklyn admits committing adultery in the past
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6/30/14, "Former Yankees Pitcher Mariano Rivera Admits Infidelity Strayed Him from Christian Walk, 'Thank You Lord for that Lesson' as God Intervened," Breathecast News, Jeannie Law
"Former New York Yankee player, Mariano Rivera, arguably one of the greatest closing pitchers in Major League Baseball history, shared his life changing testimony at a major church in Brooklyn over the weekend. The famous pitcher discussed his childhood, fame, infidelity and what really matters to him.
BreatheCast was in attendance as Rivera filled The Brooklyn Tabernacle in downtown Brooklyn, New York Sunday afternoon. Believers and fans all gathered to hear him share his life's journey up to this point. The baseball superstar confessed that although he had pitched in front of millions he was shaking in his suit as he stood on the platform of the church that seats 3,200 people.
44-year-old Panama native shook off the nerves as he spoke to the crowd with his thick Panamanian accent, "Many of you came to hear an ex-baseball player, but instead you're going to hear a man of God," he stated as he broke the ice.
He described growing up in the country with his mother and abusive alcoholic father, whom he still loves very much to this day. He said he grew up Catholic, but his family never went to church so he had no idea what kind of Catholic they were.
He said he wanted to become an auto mechanic and never thought he would actually become a Major League Baseball player. He recalled a time before baseball when he briefly became a fisherman. He said his cousin Vidal told him about the Lord and the accounts in the Bible while on the boat. That was when he first started going to church and gave his life to Jesus.
He then fast-forwarded from that point up to his time with the Yankees. He said initially he looked at all of his success as a blessing, but then with all the praise and fame he quickly began to think he was "the man."
He admitted that he made foolish mistakes, "I told the Lord I got this, I was the man," he said.
Although he was straying away from God, he said he still went to church and always prayed before he played.
Rivera said on one particular day, right before he threw his first pitch, he prayed, "teach me something that I will never forget." That day he said he got "hit so hard," and told God, "Thank you Lord for that lesson."
Rivera humbly admitted, "I recognized he wasn't first in my life," the audience intensely listened as he spoke words that pierced through the heart.
He went on to confess that he had been committing adultery with several women even though he was married. He said he was, "doing wrong things-separate from the Lord. " Adultery," turned into "lie[ing]."
After he recognized his wrongs he explained, "It's a beautiful thing when the Lord does that for you, because you realize you're not in control."
Rivera stated, "Now I can teach about those things." He paralleled his life with the life of King Solomon in the Bible. Like himself, Solomon loved the Lord and did his will until he thought "he was the man."
He explained that Solomon came to the same conclusion as he did, it's all "meaningless."
"Everything that I accomplished is worldly... if I don't accomplish that [heavenly] crown then it's nothing," Rivera firmly declared.
He said, "If you walk away from the Lord [what you have] it means nothing!"
"I was in the church and it got to me," he said, because he was, "believing and thinking I'm the man."
He went on to say, "They're so many people in church like that, but you're saying that Jesus is number one in your life."
He referenced the scriptures Ecclesiastes 1:16, Ecclesiastes 2:10, and Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 as he talked about his redemptive testimony.
"Thank God for his mercy and grace that wrapped me and covered me," he said emotionally, "The word of God [Bible] confronted me."
"You're not the man, He is the man," was his echoing statement. He encouraged everyone in attendance to "reach deep down" and see if God was number one in their lives.
He revealed, he has a great passion for youth because "the youth think they are invincible," as he once did himself.
"Not that I was better than you," he noted, "If he used me he definitely can use you."
He briefly told the heart-breaking story of a 22-year-old Anaheim pitcher that was killed in a car crash shortly after making his debut in MLB. He wanted to drive home the thought that, "Tomorrow is not promised."
He told the thousands listening, "Today is the day of salvation," he reinforced, "it's the best decision that I have made, when I give my life to the Lord."
Rivera ended by emotionally praying for the hundreds who walked up to the alter to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. After the service he took time to shake hands, hug and encourage the people who were all very seemly blessed by his transparency and heart.
Rivera retired from the Yankees in 2013 after spending his 17 year career with the team. He won a total of five World Series Championships. He and his wife are now pastors of Refuge of Hope church."
6/30/14, "Former Yankees Pitcher Mariano Rivera Admits Infidelity Strayed Him from Christian Walk, 'Thank You Lord for that Lesson' as God Intervened," Breathecast News, Jeannie Law
"Former New York Yankee player, Mariano Rivera, arguably one of the greatest closing pitchers in Major League Baseball history, shared his life changing testimony at a major church in Brooklyn over the weekend. The famous pitcher discussed his childhood, fame, infidelity and what really matters to him.
BreatheCast was in attendance as Rivera filled The Brooklyn Tabernacle in downtown Brooklyn, New York Sunday afternoon. Believers and fans all gathered to hear him share his life's journey up to this point. The baseball superstar confessed that although he had pitched in front of millions he was shaking in his suit as he stood on the platform of the church that seats 3,200 people.
44-year-old Panama native shook off the nerves as he spoke to the crowd with his thick Panamanian accent, "Many of you came to hear an ex-baseball player, but instead you're going to hear a man of God," he stated as he broke the ice.
He described growing up in the country with his mother and abusive alcoholic father, whom he still loves very much to this day. He said he grew up Catholic, but his family never went to church so he had no idea what kind of Catholic they were.
He said he wanted to become an auto mechanic and never thought he would actually become a Major League Baseball player. He recalled a time before baseball when he briefly became a fisherman. He said his cousin Vidal told him about the Lord and the accounts in the Bible while on the boat. That was when he first started going to church and gave his life to Jesus.
He then fast-forwarded from that point up to his time with the Yankees. He said initially he looked at all of his success as a blessing, but then with all the praise and fame he quickly began to think he was "the man."
He admitted that he made foolish mistakes, "I told the Lord I got this, I was the man," he said.
Although he was straying away from God, he said he still went to church and always prayed before he played.
Rivera said on one particular day, right before he threw his first pitch, he prayed, "teach me something that I will never forget." That day he said he got "hit so hard," and told God, "Thank you Lord for that lesson."
Rivera humbly admitted, "I recognized he wasn't first in my life," the audience intensely listened as he spoke words that pierced through the heart.
He went on to confess that he had been committing adultery with several women even though he was married. He said he was, "doing wrong things-separate from the Lord. " Adultery," turned into "lie[ing]."
After he recognized his wrongs he explained, "It's a beautiful thing when the Lord does that for you, because you realize you're not in control."
Rivera stated, "Now I can teach about those things." He paralleled his life with the life of King Solomon in the Bible. Like himself, Solomon loved the Lord and did his will until he thought "he was the man."
He explained that Solomon came to the same conclusion as he did, it's all "meaningless."
"Everything that I accomplished is worldly... if I don't accomplish that [heavenly] crown then it's nothing," Rivera firmly declared.
He said, "If you walk away from the Lord [what you have] it means nothing!"
"I was in the church and it got to me," he said, because he was, "believing and thinking I'm the man."
He went on to say, "They're so many people in church like that, but you're saying that Jesus is number one in your life."
He referenced the scriptures Ecclesiastes 1:16, Ecclesiastes 2:10, and Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 as he talked about his redemptive testimony.
"Thank God for his mercy and grace that wrapped me and covered me," he said emotionally, "The word of God [Bible] confronted me."
"You're not the man, He is the man," was his echoing statement. He encouraged everyone in attendance to "reach deep down" and see if God was number one in their lives.
He revealed, he has a great passion for youth because "the youth think they are invincible," as he once did himself.
"Not that I was better than you," he noted, "If he used me he definitely can use you."
He briefly told the heart-breaking story of a 22-year-old Anaheim pitcher that was killed in a car crash shortly after making his debut in MLB. He wanted to drive home the thought that, "Tomorrow is not promised."
He told the thousands listening, "Today is the day of salvation," he reinforced, "it's the best decision that I have made, when I give my life to the Lord."
Rivera ended by emotionally praying for the hundreds who walked up to the alter to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. After the service he took time to shake hands, hug and encourage the people who were all very seemly blessed by his transparency and heart.
Rivera retired from the Yankees in 2013 after spending his 17 year career with the team. He won a total of five World Series Championships. He and his wife are now pastors of Refuge of Hope church."
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Mariano at Yankee Stadium for Tino Martinez presentation
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6/21/14, "Former New York Yankees Mariano Rivera waves to the crowd during pre-game ceremony to honor Tino Martinez at Yankee Stadium on June 21, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City," photo Getty. Today's game Orioles v Yankees.
6/21/14, Tino Martinez plaque presented at Yankee Stadium, twitter pic via Erik Boland twitter.
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6/21/14, "Former New York Yankees Mariano Rivera waves to the crowd during pre-game ceremony to honor Tino Martinez at Yankee Stadium on June 21, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City," photo Getty. Today's game Orioles v Yankees.
6/21/14, Tino Martinez plaque presented at Yankee Stadium, twitter pic via Erik Boland twitter.
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Sunday, June 15, 2014
Chevrolet refurbishes inner city baseball fields in Mount Vernon and Boston with partners Rivera and Ortiz
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6/13/14, "Chevrolet Honors Mariano Rivera, Refurbishes Baseball Field," thenewswheel.com
"As the Official Vehicle of Major League Baseball, Chevrolet will honor the Most Valuable Player of last year’s All-Star Game, Mariano Rivera, by refurbishing a baseball field at Brush Park, which is located in Mount Vernon, New York. This makeover comes as part of Chevy’s continued effort to improve the athletic opportunities for young people across the country.
“Playing the game of baseball helps kids grow and connect with each other, develop skills and learn sportsmanship while families and communities come together to support them,” said Paul Edwards, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “Chevrolet is happy to help provide a community field where kids and families in Boston can build lasting memories.”
After being named MVP, Mariano partnered with the MLB, Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities, and Chevy (of course). He ultimately chose the Brush Park field because it needed several updates, including re-grading the infield, as well as replacing sod with infield material. In addition, Chevy installed new bases and rebuilt both the batter’s box and the pitcher’s mound.
“Winning the All Star Game MVP in New York was a very special moment for me,” Rivera said. “With the help and support of Chevrolet and MLB, Brush Park will undoubtedly provide many special moments for the kids who run out to this wonderful field to play baseball.”
Chevy has a long history of refurbishing baseball fields for young players. To date, the Bowtie Brand has completed 47 field refurbishments. Most recently, Chevy awarded David Ortiz, MVP of the 2013 World Series, a field makeover in Boston. The brand has also supported youth baseball communities across the country for 9 years now with the Chevrolet Youth Baseball program."
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6/13/14, "Chevrolet Honors Mariano Rivera, Refurbishes Baseball Field," thenewswheel.com
"As the Official Vehicle of Major League Baseball, Chevrolet will honor the Most Valuable Player of last year’s All-Star Game, Mariano Rivera, by refurbishing a baseball field at Brush Park, which is located in Mount Vernon, New York. This makeover comes as part of Chevy’s continued effort to improve the athletic opportunities for young people across the country.
“Playing the game of baseball helps kids grow and connect with each other, develop skills and learn sportsmanship while families and communities come together to support them,” said Paul Edwards, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “Chevrolet is happy to help provide a community field where kids and families in Boston can build lasting memories.”
After being named MVP, Mariano partnered with the MLB, Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities, and Chevy (of course). He ultimately chose the Brush Park field because it needed several updates, including re-grading the infield, as well as replacing sod with infield material. In addition, Chevy installed new bases and rebuilt both the batter’s box and the pitcher’s mound.
“Winning the All Star Game MVP in New York was a very special moment for me,” Rivera said. “With the help and support of Chevrolet and MLB, Brush Park will undoubtedly provide many special moments for the kids who run out to this wonderful field to play baseball.”
Chevy has a long history of refurbishing baseball fields for young players. To date, the Bowtie Brand has completed 47 field refurbishments. Most recently, Chevy awarded David Ortiz, MVP of the 2013 World Series, a field makeover in Boston. The brand has also supported youth baseball communities across the country for 9 years now with the Chevrolet Youth Baseball program."
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Saturday, June 07, 2014
Mariano Rivera receives honorary degree from College of New Rochelle
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6/7/14, "College Of New Rochelle Honors Mariano Rivera, Sister Alice Gallin," newrochelle.dailyvoice.com, Eric Gendron
"The College of New Rochelle bestowed honorary degrees on legendary N.Y. Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera and scholar and higher education leader Sister Alice Gallin of the Ursuline Sisters during its 107th Commencement on Friday at Radio City Music Hall.
The college also awarded approximately 1,000 bachelor's and master’s degrees to graduates of its four schools.
During the event, alumna Shiba Russell, anchor/reporter, NBC 4 New York conducted a live interview with Rivera and delivered the commencement address, following introductory remarks from college President Judith Huntington.
“We are proud to honor Mariano Rivera and Sister Alice with degrees from The College of New Rochelle. These two honorees, individuals of great generosity, integrity and service to others, are reflections of our mission and the essential element of service,” Huntington said in remarks from the ceremony.
Rivera’s foundation, Refugio de Esperanza (Refuge of Hope), recently renovated an old church in New Rochelle where Clara, his wife, serves as senior pastor. In addition to religious services, the church will offer education, food, an after-school program for youths, and more. Inspired by their childhood challenges with poverty, they established the Mariano Rivera Foundation in 1998, seeking to "share with the community a portion of the blessings God has bestowed on them and their family."
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Rivera proved to be a good sport during the conferring of degrees, as many students marching across the stage stopped to shake his hand, give him a hug, or take photos with him." photo credit, Contributed
6/7/14, "College Of New Rochelle Honors Mariano Rivera, Sister Alice Gallin," newrochelle.dailyvoice.com, Eric Gendron
"The College of New Rochelle bestowed honorary degrees on legendary N.Y. Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera and scholar and higher education leader Sister Alice Gallin of the Ursuline Sisters during its 107th Commencement on Friday at Radio City Music Hall.
The college also awarded approximately 1,000 bachelor's and master’s degrees to graduates of its four schools.
During the event, alumna Shiba Russell, anchor/reporter, NBC 4 New York conducted a live interview with Rivera and delivered the commencement address, following introductory remarks from college President Judith Huntington.
“We are proud to honor Mariano Rivera and Sister Alice with degrees from The College of New Rochelle. These two honorees, individuals of great generosity, integrity and service to others, are reflections of our mission and the essential element of service,” Huntington said in remarks from the ceremony.
Rivera’s foundation, Refugio de Esperanza (Refuge of Hope), recently renovated an old church in New Rochelle where Clara, his wife, serves as senior pastor. In addition to religious services, the church will offer education, food, an after-school program for youths, and more. Inspired by their childhood challenges with poverty, they established the Mariano Rivera Foundation in 1998, seeking to "share with the community a portion of the blessings God has bestowed on them and their family."
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Rivera proved to be a good sport during the conferring of degrees, as many students marching across the stage stopped to shake his hand, give him a hug, or take photos with him." photo credit, Contributed
