Archives
You are currently viewing archive for June 2006.
06/30: Link To Us
Posted by: Patrick
If you would like to place a link to us on your website, please feel free to use the graphic below. We appreciate your support.
06/30: Blogger Agreement
Posted by: Patrick
06/30: Blogger Guidelines
Posted by: Patrick
Please keep the following guidelines in mind while blogging on MarianoRivera.com. We don't try to hide it - we are Mariano Rivera fans. We're in his corner, we're supportive and loyal to him. And we blog from that perspective. This is the truth and the reason you are writing for MarianoRivera.com. Nothing to be ashamed of.
Posting Entries
This is a blog about Mariano Rivera, so stick to Mariano Rivera and how something relates to Mariano Rivera.
Being a part of this team is a responsibility. At the minimum, you should keep an eye out for Mariano Rivera related news. You should make blogging a part of your daily routine. That doesn't mean you have to blog every day, but it does mean you should see if there is something to blog about.
When adding a blog post, feel free to use the formatting options (bold, italic, etc.) that are available. Likewise, feel free to upload photos for use within your piece. Make sure that these photos are positioned appropriately and optimized for web viewing. If you do not know how to do that, please do not upload images. Do not ever hotlink images to another server. They should always be uploaded to ours.
Always check to make sure that what you are blogging about hasn't already been blogged about. No one wants to see the same thing posted twice, unless there are updates in the story or you are speaking from a very different perspective (analysis).
If your entry is going to extend more than a full screen length, place the first few paragraphs in the body field and then place the rest in the extended field.
In Season Recaps
During the season, we'll look to post something every time that Mr. Rivera sees action. At the very least, this should be a recap of his performance, generally with play by play and stats and should mention the outcome of the game. It can also include any other notable events, how the Yankees faired in all and Mr. Rivera's numbers on the year following the performance. If it becomes necessary to do so, we may set a schedule for this. Otherwise, please post a recap if you see that one has not been posted.
If we miss a game and another game has already finished, please do not try to catch up.
Family Friendly
Bear in mind that this is a site for all ages. How you write should be in line with this. This includes no vulgarity or offensive material. What is a vulgarity? Basically any type of profanity that you can think of. I don't want you saying cr*p, ars*, as*, pis*, etc. The worst words you can use are heck and freaking, if that gives you any idea. If you are quoting someone who used those words, please sub asterisks (*) in for every letter except for the first one in the word.
Do not make any inflammatory comments. No Red Sux, etc. No "Anti" comments. We can be critical, but to come out and say "Anti" something is to cross a line and that's not what this site is about.
Politics and Religion
Please keep politics and religion out of your posts. Obviously, things like "President Bush was in attendance today" and "My prayers go out to him" are perfectly acceptable, but giving or inferring views in these areas is not acceptable.
Styling
When quoting a blog post, article, etc. only quote small, relevant bits and pieces. Always link directly to the piece you are quoting and encase the quote with <div class="quote"></div>. Place a line break between the last line of text before the quote and the quote itself. Place the opening tag on the same line as the first line of the quote and place the closing tag on the same line as the last line of the quote. If you type anything below the quote, start it on the very next line, do not put a line break between the </div> and your next line. For example:
Here is a quote about Mariano Rivera:
<div class="quote">I would have to say that Mariano Rivera is the greatest closer to ever play the game.
If we're in the bottom of the 9th, I want him pitching.</div>
Next line starts here.
Do not double space to begin a new sentence.
Break your post into meaningful paragraphs (no indentation). Do not post one big block of text.
Spell words according to their correct spelling in the United States. So, color instead of colour, etc.
Spelling is important. Make sure that you spell check your entry before you post it. If you are an Internet Explorer user, check out ieSpell. If you use another browser, some sort of plugin is most likely available for it.
If you use an ellipsis, make it three periods (...).
Specific Words/Terms
MarianoRivera.com is the name of the site. Not Mariano Rivera.com, not marianorivera.com. MarianoRivera.com.com is it. It can be abbreviated to MR.com.
Stat abbreviations should always be in caps. As in RBI, HR, AVG, OBA - not rbi, hr, avg, oba. Do not add periods in between each letter (as in R.B.I.). The same goes for positions. 1B, 2B, OF, LHP and not 1b, 2b, of, lhp.
American League/National League, not american league/national league. Can be abbreviated to AL/NL.
The issues of styling and the formatting of specific terms and words may not seem like very important issues - but they are. At MarianoRivera.com, we want to offer Mariano Rivera fans something of real value - content worth reading. Consistency is important because it allows us to accomplish this and that is why styling rules exist.
Linking
The nature of blogging is the giving and sharing of information. To that end, most of our ideas for content will come from other sources. Always mention and link to these. If you are updating something we may have previously written, link to that old entry.
One exception is links to your own sites. If you intend to post one of those, please let me know first so that I can approve it. Do not post links to outside sites that lead to you earning cash, credits, etc.
Sabremetrics, etc.
These kinds of stats should not become a focal point of the blog. This is not to say they should never be mentioned, just that they shouldn't be mentioned with great frequency. There are plenty of places where people can read about sabremetrics and the scientific examination of baseball exclusively, but this is not really the place. Generally, the basic stats that everyone knows should be utilized.
Long Posts/Short Posts
Long posts are fine. Short posts are fine. Use your discretion and I will let you know if there are any issues. When you post a bit of news, try to give your thoughts on it. However much that amounts to is usually alright. Not every post is going to or should be long.
Posting to the Future
If we have already published a long piece today and you have a long piece in mind that is not time sensitive, the software that we use can post to the future. So, you can make a post that will appear in the future at a specific time of your choosing (such as tomorrow).
Posting Corrections, Editing Entries, etc.
Mistakes happen. Although we do our best to prevent it, sometimes we will post something that is incorrect. Whether it is a factual error where you thought you knew something you didn't or a typo. However, mistakes generally can't just be corrected. When you edit or update an entry to correct a mistake, make a note of it near the correction or in the entry, such as "Edit: It was 3 innings, not 2." If a reader pointed it out to you, add "Thanks Reader's Name."
Finding News to Post About
You can find news and items to talk about in a number of places. Our links page is a great place to go. You may also want to try searching Google News for "Mariano Rivera". Ideally, whenever there is a notable news item, an entry should be posted. That won't always be the case, but keeping up with Mariano Rivera news is part of the job.
Site Related Content
If you are planning some sort of entry that is related to MarianoRivera.com and/or uses the MarianoRivera.com user base in any way (such as a fantasy baseball league, a survey, anything), please clear it with me ahead of time.
Responding to Comments
People won't always agree with you, that's the way it is. But, you shouldn't debate every little point with them. You are the blog author. You had your say in the entry. Allow people to have their opinion. Allow people to comment. Do not get defensive. Do not feel like you have to address every point. If you feel inclined to respond, that's fine, but keep in mind that our User Guidelines and then some apply to you. More is expected from you than a regular visitor to the site. You are an example of MarianoRivera.com and must carry yourself as such. Let people have their say and do not get into arguments with them.
Comment Moderation
It is currently not in your power to moderate comments. This may change in the future. However, you should have a complete knowledge of our User Guidelines so that you can spot a violation. When you spot one or believe that you have spotted one - do not respond to it.
Finally
I reserve the right to edit any entry at any time without reason or notice. If I contact you in regard to a change, I expect you to be receptive to that change and to do your best to keep it from happening again.
In everything that you do here, be responsible. When you blog, you have a responsibility to me, to the readers, to the people that you talk about and to yourself. Be tasteful. We are not hear to be snarky or mean spirited, we are here to give people something worth reading and to be responsible in doing so.
If there is ever any question as to whether or not your piece or proposed piece will be appropriate, please contact me at patrick@ifroggy.com and I will give you a definitive answer. It is always best to do this as opposed to risking having your piece pulled.
Likewise, if you ever have any question about anything (including the blog software, etc.), please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your contributions to MarianoRivera.com.
Posting Entries
This is a blog about Mariano Rivera, so stick to Mariano Rivera and how something relates to Mariano Rivera.
Being a part of this team is a responsibility. At the minimum, you should keep an eye out for Mariano Rivera related news. You should make blogging a part of your daily routine. That doesn't mean you have to blog every day, but it does mean you should see if there is something to blog about.
When adding a blog post, feel free to use the formatting options (bold, italic, etc.) that are available. Likewise, feel free to upload photos for use within your piece. Make sure that these photos are positioned appropriately and optimized for web viewing. If you do not know how to do that, please do not upload images. Do not ever hotlink images to another server. They should always be uploaded to ours.
Always check to make sure that what you are blogging about hasn't already been blogged about. No one wants to see the same thing posted twice, unless there are updates in the story or you are speaking from a very different perspective (analysis).
If your entry is going to extend more than a full screen length, place the first few paragraphs in the body field and then place the rest in the extended field.
In Season Recaps
During the season, we'll look to post something every time that Mr. Rivera sees action. At the very least, this should be a recap of his performance, generally with play by play and stats and should mention the outcome of the game. It can also include any other notable events, how the Yankees faired in all and Mr. Rivera's numbers on the year following the performance. If it becomes necessary to do so, we may set a schedule for this. Otherwise, please post a recap if you see that one has not been posted.
If we miss a game and another game has already finished, please do not try to catch up.
Family Friendly
Bear in mind that this is a site for all ages. How you write should be in line with this. This includes no vulgarity or offensive material. What is a vulgarity? Basically any type of profanity that you can think of. I don't want you saying cr*p, ars*, as*, pis*, etc. The worst words you can use are heck and freaking, if that gives you any idea. If you are quoting someone who used those words, please sub asterisks (*) in for every letter except for the first one in the word.
Do not make any inflammatory comments. No Red Sux, etc. No "Anti" comments. We can be critical, but to come out and say "Anti" something is to cross a line and that's not what this site is about.
Politics and Religion
Please keep politics and religion out of your posts. Obviously, things like "President Bush was in attendance today" and "My prayers go out to him" are perfectly acceptable, but giving or inferring views in these areas is not acceptable.
Styling
When quoting a blog post, article, etc. only quote small, relevant bits and pieces. Always link directly to the piece you are quoting and encase the quote with <div class="quote"></div>. Place a line break between the last line of text before the quote and the quote itself. Place the opening tag on the same line as the first line of the quote and place the closing tag on the same line as the last line of the quote. If you type anything below the quote, start it on the very next line, do not put a line break between the </div> and your next line. For example:
Here is a quote about Mariano Rivera:
<div class="quote">I would have to say that Mariano Rivera is the greatest closer to ever play the game.
If we're in the bottom of the 9th, I want him pitching.</div>
Next line starts here.
Do not double space to begin a new sentence.
Break your post into meaningful paragraphs (no indentation). Do not post one big block of text.
Spell words according to their correct spelling in the United States. So, color instead of colour, etc.
Spelling is important. Make sure that you spell check your entry before you post it. If you are an Internet Explorer user, check out ieSpell. If you use another browser, some sort of plugin is most likely available for it.
If you use an ellipsis, make it three periods (...).
Specific Words/Terms
MarianoRivera.com is the name of the site. Not Mariano Rivera.com, not marianorivera.com. MarianoRivera.com.com is it. It can be abbreviated to MR.com.
Stat abbreviations should always be in caps. As in RBI, HR, AVG, OBA - not rbi, hr, avg, oba. Do not add periods in between each letter (as in R.B.I.). The same goes for positions. 1B, 2B, OF, LHP and not 1b, 2b, of, lhp.
American League/National League, not american league/national league. Can be abbreviated to AL/NL.
The issues of styling and the formatting of specific terms and words may not seem like very important issues - but they are. At MarianoRivera.com, we want to offer Mariano Rivera fans something of real value - content worth reading. Consistency is important because it allows us to accomplish this and that is why styling rules exist.
Linking
The nature of blogging is the giving and sharing of information. To that end, most of our ideas for content will come from other sources. Always mention and link to these. If you are updating something we may have previously written, link to that old entry.
One exception is links to your own sites. If you intend to post one of those, please let me know first so that I can approve it. Do not post links to outside sites that lead to you earning cash, credits, etc.
Sabremetrics, etc.
These kinds of stats should not become a focal point of the blog. This is not to say they should never be mentioned, just that they shouldn't be mentioned with great frequency. There are plenty of places where people can read about sabremetrics and the scientific examination of baseball exclusively, but this is not really the place. Generally, the basic stats that everyone knows should be utilized.
Long Posts/Short Posts
Long posts are fine. Short posts are fine. Use your discretion and I will let you know if there are any issues. When you post a bit of news, try to give your thoughts on it. However much that amounts to is usually alright. Not every post is going to or should be long.
Posting to the Future
If we have already published a long piece today and you have a long piece in mind that is not time sensitive, the software that we use can post to the future. So, you can make a post that will appear in the future at a specific time of your choosing (such as tomorrow).
Posting Corrections, Editing Entries, etc.
Mistakes happen. Although we do our best to prevent it, sometimes we will post something that is incorrect. Whether it is a factual error where you thought you knew something you didn't or a typo. However, mistakes generally can't just be corrected. When you edit or update an entry to correct a mistake, make a note of it near the correction or in the entry, such as "Edit: It was 3 innings, not 2." If a reader pointed it out to you, add "Thanks Reader's Name."
Finding News to Post About
You can find news and items to talk about in a number of places. Our links page is a great place to go. You may also want to try searching Google News for "Mariano Rivera". Ideally, whenever there is a notable news item, an entry should be posted. That won't always be the case, but keeping up with Mariano Rivera news is part of the job.
Site Related Content
If you are planning some sort of entry that is related to MarianoRivera.com and/or uses the MarianoRivera.com user base in any way (such as a fantasy baseball league, a survey, anything), please clear it with me ahead of time.
Responding to Comments
People won't always agree with you, that's the way it is. But, you shouldn't debate every little point with them. You are the blog author. You had your say in the entry. Allow people to have their opinion. Allow people to comment. Do not get defensive. Do not feel like you have to address every point. If you feel inclined to respond, that's fine, but keep in mind that our User Guidelines and then some apply to you. More is expected from you than a regular visitor to the site. You are an example of MarianoRivera.com and must carry yourself as such. Let people have their say and do not get into arguments with them.
Comment Moderation
It is currently not in your power to moderate comments. This may change in the future. However, you should have a complete knowledge of our User Guidelines so that you can spot a violation. When you spot one or believe that you have spotted one - do not respond to it.
Finally
I reserve the right to edit any entry at any time without reason or notice. If I contact you in regard to a change, I expect you to be receptive to that change and to do your best to keep it from happening again.
In everything that you do here, be responsible. When you blog, you have a responsibility to me, to the readers, to the people that you talk about and to yourself. Be tasteful. We are not hear to be snarky or mean spirited, we are here to give people something worth reading and to be responsible in doing so.
If there is ever any question as to whether or not your piece or proposed piece will be appropriate, please contact me at patrick@ifroggy.com and I will give you a definitive answer. It is always best to do this as opposed to risking having your piece pulled.
Likewise, if you ever have any question about anything (including the blog software, etc.), please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your contributions to MarianoRivera.com.
06/28: About Patrick O'Keefe
Posted by: Patrick
I am 23 and I live in Harbinger, North Carolina. I was born a Yankees fan and I am a huge fan of Mariano Rivera. He is everything you could want in a baseball player. Not just an other worldly talent, but a great, great guy. It's been a pleasure watching him all of these years.
As far as non baseball, etc., I like sports (obviously), writing, gaming (America's Army, for one, when I can)investing, music, a few TV shows (House, 24, The Simpsons, The War at Home, Family Guy), reading and plenty of other things.
As far as non baseball, etc., I like sports (obviously), writing, gaming (America's Army, for one, when I can)investing, music, a few TV shows (House, 24, The Simpsons, The War at Home, Family Guy), reading and plenty of other things.
06/28: About David Williams
Posted by: Patrick
Born: July 20, 1957
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Education: M.B.A. and B.S. - Wilkes College, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Certified Public Accountant - Commonwealth of PA
Professional - Accounting and Auditing Supervisor with
Kronick Kalada Berdy & Co., P.C. - Kingston, PA
Affiliations: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Leadership Wilkes-Barre, current class of 2005
Married to Donna G. Williams since May 17, 1986.
Children: Evan - age 15
Jamie - age 10
Sports Interests: Life long baseball fan of the New York Yankees.
ESPN Insider and ESPN Zone MVP Club
Blogger for MarianoRivera.com
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Education: M.B.A. and B.S. - Wilkes College, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Certified Public Accountant - Commonwealth of PA
Professional - Accounting and Auditing Supervisor with
Kronick Kalada Berdy & Co., P.C. - Kingston, PA
Affiliations: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Leadership Wilkes-Barre, current class of 2005
Married to Donna G. Williams since May 17, 1986.
Children: Evan - age 15
Jamie - age 10
Sports Interests: Life long baseball fan of the New York Yankees.
ESPN Insider and ESPN Zone MVP Club
Blogger for MarianoRivera.com
06/28: Posters, Photos, etc.
Posted by: Patrick
06/28: Shop
Posted by: Patrick
06/28: Links
Posted by: Patrick
Mo Related
Baseball-Reference.com: Mariano Rivera
ESPN.com: Mariano Rivera
Fox Sports: Mariano Rivera
mlb.com: Mariano Rivera
Mo's New York Grill
SI.com: Mariano Rivera
WikiPedia: Mariano Rivera
Yahoo! Sports: Mariano Rivera
Yankees Related
Baseball-Reference.com: Yankees Team Index
Bernie Williams.net
Bronx Banter
ESPN.com - Yankees Clubhouse
New York Post Online: Yankees
New York Yankees Official Website
Newsday.com: Yankees
YanksBlog.com
General Sports
New York Sports Board
NY Sports 365
Baseball-Reference.com: Mariano Rivera
ESPN.com: Mariano Rivera
Fox Sports: Mariano Rivera
mlb.com: Mariano Rivera
Mo's New York Grill
SI.com: Mariano Rivera
WikiPedia: Mariano Rivera
Yahoo! Sports: Mariano Rivera
Yankees Related
Baseball-Reference.com: Yankees Team Index
Bernie Williams.net
Bronx Banter
ESPN.com - Yankees Clubhouse
New York Post Online: Yankees
New York Yankees Official Website
Newsday.com: Yankees
YanksBlog.com
General Sports
New York Sports Board
NY Sports 365
06/28: Contact
Posted by: Patrick
If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, a submission of some sort or would like to make us aware of an article or news piece online that features Mariano Rivera, please feel free to contact us using the form below or at patrick@ifroggy.com.
Please note that we are in no way affiliated with Mariano Rivera and would not be able to pass any messages onto Mr. Rivera.
Thank you for visiting MarianoRivera.com.
Please note that we are in no way affiliated with Mariano Rivera and would not be able to pass any messages onto Mr. Rivera.
Thank you for visiting MarianoRivera.com.
06/28: About
Posted by: Patrick
We started this site in honor of Mariano Rivera, the great Yankees closer. It's an unofficial fan site and we aim to be a place where fans can come and read, stay updated, contribute and participate. It is run by big Mariano Rivera and New York Yankees fans. We are in no way affiliated with Mariano Rivera, the New York Yankees or Major League Baseball. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Staff
Patrick O'Keefe - Webmaster/Blogger/Editor
David Williams - Blogger
Header photograph by Shelly Mozlin.
Staff
Patrick O'Keefe - Webmaster/Blogger/Editor
David Williams - Blogger
Header photograph by Shelly Mozlin.
Posted by: Patrick
Do you believe that Mariano Rivera is deserving of the 2004 American League MVP award? Please feel free to take one of the following graphics for display on your website. Be sure to download it and then upload it to your server - please do not hotlink. Please link it back to http://www.marianorivera.com.
Mo for A.L. MVP 2004 Supporters:
Patrick O'Keefe - pokeefe.com
The way I see it
Mo for A.L. MVP 2004 Supporters:
Patrick O'Keefe - pokeefe.com
The way I see it
Posted by: Patrick
On January 8, 2005, Mr. Rivera went to the Hillside Auto Mall car dealership in Hillside, New Jersey for a tsunami relief event.
It was a VIP reception with about 50 kids, who were drawn from a raffle to buy a $100 ticket (with 100% of the ticket price going to charity) to attend the event to meet Mariano Rivera. All proceeds went to charity. In all, $6,000 was raised through the tickets, donations and a private auction. Mariano pledged to match whatever was raised, so that bumped it up to a grand total of $12,000, which was then donated to UNICEF.
Thank you to Mr. Liebler for passing along these details.
Posted by: Patrick
Mariano is featured in the Nike Pro For Athletes advertising campaign. For more information, please check out their website. There are various features at the site, such as a Find Your Game Face quiz, downloadable desktop wallpapers (one with Mariano), a brief interview with Mo and more.
Posted by: Patrick
Over at YanksBlog.com, the case has been made for Mo for MVP and Mo for Cy Young. The ESPN.com guys also selected him as their Cy Young winner. He finished the season in the lead in the ESPN.com Cy Young Predictor. Do you feel that he is deserving of either award? Lend your support by taking one of the graphics below and displaying it on your website. Upload the graphic to your server, link it to http://www.marianorivera.com and we'll place your link below. There are two graphics, so if you feel that Mo deserves the Cy Young and not the MVP, pick that one. If you feel he deserves both, pick the other one. The choice is yours. After you have placed it, please contact us and we'll get your link up.
As the AL Cy Young and MVP results have been announced, this program is now closed to new entries. Thanks for supporting Mo!
Mo for AL MVP/Cy Young 2005 supporters:
Deadpanning Since 1979
NoSenseWorrying.com
Patrick O'Keefe - pokeefe.com
YanksBlog.com
As the AL Cy Young and MVP results have been announced, this program is now closed to new entries. Thanks for supporting Mo!
Mo for AL MVP/Cy Young 2005 supporters:
Deadpanning Since 1979
NoSenseWorrying.com
Patrick O'Keefe - pokeefe.com
YanksBlog.com
06/28: Features
Posted by: Patrick
Bring Back Mo!
Mariano Rivera Apperance at Last Licks in Thornwood, NY on December 9, 2006
Mariano Rivera for 2005 AL MVP/Cy Young
Mariano Rivera in Nike Pro Commercials
Hillside Auto Mall Tsunami Relief Event (January, 2005)
Mariano Rivera for A.L. MVP 2004 (Mo for MVP!)
Mariano Rivera Apperance at Last Licks in Thornwood, NY on December 9, 2006
Mariano Rivera for 2005 AL MVP/Cy Young
Mariano Rivera in Nike Pro Commercials
Hillside Auto Mall Tsunami Relief Event (January, 2005)
Mariano Rivera for A.L. MVP 2004 (Mo for MVP!)
06/28: Thoughts From Fans
Posted by: Patrick
This page is for thoughts from fans of Mariano Rivera. If you would like to submit something for inclusion on this page, please feel free to do so by contacting us. Please include your name (first and last). We reserve to reject any submission for any reason.
"Mariano is the one of the greatest closers in the history of baseball. The most effective closer in postseason baseball history, recording final outs in three Yankees' World Series.
One of my biggest thrills came when, for Game 5 of the 2000 World Series at Shea Stadium, I was invited by Mariano Rivera and family to see the clinching of the 2000 W.S. and being with his family and New York Yankees players in the field. I keep the ticket stub; photos; souveniers and WS championship parade ticket at City Hall Park in a special room in my house."
Moises Young Diaz
"I went to New York on Friday, July 31st, 2006 and returned home on my birthday, August 2nd, in the mid afternoon. Uncle Mike and I had spoke in June and he mentioned that he was going to New York for a couple of days in August to see the Yankees play and to see a Broadway show. Aunt Rae and Mike Jr. were coming with him, but Amy, their daughter, had to work and was unable to come. Long story short, there was an extra ticket to the Yankees game on Monday, August 1st and he graciously offered the ticket to me. The Yankees were playing Toronto. I was very excited as the tickets included an afternoon stadium tour which allowed us to go to Monument Park. I gladly accepted the invitation and made the necessary travel arrangements as soon as I got off the phone with Uncle Mike.
I worked Monday, 7/31 as it was the end of the month. After work, I took a flight from Charlotte to LaGuardia. I met Uncle Mike and family at the LaGuardia airport and we took a taxi cab to the Belvedere Hotel where we were staying. The taxi cab ride is another story by itself. The ride was better than any amusement park ride I had be on in the last decade. After I secured a 2nd mortgage on my home, we paid the cabbie. Twenty six dollars was my part of the cab ride to the hotel. We checked into the hotel than went to sleep as the game was the next day and it was very late upon our arrival to the hotel.
The next day we had a continental breakfast and then headed to the subway to travel down to the Bronx. It was brutally hot. We arrived at the stadium and than started on the tour. They took us to the bleachers behind the third base line (as it was shaded there) and the tour director gave us a detailed history of the New York Yankees. The next part of the tour was to walk through Monument Park. That part of the tour was very cool as all of our heroes were back there plus an incredible monument dedicated to all the people who lost their lives in 9/11. We saw "The Babe," Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra and Thurman Munson to name a few. The final leg of the tour took us to the dug out, the press box and finally the Stadium Store, the place where all good tours should end!
The tour ended at 3 p.m. Uncle Mike, Mike Jr. and Aunt Rae were hot and tired and they decided to go find a place for lunch. I know Uncle Mike was ready for a cold one and some air conditioning. They asked me to join them, but I declined as I had a separate agenda of my own. I had not traveled hundreds of miles to Yankee Stadium not to obtain an autograph.
Note to readers: I had gone to Dick's Sporting goods prior to his trip and had purchased two Major League baseballs, with case and one black sharpie with the hopes of getting a signed autograph. One ball was for Scott and the other for Uncle Mike.
As they left for lunch, I walked to the entrance of the stadium parking lot to wait for the baseball players to start coming to the ball park for batting practice. The first Yankee to show up was there new acquisition Bobby Abreu. We all screamed for him to come over and talk with us, but no such luck as it was a hundred degree's where I was and he just was not going to walk over towards us in that type of heat. Nor was Jeter, A-Rod or Giambi who were the next three players to walk into the stadium. Amongst all of us autograph seekers there was a well dressed black gentleman. His name was Henry. Henry sported a very nice Yankees hat and he liked telling everyone when the Yankee players were coming in and what they were driving. I learned very quickly that he was very accurate and knew what he was talking about. This must have been his full time job. There was one of New York's finest patrolling the crowd and we were mandated behind several metal gates that reminded me of the old school bicycle racks that we used in grade school. His job was to let NO ONE near the players - bottom line. After being out there a couple of hours in the sweltering heat, that realization finally hit me.
I would have had better luck trying to sell a lottery ticket to Donald Trump! But, back to the story.
Henry was still out there and so were the real die hard autograph seekers. Henry had been quiet for a long while and then out of the blue he yelled: "Here comes the Sandman, here comes the Sandman! He is driving a convertible white Lexus worth about 60K". I turned my head and no doubt it was Mariano Rivera.
That's was when I made my move.
I waited anxiously for Mariano to drive into the parking lot, park his car, grab his stuff and start walking towards the stadium entrance. As he began, I told the police officer that was controlling the crowd that it was too hot for me to stand here any longer and that I wanted to leave to go meet back up with my Aunt and Uncle. He let me through. As I was walking from right to left, Mariano was walking towards the stadium. I caught his reflection in the corner of my left eye as he was walking out from the parking lot. He was getting closer. I continued walking as the cop was watching my every move. I kept on walking, very slowly and then, without reason, I banged a u-turn and positioned myself right in front of him. I was the only thing between him and the entrance to Yankee Stadium! I said to him, "I traveled all the way from South Carolina to come see you play. Tomorrow is my 42nd birthday. Would you mind signing my ball?" I waited anxiously for his response, as did my other friends I had left back at the bicycle racks. He was a huge man who towered over me like I was a midget. He made me nervous as I dropped the sharpie on the ground as he approached me. He had two choices: he could walk on by me or sign the ball. To my surprise he put down his bag and very humbly signed my ball! It made my day! He had huge hands as I shook his hand and thanked him for signing my ball. The other autograph seekers applauded me in the background.
I walked away from the stadium, and as I did I glanced back at the officer and winked at him, knowing full well that I would be unable to return back to the front of the stadium for the remainder of my trip in New York.
My trip had been made but the surprises were not over.
I met back with Uncle Mike and Aunt Rae at a sports bar just up the street from the stadium. Uncle Mike was flabbergasted, not knowing what to say when I showed him my prize. He could not believe that I was able to get Mariano Rivera's signature. We finished lunch and it was 2 hours before game time, so we started to the stadium so we could see batting practice. We stopped at a local vendor and picked up a couple of new Yankee shirts for our collection. Unbeknownst to me, my Aunt and Uncle had traded up their tickets for better seats as a birthday surprise for me! We now had seats about 6 rows from the right of home plate behind the Yankees dugout. They were great seats! The aura of Yankee stadium was just the same since as the last time I was there over fifteen years ago. The excitement of all the Yankees fans, Dads with their sons and daughters taking in a game, the smell of fresh peanuts and pretzels and the seventh inning stretch. It brought back memories of my own father taking me to games and always speaking of perfection and execution. Dad always believed that those two ingredients and some decent pitching were the keys to securing a championship. The Yanks ended up winning that game 4-2. The next day the Yankees secured first place and have been in first place ever since then. Even though the trip went by quickly, it will be a memory that I will cherish forever.
As the Master Card commercial goes:
Two Major League baseballs and one Sharpie: $40.00.
Four tickets to see the Yankees play: $200.00 dollars.
Great seats with your Aunt, Uncle and nephew, a Yankees win and a signed baseball from Mariano Rivera: Priceless!
I hope that I did not bore you too much with my story. I just wanted to share.
Mr. Rivera: THANK YOU so very much for making my short trip to New York a memorable one! Other than the Yankees taking hold of first place, meeting you and getting your autograph was the highlight of my trip. You are the best closer that I have ever watched pitch in MLB. That includes the Goose, Rich Gossage.
Again, thank you."
Scott R. Salomone
"The day had finally come. On the morning of December 10, 2005, I awoke, knowing who I'd be seeing later on that day - my favorite Yankee, Mariano Rivera. A World Series champion, the Sandman, one of the most feared pitchers in baseball history would be standing in front of me.
After sitting in the back seat as my parents drove my sister and I to one of the many sports stores in upstate New York, I had to wait on a line for two hours. We had arrived early and Mariano wouldn't be signing just yet. Those hours were some of the most anxious in my life - contemplating what to say and how to act when they finally opened the door and let my family inside.
Thoughts of telling him how great I thought he is and how much I like the Yankees fluttered through my head, but they were of no use to me once I saw him. The words escaped my mind; I almost felt lightheaded as I waited only another mere few minutes, now inside the shop.
Finally, it was my turn. I walked up to him, saying, "Hi, Mr. Rivera, nice to meet you." He said it was nice meeting me as well. As he signed my 8x10 photo, I couldn't speak. I only stood there, watching in awe. Mariano Rivera was standing in front of me! I tried to say something, but the words wouldn't form into a sentence in my head, so I simply kept quiet, gawking at the Yankee closer.
Following that, I took a quick picture with him. I then shook his hand, thanked him, and told him I'd see him next season.
Such a simple encounter like that gave me such great joy on that December afternoon. It made me realize that we watch these athletes perform at the highest level on television, dreaming to one day meet our favorite stars. But, if and when we do get that special chance, it feels surreal to us, often overwhelming.
It was no surprise to me nor to any of my family members that I couldn't speak clearly for the next half hour. A few minutes with Mariano Rivera created happiness for me that may very well last a lifetime."
Samantha Scicchigno
"On May 18th 2004, I woke up promptly at 9 a.m. to watch Live with Regis and Kelly, like I always do when I can. That day Regis happened to talk about mistaking a Starbucks vanilla bean frappuccino for a vanilla latte and kept saying how good the frappuccino was. I made a mental note to try one if I was ever in Starbucks.
Later that day I went to the Hilton Towers hotel in Anaheim California to see the Yankees as they left to go to the game as I had done the year before. At about 2 o'clock, it got quiet and no one was really coming out so my mom, my sister and I decided to take a break and go to the bathroom and maybe get a drink. At first, I was not going to go because I was afraid I would miss someone, but then I figured that I could at least try the vanilla frappuccino that I heard Regis talking about.
As we waited for our drinks, I was talking about all the people I had seen and how cool it was, when all of a sudden I turned around and I am facing Mariano Rivera. My first reaction was "oh my gosh that's Mariano Rivera" then my manners came back to me. I remembered how they must hate to have people around them bugging them everywhere they went. Also, the fact that Mariano gave me a petrified look when he saw me in my Yankee jersey, like he was overwhelmed, so I didn't go talk to him; just gawked at him from afar.
Tara could not believe I was just going to let him walk away, so as he was getting his coffee and putting sugar and cream in it, she walks right up to him. I sat there as she says, "Hi, my sister is a huge Yankees fan but she is kinda shy." He looks at her and laughs, saying "oh really?" and she replied, "Yeah and she would appreciate it if you could sign something for her." Then Tara walks back to the table and we all look at him then each other like "It's really him". After he stirs his coffee he walks over and asks me what I wanted him to sign. I asked him to sign a baseball and I told him I didn't want to bother him but my sister is kinda rude." He laughed then I asked him if he would take a picture with me, really quick. He said sure, as long as it was really quick. I was shaking because I was so excited. I could not believe that I was talking to Mariano Rivera, the best closing pitcher is the history of the game.
I walked back to the designated area for fans and a fan I had met earlier that morning looked at me and said. "You missed Mariano, but don't feel bad, he didn't sign for anyone." I smiled and said "Actually I saw him in Starbucks and he signed for me and took a picture with me." For the rest of the day I was very happy."
April Johnson
"I was watching the last game of the 1999 World Series and I couldn't help chuckling as I saw what Magnificent Mo was doing to the Atlanta batters. Case in point: Ryan Klesko. He came to bat. Mo ran the count to 2-and-0 and then the fun began. He went after Klesko with that high-90s buzz saw he calls a cut fastball. Klesko swung, fouled it off, broke his bat and had to go back to the dugout to get a new one. He came back to the plate. Mo came in there with another cutter. Klesko swung, fouled that one off ---BROKE HIS BAT--- and had to return to the dugout to get a third bat. He came back to the plate. Mo missed with the next one to run the count to 3-and-2, and it was obvious that he meant to miss the plate with that one. Then he came in with still another cutter. Klesko swung ---hit a weak infield pop-up--- AND BROKE THAT BAT!!! Four cut fastballs, three broken bats. I am convinced that Mariano Rivera leads the major leagues in broken bats as well as incredible saves.
I have had many opportunities to watch this unbelievable pitcher in action. They say he's a one-pitch pitcher --- but what a pitch! It comes after the hitters and comes after them and comes after them and they try to get away from it and it keeps on boring in on their hands and when they swing it's in self-defense and they foul it off or miss it altogether. An out --- AND A BROKEN BAT. I wish I had that cut fastball. But I never had that kind of speed. So I get my satisfaction from watching him --- and recently I have noticed another element in his pitching, one that wasn't there at the beginning of the season. It's a certain ferocity, a savagery that I've never seen before. He seems to have turned everything up a couple of notches; he just goes after the hitters, not caring how he gets those outs --- he just gets them. On one of these occasions he struck out the side, no ifs, ands or buts --- ten pitches. (He threw one pitch for a ball, and I'll bet it wasn't the cutter.) He's the best thing that has happened to the Yankees in years and I know I can breathe easier when he comes into the game --- he is absolutely lights out. ALL HAIL, MAGNIFICENT MO!!!"
Zita Carno
"My biggest thrill came 4 years ago when I took my two sons for a road trip to Hillside Auto Mall in Jersey. Neither of them knew what we were doing there, except to buy a car.
When I explained that our #1 player was about to sign autographs, well, the expression on their faces was worth the trip.
I remember when our turn came up and I was ready with my greetings and how I was going to ask him how did it feel to be named World Series M.V.P.(1999)?
When I got in front of him: zilch, nada, didali, squat, bupkuss, nothing came out of my mouth except ahh, ahhh... and as soon as we got our pictures signed... it was all over.
What an experience it was for us. We will never forget it. "
The Figueroas
"It was October 13, 1998 at the stadium. It was the first postseason game I had ever been to. I've heard that Game 7 against the Red Sox last year (2003) was noisy, but I can truly say that that night the place rocked.
David Cone didn't have his best stuff. He struck out Jim Thome with the bases loaded in the first inning to a huge ovation. Later in the game, Thome came up with the bags loaded again and Thome went deep to cut the Yankees lead to one run.
Jeter came up with a huge two run triple later in the game.
Even though the Yankees were leading by four runs, The Sandman entered anyway.
If I recall, he faced Enrique Wilson, Kenny Lofton and then Omar Vizquel. I think Wilson grounded out, he then struck out Lofton on three pitches and then Vizquel bounced back to Mo for the final out.
The place went wild. I had heard all my life that there is nothing like post season baseball. The crowd hangs on every pitch. How fitting that Mo was on the mound at the end of my first postseason game.
To all of us who love and admire him, there aren't enough accolades to describe his greatness.
After the 2001 World Series, how many times did they replay the Luis Gonzalez single over the Yankees drawn in infield to conclude the World Series? Remember, Mo did make a key throwing error on the bunt. However, he also broke three bats which resulted in hits. It just wasn't his day. Do they constantly replay each of his 30 postseason saves and his wins? The Yankee haters really did him an injustice in this regard.
I watched him last night go through Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Lee and Paul Konerko with three very easy ground balls. He has given all of us as Yankees fans so many thrills and hours of excitement.
I can't wait for his induction to the Hall of Fame so that I can be there."
David Williams
"Mariano Rivera is a special ballplayer. There is an air and class about him that few players have, especially in today's day and age. There is a mystique, an aura. He exudes confidence and grace, as much as a ball player can, yet offends no one and lacks arrogance. He quietly walks out to the mound and quietly goes about his business. He doesn't get ejected from games for hitting people. He doesn't argue with the umpires. He doesn't shout obscenities toward the other team's dugout. He quietly does his job and he does it very, very well.
He is remarkably clutch. There is no pitcher I would rather have on the mound in the 9th inning of game 7 than Mariano Rivera. Some say that his stats are so good because he is a Yankee. Keep this in mind - being a Yankee doesn't help you with your ERA. Yankee Stadium is not a "pitchers park" and the Yankees defense hasn't been anything spectacular (they ranked 2nd, 7th, 9th, 13th, 17th, 15th, 25th and 24th in fielding percentage from 1996 through 2003). So, when it comes to his ERA, that's a great pitcher pitching greatly. Mariano would be a great, great pitcher on any team.
Dignity, class, talent, execution… this is why I like Mariano Rivera so much."
Patrick O'Keefe
"Mariano Rivera is, without a doubt, the greatest closer in the history of baseball. He clearly has the stats to back that claim up. Since he came upon the scene in 1996, he has been dominant. Even after 7 yrs, he is still unhitable. Last year he had the lowest ERA of his career, a miniscule 1.66. What is even more impressive than his regular season stats is his postseason dominance. I don't think anyone can dispute that his postseason performance has been down right sick. He has 30 postseason saves and is 7-1. His Division Series ERA is a ridiculous 0.27. Someone recently made the statement to me that yes, he is amazing, but he is aided by the fact that the Yankees have been so good, that if he was on Milwaukee, he'd just be good. My reaction to that statement was that one's greatness is measured by the greatness of those around him. The fact that the Yankees get to the playoffs every year and he is as dominating consistently as he is on the big stage, makes him that much more greater. I think what is also great about the guy is the calm that he has and how he comes back from adversity. He is human, afterall, and has had 2 very big blown saves in 1997 and 2001, but he comes back better then ever. I think the crowning achievement of his brilliance was last year when he pitched 3 brilliant innings in Game 7 against the Sox in the ALCS. After Aaron Boone's HR to win it, Mariano collapsed on the mound in a combination of celebration and exhaustion. It was a scene that could have never been planned, just a spontaneous act of the circumstance. It was one of the greatest reactions in sports and a memory that I'll have forever."
Greg Shonek
"Mariano is the one of the greatest closers in the history of baseball. The most effective closer in postseason baseball history, recording final outs in three Yankees' World Series.
One of my biggest thrills came when, for Game 5 of the 2000 World Series at Shea Stadium, I was invited by Mariano Rivera and family to see the clinching of the 2000 W.S. and being with his family and New York Yankees players in the field. I keep the ticket stub; photos; souveniers and WS championship parade ticket at City Hall Park in a special room in my house."
Moises Young Diaz
"I went to New York on Friday, July 31st, 2006 and returned home on my birthday, August 2nd, in the mid afternoon. Uncle Mike and I had spoke in June and he mentioned that he was going to New York for a couple of days in August to see the Yankees play and to see a Broadway show. Aunt Rae and Mike Jr. were coming with him, but Amy, their daughter, had to work and was unable to come. Long story short, there was an extra ticket to the Yankees game on Monday, August 1st and he graciously offered the ticket to me. The Yankees were playing Toronto. I was very excited as the tickets included an afternoon stadium tour which allowed us to go to Monument Park. I gladly accepted the invitation and made the necessary travel arrangements as soon as I got off the phone with Uncle Mike.
I worked Monday, 7/31 as it was the end of the month. After work, I took a flight from Charlotte to LaGuardia. I met Uncle Mike and family at the LaGuardia airport and we took a taxi cab to the Belvedere Hotel where we were staying. The taxi cab ride is another story by itself. The ride was better than any amusement park ride I had be on in the last decade. After I secured a 2nd mortgage on my home, we paid the cabbie. Twenty six dollars was my part of the cab ride to the hotel. We checked into the hotel than went to sleep as the game was the next day and it was very late upon our arrival to the hotel.
The next day we had a continental breakfast and then headed to the subway to travel down to the Bronx. It was brutally hot. We arrived at the stadium and than started on the tour. They took us to the bleachers behind the third base line (as it was shaded there) and the tour director gave us a detailed history of the New York Yankees. The next part of the tour was to walk through Monument Park. That part of the tour was very cool as all of our heroes were back there plus an incredible monument dedicated to all the people who lost their lives in 9/11. We saw "The Babe," Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra and Thurman Munson to name a few. The final leg of the tour took us to the dug out, the press box and finally the Stadium Store, the place where all good tours should end!
The tour ended at 3 p.m. Uncle Mike, Mike Jr. and Aunt Rae were hot and tired and they decided to go find a place for lunch. I know Uncle Mike was ready for a cold one and some air conditioning. They asked me to join them, but I declined as I had a separate agenda of my own. I had not traveled hundreds of miles to Yankee Stadium not to obtain an autograph.
Note to readers: I had gone to Dick's Sporting goods prior to his trip and had purchased two Major League baseballs, with case and one black sharpie with the hopes of getting a signed autograph. One ball was for Scott and the other for Uncle Mike.
As they left for lunch, I walked to the entrance of the stadium parking lot to wait for the baseball players to start coming to the ball park for batting practice. The first Yankee to show up was there new acquisition Bobby Abreu. We all screamed for him to come over and talk with us, but no such luck as it was a hundred degree's where I was and he just was not going to walk over towards us in that type of heat. Nor was Jeter, A-Rod or Giambi who were the next three players to walk into the stadium. Amongst all of us autograph seekers there was a well dressed black gentleman. His name was Henry. Henry sported a very nice Yankees hat and he liked telling everyone when the Yankee players were coming in and what they were driving. I learned very quickly that he was very accurate and knew what he was talking about. This must have been his full time job. There was one of New York's finest patrolling the crowd and we were mandated behind several metal gates that reminded me of the old school bicycle racks that we used in grade school. His job was to let NO ONE near the players - bottom line. After being out there a couple of hours in the sweltering heat, that realization finally hit me.
I would have had better luck trying to sell a lottery ticket to Donald Trump! But, back to the story.
Henry was still out there and so were the real die hard autograph seekers. Henry had been quiet for a long while and then out of the blue he yelled: "Here comes the Sandman, here comes the Sandman! He is driving a convertible white Lexus worth about 60K". I turned my head and no doubt it was Mariano Rivera.
That's was when I made my move.
I waited anxiously for Mariano to drive into the parking lot, park his car, grab his stuff and start walking towards the stadium entrance. As he began, I told the police officer that was controlling the crowd that it was too hot for me to stand here any longer and that I wanted to leave to go meet back up with my Aunt and Uncle. He let me through. As I was walking from right to left, Mariano was walking towards the stadium. I caught his reflection in the corner of my left eye as he was walking out from the parking lot. He was getting closer. I continued walking as the cop was watching my every move. I kept on walking, very slowly and then, without reason, I banged a u-turn and positioned myself right in front of him. I was the only thing between him and the entrance to Yankee Stadium! I said to him, "I traveled all the way from South Carolina to come see you play. Tomorrow is my 42nd birthday. Would you mind signing my ball?" I waited anxiously for his response, as did my other friends I had left back at the bicycle racks. He was a huge man who towered over me like I was a midget. He made me nervous as I dropped the sharpie on the ground as he approached me. He had two choices: he could walk on by me or sign the ball. To my surprise he put down his bag and very humbly signed my ball! It made my day! He had huge hands as I shook his hand and thanked him for signing my ball. The other autograph seekers applauded me in the background.
I walked away from the stadium, and as I did I glanced back at the officer and winked at him, knowing full well that I would be unable to return back to the front of the stadium for the remainder of my trip in New York.
My trip had been made but the surprises were not over.
I met back with Uncle Mike and Aunt Rae at a sports bar just up the street from the stadium. Uncle Mike was flabbergasted, not knowing what to say when I showed him my prize. He could not believe that I was able to get Mariano Rivera's signature. We finished lunch and it was 2 hours before game time, so we started to the stadium so we could see batting practice. We stopped at a local vendor and picked up a couple of new Yankee shirts for our collection. Unbeknownst to me, my Aunt and Uncle had traded up their tickets for better seats as a birthday surprise for me! We now had seats about 6 rows from the right of home plate behind the Yankees dugout. They were great seats! The aura of Yankee stadium was just the same since as the last time I was there over fifteen years ago. The excitement of all the Yankees fans, Dads with their sons and daughters taking in a game, the smell of fresh peanuts and pretzels and the seventh inning stretch. It brought back memories of my own father taking me to games and always speaking of perfection and execution. Dad always believed that those two ingredients and some decent pitching were the keys to securing a championship. The Yanks ended up winning that game 4-2. The next day the Yankees secured first place and have been in first place ever since then. Even though the trip went by quickly, it will be a memory that I will cherish forever.
As the Master Card commercial goes:
Two Major League baseballs and one Sharpie: $40.00.
Four tickets to see the Yankees play: $200.00 dollars.
Great seats with your Aunt, Uncle and nephew, a Yankees win and a signed baseball from Mariano Rivera: Priceless!
I hope that I did not bore you too much with my story. I just wanted to share.
Mr. Rivera: THANK YOU so very much for making my short trip to New York a memorable one! Other than the Yankees taking hold of first place, meeting you and getting your autograph was the highlight of my trip. You are the best closer that I have ever watched pitch in MLB. That includes the Goose, Rich Gossage.
Again, thank you."
Scott R. Salomone
"The day had finally come. On the morning of December 10, 2005, I awoke, knowing who I'd be seeing later on that day - my favorite Yankee, Mariano Rivera. A World Series champion, the Sandman, one of the most feared pitchers in baseball history would be standing in front of me.
After sitting in the back seat as my parents drove my sister and I to one of the many sports stores in upstate New York, I had to wait on a line for two hours. We had arrived early and Mariano wouldn't be signing just yet. Those hours were some of the most anxious in my life - contemplating what to say and how to act when they finally opened the door and let my family inside.
Thoughts of telling him how great I thought he is and how much I like the Yankees fluttered through my head, but they were of no use to me once I saw him. The words escaped my mind; I almost felt lightheaded as I waited only another mere few minutes, now inside the shop.
Finally, it was my turn. I walked up to him, saying, "Hi, Mr. Rivera, nice to meet you." He said it was nice meeting me as well. As he signed my 8x10 photo, I couldn't speak. I only stood there, watching in awe. Mariano Rivera was standing in front of me! I tried to say something, but the words wouldn't form into a sentence in my head, so I simply kept quiet, gawking at the Yankee closer.
Following that, I took a quick picture with him. I then shook his hand, thanked him, and told him I'd see him next season.
Such a simple encounter like that gave me such great joy on that December afternoon. It made me realize that we watch these athletes perform at the highest level on television, dreaming to one day meet our favorite stars. But, if and when we do get that special chance, it feels surreal to us, often overwhelming.
It was no surprise to me nor to any of my family members that I couldn't speak clearly for the next half hour. A few minutes with Mariano Rivera created happiness for me that may very well last a lifetime."
Samantha Scicchigno
"On May 18th 2004, I woke up promptly at 9 a.m. to watch Live with Regis and Kelly, like I always do when I can. That day Regis happened to talk about mistaking a Starbucks vanilla bean frappuccino for a vanilla latte and kept saying how good the frappuccino was. I made a mental note to try one if I was ever in Starbucks.
Later that day I went to the Hilton Towers hotel in Anaheim California to see the Yankees as they left to go to the game as I had done the year before. At about 2 o'clock, it got quiet and no one was really coming out so my mom, my sister and I decided to take a break and go to the bathroom and maybe get a drink. At first, I was not going to go because I was afraid I would miss someone, but then I figured that I could at least try the vanilla frappuccino that I heard Regis talking about.
As we waited for our drinks, I was talking about all the people I had seen and how cool it was, when all of a sudden I turned around and I am facing Mariano Rivera. My first reaction was "oh my gosh that's Mariano Rivera" then my manners came back to me. I remembered how they must hate to have people around them bugging them everywhere they went. Also, the fact that Mariano gave me a petrified look when he saw me in my Yankee jersey, like he was overwhelmed, so I didn't go talk to him; just gawked at him from afar.
Tara could not believe I was just going to let him walk away, so as he was getting his coffee and putting sugar and cream in it, she walks right up to him. I sat there as she says, "Hi, my sister is a huge Yankees fan but she is kinda shy." He looks at her and laughs, saying "oh really?" and she replied, "Yeah and she would appreciate it if you could sign something for her." Then Tara walks back to the table and we all look at him then each other like "It's really him". After he stirs his coffee he walks over and asks me what I wanted him to sign. I asked him to sign a baseball and I told him I didn't want to bother him but my sister is kinda rude." He laughed then I asked him if he would take a picture with me, really quick. He said sure, as long as it was really quick. I was shaking because I was so excited. I could not believe that I was talking to Mariano Rivera, the best closing pitcher is the history of the game.
I walked back to the designated area for fans and a fan I had met earlier that morning looked at me and said. "You missed Mariano, but don't feel bad, he didn't sign for anyone." I smiled and said "Actually I saw him in Starbucks and he signed for me and took a picture with me." For the rest of the day I was very happy."
April Johnson
"I was watching the last game of the 1999 World Series and I couldn't help chuckling as I saw what Magnificent Mo was doing to the Atlanta batters. Case in point: Ryan Klesko. He came to bat. Mo ran the count to 2-and-0 and then the fun began. He went after Klesko with that high-90s buzz saw he calls a cut fastball. Klesko swung, fouled it off, broke his bat and had to go back to the dugout to get a new one. He came back to the plate. Mo came in there with another cutter. Klesko swung, fouled that one off ---BROKE HIS BAT--- and had to return to the dugout to get a third bat. He came back to the plate. Mo missed with the next one to run the count to 3-and-2, and it was obvious that he meant to miss the plate with that one. Then he came in with still another cutter. Klesko swung ---hit a weak infield pop-up--- AND BROKE THAT BAT!!! Four cut fastballs, three broken bats. I am convinced that Mariano Rivera leads the major leagues in broken bats as well as incredible saves.
I have had many opportunities to watch this unbelievable pitcher in action. They say he's a one-pitch pitcher --- but what a pitch! It comes after the hitters and comes after them and comes after them and they try to get away from it and it keeps on boring in on their hands and when they swing it's in self-defense and they foul it off or miss it altogether. An out --- AND A BROKEN BAT. I wish I had that cut fastball. But I never had that kind of speed. So I get my satisfaction from watching him --- and recently I have noticed another element in his pitching, one that wasn't there at the beginning of the season. It's a certain ferocity, a savagery that I've never seen before. He seems to have turned everything up a couple of notches; he just goes after the hitters, not caring how he gets those outs --- he just gets them. On one of these occasions he struck out the side, no ifs, ands or buts --- ten pitches. (He threw one pitch for a ball, and I'll bet it wasn't the cutter.) He's the best thing that has happened to the Yankees in years and I know I can breathe easier when he comes into the game --- he is absolutely lights out. ALL HAIL, MAGNIFICENT MO!!!"
Zita Carno
"My biggest thrill came 4 years ago when I took my two sons for a road trip to Hillside Auto Mall in Jersey. Neither of them knew what we were doing there, except to buy a car.
When I explained that our #1 player was about to sign autographs, well, the expression on their faces was worth the trip.
I remember when our turn came up and I was ready with my greetings and how I was going to ask him how did it feel to be named World Series M.V.P.(1999)?
When I got in front of him: zilch, nada, didali, squat, bupkuss, nothing came out of my mouth except ahh, ahhh... and as soon as we got our pictures signed... it was all over.
What an experience it was for us. We will never forget it. "
The Figueroas
"It was October 13, 1998 at the stadium. It was the first postseason game I had ever been to. I've heard that Game 7 against the Red Sox last year (2003) was noisy, but I can truly say that that night the place rocked.
David Cone didn't have his best stuff. He struck out Jim Thome with the bases loaded in the first inning to a huge ovation. Later in the game, Thome came up with the bags loaded again and Thome went deep to cut the Yankees lead to one run.
Jeter came up with a huge two run triple later in the game.
Even though the Yankees were leading by four runs, The Sandman entered anyway.
If I recall, he faced Enrique Wilson, Kenny Lofton and then Omar Vizquel. I think Wilson grounded out, he then struck out Lofton on three pitches and then Vizquel bounced back to Mo for the final out.
The place went wild. I had heard all my life that there is nothing like post season baseball. The crowd hangs on every pitch. How fitting that Mo was on the mound at the end of my first postseason game.
To all of us who love and admire him, there aren't enough accolades to describe his greatness.
After the 2001 World Series, how many times did they replay the Luis Gonzalez single over the Yankees drawn in infield to conclude the World Series? Remember, Mo did make a key throwing error on the bunt. However, he also broke three bats which resulted in hits. It just wasn't his day. Do they constantly replay each of his 30 postseason saves and his wins? The Yankee haters really did him an injustice in this regard.
I watched him last night go through Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Lee and Paul Konerko with three very easy ground balls. He has given all of us as Yankees fans so many thrills and hours of excitement.
I can't wait for his induction to the Hall of Fame so that I can be there."
David Williams
"Mariano Rivera is a special ballplayer. There is an air and class about him that few players have, especially in today's day and age. There is a mystique, an aura. He exudes confidence and grace, as much as a ball player can, yet offends no one and lacks arrogance. He quietly walks out to the mound and quietly goes about his business. He doesn't get ejected from games for hitting people. He doesn't argue with the umpires. He doesn't shout obscenities toward the other team's dugout. He quietly does his job and he does it very, very well.
He is remarkably clutch. There is no pitcher I would rather have on the mound in the 9th inning of game 7 than Mariano Rivera. Some say that his stats are so good because he is a Yankee. Keep this in mind - being a Yankee doesn't help you with your ERA. Yankee Stadium is not a "pitchers park" and the Yankees defense hasn't been anything spectacular (they ranked 2nd, 7th, 9th, 13th, 17th, 15th, 25th and 24th in fielding percentage from 1996 through 2003). So, when it comes to his ERA, that's a great pitcher pitching greatly. Mariano would be a great, great pitcher on any team.
Dignity, class, talent, execution… this is why I like Mariano Rivera so much."
Patrick O'Keefe
"Mariano Rivera is, without a doubt, the greatest closer in the history of baseball. He clearly has the stats to back that claim up. Since he came upon the scene in 1996, he has been dominant. Even after 7 yrs, he is still unhitable. Last year he had the lowest ERA of his career, a miniscule 1.66. What is even more impressive than his regular season stats is his postseason dominance. I don't think anyone can dispute that his postseason performance has been down right sick. He has 30 postseason saves and is 7-1. His Division Series ERA is a ridiculous 0.27. Someone recently made the statement to me that yes, he is amazing, but he is aided by the fact that the Yankees have been so good, that if he was on Milwaukee, he'd just be good. My reaction to that statement was that one's greatness is measured by the greatness of those around him. The fact that the Yankees get to the playoffs every year and he is as dominating consistently as he is on the big stage, makes him that much more greater. I think what is also great about the guy is the calm that he has and how he comes back from adversity. He is human, afterall, and has had 2 very big blown saves in 1997 and 2001, but he comes back better then ever. I think the crowning achievement of his brilliance was last year when he pitched 3 brilliant innings in Game 7 against the Sox in the ALCS. After Aaron Boone's HR to win it, Mariano collapsed on the mound in a combination of celebration and exhaustion. It was a scene that could have never been planned, just a spontaneous act of the circumstance. It was one of the greatest reactions in sports and a memory that I'll have forever."
Greg Shonek
06/28: Quotes
Posted by: Patrick
"I think the good Lord is a Yankee."
- Mariano Rivera
"I get the ball, I throw the ball and then I take a shower."
- Mariano Rivera
"Reminded me of myself a long time ago."
- Dwight Gooden on Rivera's performance during the 1996 season.
"Without question we're talking about the best reliever, in my opinion, in the history of baseball. This guy has become branded with the Yankee logo. People are going to remember this man for so long for what he's done."
- Brian Cashman
"He's the best I've ever been around. Not only the ability to pitch and perform under pressure, but the calm he puts over the clubhouse. He's very important for us because he's a special person."
- Joe Torre
"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
"I call Mo 'the Equalizer.' I mean, I can't tell you how comforting it felt to have him come in when I left the game."
- Roger Clemens
"He's the most mentally tough person I've ever played with."
- Derek Jeter
"We don't want to face him any more. He's too good. He belongs in a higher league. He should be banned from baseball."
- Tom Kelly
"I saw some special on TV last night comparing me and him, and I'm like, "What are these guys doing? Are they serious?""
- J. Brent Cox
"He's pretty much automatic. When he comes in the game, the feeling is that it's over with."
- Derek Jeter
"Sheff goes, "That's a legend right there sitting next to you" and Gary Sheffield is a potential Hall of Famer, he's the one who singles out Mo. Those are the kinds of things that stick out in your mind. ... [Rivera] might be the most respected player in the league."
- Michael Young
"If my life depended on it - if my daughter's life depended on it - I'd want Mariano Rivera closing. Wouldn't you?"
- Alex Rodriguez
"I'm sure you can learn it, but it won't cut like his."
- Mike Mussina, talking about Mo's cutter
"That stuff of his is unbelievable. That stuff is unfair."
- Joe Mauer
"The best ever, no doubt."
- Dennis Eckersley
"You know, I don't think there's anything to say. That's what he does and that's why he's the best that's ever been and I'm glad he's on our side."
- Mike Mussina, talking about Mo after Mo pitched 2 innings of shutout ball (including getting out of a bases loaded, 1 out jam) against the Red Sox on 8/20/06
"I can’t believe it. If you told me that 10 years ago, I would tell you you were drunk."
- Mariano Rivera on 425th save
Thanks to Baseball Library.
- Mariano Rivera
"I get the ball, I throw the ball and then I take a shower."
- Mariano Rivera
"Reminded me of myself a long time ago."
- Dwight Gooden on Rivera's performance during the 1996 season.
"Without question we're talking about the best reliever, in my opinion, in the history of baseball. This guy has become branded with the Yankee logo. People are going to remember this man for so long for what he's done."
- Brian Cashman
"He's the best I've ever been around. Not only the ability to pitch and perform under pressure, but the calm he puts over the clubhouse. He's very important for us because he's a special person."
- Joe Torre
"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
"I call Mo 'the Equalizer.' I mean, I can't tell you how comforting it felt to have him come in when I left the game."
- Roger Clemens
"He's the most mentally tough person I've ever played with."
- Derek Jeter
"We don't want to face him any more. He's too good. He belongs in a higher league. He should be banned from baseball."
- Tom Kelly
"I saw some special on TV last night comparing me and him, and I'm like, "What are these guys doing? Are they serious?""
- J. Brent Cox
"He's pretty much automatic. When he comes in the game, the feeling is that it's over with."
- Derek Jeter
"Sheff goes, "That's a legend right there sitting next to you" and Gary Sheffield is a potential Hall of Famer, he's the one who singles out Mo. Those are the kinds of things that stick out in your mind. ... [Rivera] might be the most respected player in the league."
- Michael Young
"If my life depended on it - if my daughter's life depended on it - I'd want Mariano Rivera closing. Wouldn't you?"
- Alex Rodriguez
"I'm sure you can learn it, but it won't cut like his."
- Mike Mussina, talking about Mo's cutter
"That stuff of his is unbelievable. That stuff is unfair."
- Joe Mauer
"The best ever, no doubt."
- Dennis Eckersley
"You know, I don't think there's anything to say. That's what he does and that's why he's the best that's ever been and I'm glad he's on our side."
- Mike Mussina, talking about Mo after Mo pitched 2 innings of shutout ball (including getting out of a bases loaded, 1 out jam) against the Red Sox on 8/20/06
"I can’t believe it. If you told me that 10 years ago, I would tell you you were drunk."
- Mariano Rivera on 425th save
Thanks to Baseball Library.
06/28: Fun Facts
Posted by: Patrick
Mo lives in Westchester, NY with his wife and three kids.
He is part owner of Mo's New York Grill.
Mariano donated his 2001 Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award to the New York Fire Department. It is on permanent display at their Brooklyn headquarters.
When Rivera enters a game at Yankee Stadium, the song "Enter Sandman" by Metallica is played. Because of this, he is sometimes referred to as The Sandman.
Former/current Yankees Ramiro Mendoza and Ruben Rivera are cousins of Mariano Rivera.
He is the last player to naturally wear the number 42. Major League Baseball retired it across the board in 1997 to honor Jackie Robinson.
On a per batter basis, he probably breaks more bats than any pitcher in baseball.
He is the son of a fisherman and was born in Panama City, Panama.
Mariano came up to the big league as a starter, but was quickly moved to a bullpen role.
Early in Mariano's career, former Yankees General Manager Gene Michael almost dealt him to the Detroit Tigers for David Wells. "I didn't say yes, and I didn't say no," said Michael. "I'm glad I didn't have to."
Rivera is a deeply religious man. He financed the construction of a church in his native Panama City and can often be seen reading the Bible in the Yankees' clubhouse. At a church service honoring him in Panama after the 1999 season, he announced that he would spend four more years in baseball and then retire to become an evangelical minister.
From Mariano Rivera - A Man With a Message by Michael Aubrecht
Another nickname that is often associated with Mariano: "The Hammer of God."
In 2005, Mariano was named as the relief pitcher on the Major League Baseball Latino Legends Team.
In 2007, he was named as the closer on the ESPNdeportes.com All-Time Latin Stars team.
Special Thanks: BaseballLibrary.com and Fact-Index.
He is part owner of Mo's New York Grill.
Mariano donated his 2001 Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award to the New York Fire Department. It is on permanent display at their Brooklyn headquarters.
When Rivera enters a game at Yankee Stadium, the song "Enter Sandman" by Metallica is played. Because of this, he is sometimes referred to as The Sandman.
Former/current Yankees Ramiro Mendoza and Ruben Rivera are cousins of Mariano Rivera.
He is the last player to naturally wear the number 42. Major League Baseball retired it across the board in 1997 to honor Jackie Robinson.
On a per batter basis, he probably breaks more bats than any pitcher in baseball.
He is the son of a fisherman and was born in Panama City, Panama.
Mariano came up to the big league as a starter, but was quickly moved to a bullpen role.
Early in Mariano's career, former Yankees General Manager Gene Michael almost dealt him to the Detroit Tigers for David Wells. "I didn't say yes, and I didn't say no," said Michael. "I'm glad I didn't have to."
Rivera is a deeply religious man. He financed the construction of a church in his native Panama City and can often be seen reading the Bible in the Yankees' clubhouse. At a church service honoring him in Panama after the 1999 season, he announced that he would spend four more years in baseball and then retire to become an evangelical minister.
From Mariano Rivera - A Man With a Message by Michael Aubrecht
Another nickname that is often associated with Mariano: "The Hammer of God."
In 2005, Mariano was named as the relief pitcher on the Major League Baseball Latino Legends Team.
In 2007, he was named as the closer on the ESPNdeportes.com All-Time Latin Stars team.
Special Thanks: BaseballLibrary.com and Fact-Index.
06/28: Historical Comparison
Posted by: Patrick
The purpose of this page is to compare Mariano Rivera with some of the better relievers in the history of baseball. Of the ones listed, only 4 (they are underlined) are in the Hall of Fame (Rollie Fingers, Hoyt Wilhelm, Bruce Sutter and Dennis Eckersley). Eckersley spent part of his career as a starting pitcher, as well, so some of his numbers are larger because of that.
This is not to say that Mo is better than any of these guys, neccessarily. It is ordered by the ERA+ stat. This stat measures the difference of a pitchers real ERA from the average ERA in the MLB in that particular season. The higher the stat is, the larger the difference and the better that that pitchers season was, ERA wise. So, this page is basically comparing the career adjusted ERAs of these players.
Pitcher Comparison
Glossary
This is not to say that Mo is better than any of these guys, neccessarily. It is ordered by the ERA+ stat. This stat measures the difference of a pitchers real ERA from the average ERA in the MLB in that particular season. The higher the stat is, the larger the difference and the better that that pitchers season was, ERA wise. So, this page is basically comparing the career adjusted ERAs of these players.
Pitcher Comparison
Glossary
Special thanks to Baseball-Reference.com for the data.
Name Seasons ERA+ W L S G GS GF IP HR BFP ERA
-----------+---------+----+---+---+---+----+---+---+------+---+-----+----
Rivera 1995-2007 194 62 44 443 720 10 658 953.0 49 3836 2.35
Wagner 1995-2007 180 39 36 358 720 0 603 771.0 72 3085 2.40
Percival 1995-2007 154 33 41 324 639 1 498 651.7 73 2669 3.02
Hoffman 1993-2007 147 53 60 524 882 0 732 942.7 82 3793 2.73
Wilhelm 1952-1972 146 143 122 227 1070 52 651 2254.3 150 9164 2.52
Quisenberry 1979-1990 146 56 46 244 674 0 553 1043.3 59 4247 2.76
Franco 1984-2005 137 90 87 424 1119 0 774 1245.7 81 5312 2.89
Sutter 1976-1988 136 68 71 300 661 0 512 1042.3 77 4251 2.83
Smith 1980-1997 132 71 92 478 1022 6 802 1289.3 89 5387 3.03
Lyle 1967-1982 127 99 76 238 899 0 634 1390.3 84 5794 2.88
Gossage 1972-1994 126 124 107 310 1002 37 681 1809.3 119 7506 3.01
Myers 1985-1998 122 44 63 347 728 12 548 884.7 69 3744 3.19
Reardon 1979-1994 121 73 77 367 880 0 695 1132.3 109 4720 3.16
Fingers 1968-1985 119 114 118 341 944 37 709 1701.3 123 6942 2.90
Eckersley 1975-1998 116 197 171 390 1071 361 577 3285.7 347 13534 3.50
Righetti 1979-1995 114 82 79 252 718 89 474 1403.7 95 5988 3.46
-----------+---------+----+---+---+---+----+---+---+------+---+-----+----
06/28: All-Time Saves List
Posted by: Patrick
Below you will find a list of the top 10 in career saves. Hall of Famers are underlined. Last updated through the end of the 2007 season.
# Name Saves
---+-----------------+-----
1. Trevor Hoffman 524
2. Lee Smith 478
3. Mariano Rivera 443
4. John Franco 424
5. Dennis Eckersley 390
6. Jeff Reardon 367
7. Billy Wagner 358
8. Randy Myers 347