MO, THE GREATEST MLB PLAYER OF THIS GENERATION

It’s no coincidence that my very first “THE NYY Writer” blog originating over a year ago was written about one of my heroes, Mariano Rivera.  Tomorrow, the Yankees are honoring his retirement at Yankees Stadium.  This year, both he and Andy Pettitte have announced their retirement.  While I have also displayed my personal gratitude for what Andy has contributed to the Yankees, my focus of writing today’s blog is to appropriately, once again, write about one of the greatest players of all time and certainly the greatest in this generation of players, Mariano Rivera.

As my first blog stated, Mariano is not only a great baseball player, but has always displayed himself as a true leader and humble human being.  In his final season, he requested for the management team of the Yankees to work together with all scheduled opposing teams and find their most dedicated fans and/or employees, whether or not they're Yankees fans, so that he could offer his own personal time for them in simply discussing baseball and acknowledging their dedication.  An example of one such instance occurred a few months ago when he spent time with the drummer that bangs those (damn) drums for all of Cleveland’s home games.  It’s not surprising to me at all that this great man ensured to carry on such a unique and selfless act.  No one has ever put such a heartwarming idea together for fans; but that is typical of Mariano - he's like none other.

The managers, coaches, and even the players from all 30 teams showed their love and appreciation for Mariano professionally and as a man during this year’s All-Star Game when they set aside “alone” time once Mariano entered onto the field in the 8^th inning.  Jim Leyland classily assured Mariano did indeed make an entrance to that mound as all of the mixed-team fans at Citi Field went wild.  How ironic was it that this humble man ended up stealing all of the attention?  From a professional level, as usual, he just pitched successfully before exiting the mound.  Rightfully, they even issued the MVP of the 2013 All-Star Game to Mariano.

The Yankees are considering a push for “River” Avenue to be renamed “Rivera” Avenue.  I would also root for the Yankees to name the bullpen in Yankees Stadium after Mariano.  It would represent him beyond his eventual dedications in Monument Park at the stadium.  It would also continuously remind all NYY pitchers of the seriousness and success that the Yankees bullpen represents.  Maybe it could even inspire them to strive towards becoming at least half the person Mariano has always been.

So, Mariano, I would like to personally and publically say, “Thank you for everything you’ve done professionally by helping the Yankees achieve 5 World Series Championships, producing the lowest E.R.A. in playoff/World Series history, and saving over 650 games collectively during the regular seasons - just to name a few of your long-list accomplishments.  Also, thanks for inspiring me and others, while demonstrating how each of us should act.  I will miss you as a player next year and for all the years that follow.  Finally, I look forward to all of the honors you will be receiving, especially in 5 years when you receive the most votes in the history of the game prior to your unquestionable induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.”

Best Closer Ever + Class + Consistency + Humbleness = Mariano