Cartoon of Mariano “The Cutter” Rivera, one of best closing pitchers of baseball’s Mayor Leagues ever. Credit: The Daily News.
It seems Mariano Rivera—Panama’s Golden Boy— will call it a career after one last season in the Bronx. The Yankees has a press conference scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2013. At this event, Rivera will announce his intentions to retire at the end of the 2013 season, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
Rivera, baseball’s all-time leader with 608 saves, had surgery in June to repair a torn ACL in his right knee. His 2012 season ended on May 3 in Kansas City, when the 43-year-old went down in a heap while shagging fly balls in Kansas City.
He’ll go out with piles of accolades. The future Hall of Famer has five World Series rings and was selected to the All-Star game 12 times — all in pinstripes. Known for his great cutter, Rivera has posted a career 2.21 ERA, and has a mind-boggling 0.70 ERA in 96 playoff games (42 saves).
With Rivera’s departure, the famous No. 42, will be retired. It was introduced in 1997 to honor Jackie Robinson for breaking MLB’s color barrier. As sure as days follow nights, Mariano will enter Cooperstown’s Baseball Hall of Fame as soon as the opportunity arises. We already have another great Panamanian in this elite baseball venue—Rod Carew. Good Day.
I really don’t “follow” baseball at all, but I’ve been aware of both Rod Carew and Rivera. Strangely, I had no idea they were Panamanian! Now I do, and it tickles me to know something of their backgrounds, thanks to you!
Oh – and look at that chainsaw. One tool, two uses. After all, that’s what my angel-carver uses, too!
Hi Linda:
Now you’re learning more and more about Panama. Soon you will be hopping into plane and coming down to Panama where the sun never sleeps.
Bye,
Omar.