Jesse Florea - PLAYING WITH PURPOSE: MARIANO RIVERA

2012 by Jesse Florea and Mike Yorkey

Print ISBN 978-1-62029-821-3

eBook Editions:
Adobe Digital Edition (.epub) 978-1-62029-999-9
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New York catcher Jorge Posada pushes Mariano Rivera back to the mound to acknowledge the crowds cheers after the Yankee closer recorded his 602nd save. New York beat the Minnesota Twins 64 on September 19, 2011, at Yankee Stadium. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek)

Heading into the 2011 season, the question wasnt if New York Yankee pitcher Mariano Rivera was the best closer in Major League Baseball history but when hed break the all-time saves record and prove that fact.

The answer to that question came on September 19 at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees held a 64 lead over the Minnesota Twins heading into the top of the ninth inning. Like the team had done so many times over the previous sixteen seasons, New York called on Mariano to clinch the victory.

Throughout the game, the Yankees faithful could feel something special in the air. The electricity had built as New York clung to a two-run lead after six innings. Mariano had come into the game with 601 saves, tying him for the all-time lead with San Diego Padres great Trevor Hoffman.

The Bronx pulsated with energy as the innings went by. The crowd erupted with cheers when New Yorks Nick Swisher grounded into an inning-ending double play in the eighthnot because the fans wanted Swisher to fail but because the end of the eighth meant it was time for Mariano to go for the record.

The crowd grew even louder between innings as Mariano jogged from the bullpen to the mound and took his warm-up pitches.

Lets go, Mo! fans chanted.

Moments later, the cheering ratcheted up another level as Trevor Plouffe, the Twins second hitter, stepped into the batters box to lead off the ninth inning. It wasnt going to be easy for Mariano to pick up his 602nd save. Hed have to go through the heart of Minnesotas lineup, which included Michael Cuddyer and Chris Parmeleeboth of whom had hit home runs earlier in the game.

The situation. The noise. The pressure. None of it seemed to rattle Mariano. He stared steel-eyed at his catcher, Russell Martin, gritted his teeth, and delivered his first pitch. Four pitches later, Plouffe found himself sitting on the bench after hitting a harmless ground ball to second base. Cuddyer suffered a similar fate. On a two-and-two count, he hit a lazy fly ball to right field for the second out.

That brought up Parmelee. Mariano kicked and delivered a belt-high pitch on the outside edge of the plate. Strike one. The Yankee crowd began a deafening chant of Mar-i-a-no! Parmelee managed to make contact with the second pitch, fouling off an inside pitch and breaking his bat in the process. Strike two. As Parmelee walked back to the dugout to grab some new wood, the crowds excitement grew. Back in the batters box, with new lumber in his hands, Parmelee could only watch as Marianos signature cut fastball hit 93 miles per hour and caught the outside corner of home plate. Strike three!

Three pitches. Three strikes. One historic out.

In all, Mariano threw thirteen pitches to retire the Twins in 1-2-3 order.

Yankees fans and players jumped around with excitement. Mariano simply smiled, hugged Martin, and took the game ball from his catcher. After Mariano hugged his fellow Yankeesincluding all the relief pitchers, who had run in from the bullpenlong-time teammate Jorge Posada nudged Mariano back onto the mound to accept the fans adulation.

For the first time in my career, Im on the mound alone, Mariano said later. It was priceless. I didnt know it could be like that.

Mariano blew a kiss to the Yankee Stadium faithful and took off his hat to thank the fans who had cheered for him since he entered the major leagues. He smiled and threw up his arms, looking almost embarrassed at all the applause.

After several moments, Mariano rejoined his teammates and walked off the field. Immediately following the game, reporters surrounded Mariano and asked what it felt like to be the best closer of all time.

Like hed done countless times in the past, Mariano deflected the attention from himself and put the focus on his teammatesand on God.

The whole organization, my whole teammates have been a pillar for me, Mariano told reporters. I always have to talk about God because thats the most important thing in my life. Yes, there have been bumps in the road, but God gave me the strength.

Gods strength almost seems to flow through Mariano on the mound. At 6 feet, 2 inches tall and 195 pounds, hes not an imposing figure with the ball in his hand. But once the ball leaves his fingers, the pitch seems to explode toward the plate.

The Yankee closer always credits God with his success. For years, he has written his favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:13, on his baseball glove: I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Marianos words and actions after setting the saves record only added to his reputation as one of the kindest and humblest players ever to lace up a pair of cleats.

Everybody seemed happy for him. Even after losing, many of the Twins stayed in the dugout and on the field to help honor Marianos accomplishment. And Trevor Hoffman, now in second place on the all-time saves list, offered his best wishes.

I want to congratulate Mariano Rivera on setting the all-time saves record, Hoffman said in a statement. Its a great accomplishment, and he is still going strong! I have tremendous respect for Mariano not just for his on-field accomplishments, but also for his service to the community.