Thursday, December 15, 2005

Mariano Rivera


It is the Ninth inning. The Yankees are ahead and there is a save situation. The song Enter Sandman by Metallica begins to blare on the stadium speakers. The fence at the bullpen opens and out jogs Mariano Rivera, #42. He is the best closer in Baseball history. He plays for the most storied franchise in sports, and he is a Christian.

Mariano Rivera is by far my favorite New York Yankee. After moving to Connecticut, and finally being able to watch YES (Yankees, Entertainment, and Sports) network on a regular basis, I earned even more respect for this man seeing him nearly every night this past summer.

Yesterday, he joined Mike and the Mad Dog on their afternoon show on sports radio 660 WFAN. His 13 minute interview with Mike Francessa and Chris "Mad Dog" Russo was nothing short of a testimony of his faith. When asked of the secret to his success, Mo very plainly said, "1st it is God, He helps me do everything."

After a few minutes of describing other things that he helps make him successful, Mike mentioned to him about being underpaid. Now many of us who follow sports, understand that the salaries are very high, and Rivera is clearly not poor, however, when compared to other relief pitchers, who recently signed, ahem...BJ Ryan and Billy Wagner, he clearly is the best of all time, and he is also making a lot less money than these other players. When asked if he is underpaid, Mo said, "It is not about money." Yes, Mr. Steinbrenner, for once you actually underpaid someone!

The conversation then shifted to the Hall of Fame. Rivera is clearly a first ballot hall of famer. When asked about it, Mariano said, "It is not really a goal for me to get there."

In closing, Rivera said that above all else, he thanks God for making him as successful as he is, and that he thanks God that he is on the Yankees. As he hung up the phone, Mo wished Mike and Chris a Merry Christmas and God bless you.

I have only highlighted some of the interview. You can listen to it in its entirety by going to http://www.wfan.com

Yankee Captain and shortstop, Derek Jeter has said that Rivera is always asking him for donations and also to sign stuff, so that he can build churches in his home country of Panama. Upon retiring from baseball, Mo is going to join the ministry and be a minister.

Mo, keep witnessing, and continue to be a shining light for the Lord.

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16



1 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Gotta love the Sandman...<3

Thursday, December 15, 2005 5:15:00 PM  

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