Mariano Rivera, considered the greatest closer in MLB history, was promoting his aptly titled memoir The Closer Tuesday night in New York City at the 92Y with Amy Robach of Good Morning America driving the conversation. While their talk traversed his entire career, the word of the night was humble.

Throughout the chat, Rivera spoke about his "humble" beginnings in a small fishing town in Panama, followed by staying "humble" even as his career skyrocketed to Hall of Fame heights. He credited God and his humility for being able to save an MLB record 652 games, and said that humility "kept him grounded."

"When they are saying you're the best closer, don't believe that," Rivera told the 92Y audience, which included Sports World News. He launched into a story about how he had always thanked God for his great talents and for guiding him as he played. Then one night, against the Atlanta Braves, he said he told God "I got this now."

He gave a rueful laugh and told Robach, "Man, they whipped me that night. They whipped me so bad. But that was good for me." He also talked about not knowing who Babe Ruth or Hank Aaron was upon arriving in the big leagues, and never having worn cleats without holes in them. He never even had a new glove before arriving in America.

"All this," Rivera said referring to the fortune he earned playing baseball as well as the innumerable accolades he's received, "wasn't the goal. I just came here to do my job and play the game the right way."

Rivera said that he had zero regrets in his career, but in the book he said if there was one thing he could erase from the game it would be steroids. Mo shared his thoughts on the involvement of teammates Andy Pettitte and Alex Rodriguez with PEDs, as well as battling accusations that he used them.

In 1995, when his velocity jumped from the high-80s to mid-90s, many pointed a finger at him. He said he shrugged it off easily. "When you know that you're clean, you walk with your head held high."

When it came to Pettitte and A-Rod, Rivera had touching comments. He said he did not think they were right to use PEDs and was firm. In Pettitte's case, he said "No man is perfect. We all make mistakes. I truly believe he used them to heal quicker to help the team, not to become a better pitcher."

When the talk turned to A-Rod, he put both hands up to try and settle the crowd before unrest set in. "Hang on, hang on," Rivera said chuckling. He insinuated A-Rod's plight wouldn't be so severe if he weren't the highest-paid player in history, and he also called Rodriguez "a brother."


"I told him, I don't agree with what you did. I don't think it's right. But I'm not going to just throw him under the bus. He's my brother, and I told him 'I am on your side.'"

By the time Rivera retired, he had amassed 652 saves, most in MLB history. He recorded 42 postseason saves, posted a 0.70 playoffs ERA in 141 innings, and helped the Yankees win five World Series titles.

Despite all that, one man loomed large to Rivera-Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners. "Man he was so tough on me, I couldn't get him out if I threw an invisible ball!"

Rivera also thanked the fans for all their unending support over his 19-year career, even though they caused some stress. "They either love you or hate you man, so I made sure I did everything right," Rivera said laughing. He mentioned how former manager Joe Torre would never hesitate to bring him in brutal situations either.

"Eighth inning, bases loaded nobody out," Rivera said pointing at his bald head. "See this? I used to have an afro! That's what that did to me."