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.
