Thursday, July 18, 2013

Day 109: Classy All-Star Send-Off for Mo

Anyone who knows me even just a little bit, knows I hate the New York Yankees. Wait... hate is such a strong word. No, that's right, I hate them. Maybe that loathing has been genetically implanted—I do come from a long line of Red Sox fans. Names like Bucky Dent and Aaron Boone immediately trigger dry heaves and cold sweats. All this hostility and I'm married to a Yankees fan? It's a miracle one of us isn't missing.

Mariano Rivera has been playing for the Yankees for as long as the Yankee fan and I have been together so I've been forced to watch him play. I've been forced to watch him dominate. I've been forced to watch him embarrass. And I've been forced to admire him. He has performed and competed with class and graciousness over his 19 years in the major leagues—something you might not expect from one clad in pinstripes.

This week marked the final All-Star appearance for Mr. Rivera. His 13th trip to the mid-summer classic was just one of the many accolades in his illustrious career. His 638 saves and overall ERA of 2.20 are both tops in the major leagues. Rivera was an integral part of five of the Yankees 27 World Series Championships. Even in his final season at 43 years old, coming off a serious knee injury, he continues to dominate. How can you not admire this guy?

He entered the 2013 All-Star game in the eight inning to a completely vacant field—all the other players left the field, giving Rivera the spotlight and recognition he deserves.


Do you have a favorite Mariano Rivera moment? I do. October 17, 2004. Come on... what did you expect from a Sox fan?

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