He has helped the Yankees win a number of championships
since that time, and in the process, has become one of the finest (arguably the
best) “closers” of all-time.
After an early-season knee injury a year ago caused him to
miss virtually the entire 2012 season, he was determined to return for one last
year in Yankee pinstripes. And he is
indeed back.
But beyond his remarkable recovery from a serious injury as
an athlete in his 40’s (he is now 43), the Panama-born pitcher has made a point
of doing his “farewell tour” differently than most. Rather than focusing on himself, in his final
visit to play the teams the Yankees have competed against all these years,
Rivera has asked, in every city he visits, to meet and spend time with employees
from those organizations. He wants to
express his personal ‘thank you’ to those who make the game possible, and who,
indirectly (perhaps directly, by their good work) have assisted him in becoming
what he is.
Here is a link to one of the many articles (via Sports
Illustrated) that have appeared about Rivera’s outlook. He has sought out office staff, grounds crew
employees, fans—any and all individuals who contribute behind the scenes to
their organizations and the game of baseball, but do so usually without attention
or thanks.
It is an unusual way to say “goodbye” to the game that has
made him famous—and wealthy. But it says
something about Rivera that he has made a point of thanking others on his way
out the door—shaking hands, posing for pictures, signing autographs but most
importantly, just talking privately, one-on-one. And he is spending time primarily with those who are
never in the limelight themselves, but without whom the game would not function
as smoothly as it does.
Rivera will be remembered as a Hall-of-Famer, an all-time
Yankee—and baseball—great.
For those he will connect in this unique manner throughout
the rest of the 2013 season, he may be remembered a bit differently. But the memories will likely be no less
special.
Athletes may not always be considered positive role-models any more, and understandably so, but for young athletes looking for someone to emulate—in
terms of attitude, behavior, work ethic and humility—Rivera might be a good
place to start.
