The Heart of a Champion - Mariano Rivera
By Doug Singer
Mariano Rivera is considered by many to be “the greatest closer of all time.” There is one thing for certain about “Mo”, or “Sandman”, whichever moniker you wish to place on him; this Panamanian pitcher, who bleeds blue, has a heart of gold. Spending the entire 16 years of his illustrious career with the boys in pinstripes, this is one Yankee whose ambition goes well beyond diamonds.
Involved with philanthropic causes in his native Panama as well as the US, The Mariano Rivera Foundation generously distributes funds to underprivileged children through church-based institutions. His efforts include building an elementary school and a church, providing Christmas gifts to the underprivileged and developing a program that provides computer access and adult mentors to at-risk youth.
I was fortunate enough to attend a very intimate meet-and-greet at Steiner Sports with some of his greatest fans. After observing and interacting with him, what resonated with me is how remarkably genuine, non-ego based and generous this man is. A true gentleman, he is humble and is certainly a man of faith. He takes no responsibility for his extraordinary talent, simply defers the credit to a higher power. A true man of the people, it was inspiring to watch the way he proactively interacted with children and adults alike. He has a gift for putting people at ease, making it impossible to not only to like the man, but to admire the soulfulness with which he lives his life.
In this day and age, we are in need of more role models like Mariano Rivera. When he retires, the Yankees number 42 will retire with him, a serious honor reserved for only the greatest of players. As brilliant an athlete as he is, he is an even better human being. We can only hope his legacy of honor and sportsmanship will echo through many generations of players to come.
Mariano Rivera is considered by many to be “the greatest closer of all time.” There is one thing for certain about “Mo”, or “Sandman”, whichever moniker you wish to place on him; this Panamanian pitcher, who bleeds blue, has a heart of gold. Spending the entire 16 years of his illustrious career with the boys in pinstripes, this is one Yankee whose ambition goes well beyond diamonds.
Involved with philanthropic causes in his native Panama as well as the US, The Mariano Rivera Foundation generously distributes funds to underprivileged children through church-based institutions. His efforts include building an elementary school and a church, providing Christmas gifts to the underprivileged and developing a program that provides computer access and adult mentors to at-risk youth.
I was fortunate enough to attend a very intimate meet-and-greet at Steiner Sports with some of his greatest fans. After observing and interacting with him, what resonated with me is how remarkably genuine, non-ego based and generous this man is. A true gentleman, he is humble and is certainly a man of faith. He takes no responsibility for his extraordinary talent, simply defers the credit to a higher power. A true man of the people, it was inspiring to watch the way he proactively interacted with children and adults alike. He has a gift for putting people at ease, making it impossible to not only to like the man, but to admire the soulfulness with which he lives his life.
In this day and age, we are in need of more role models like Mariano Rivera. When he retires, the Yankees number 42 will retire with him, a serious honor reserved for only the greatest of players. As brilliant an athlete as he is, he is an even better human being. We can only hope his legacy of honor and sportsmanship will echo through many generations of players to come.
