I just watched Mariano Rivera enter his final All Star Game and pitch a 1-2-3 8th. Everyone thought that Rivera would pitch the ninth for the save--that which he does best. Citi Field, home of the Mets, played Enter Sandman (which I've written about before in Spine Tingling Moments). One of the greatest pleasures I've ever had in sports is seeing one of my sports heroes live. I saw Mariano close in 2006 in old Yankee Stadium against the Texas Rangers. I can't describe the feeling as a Mariano fan hearing Enter Sandman and seeing the bullpen door open and the greatest closer in the over 100 year history of the game run toward the mound. I was nearly heartbroken last year thinking that he might end his career with an injury to his knee. He has come back this year as though it never happened. He has also made no doubt about this being his final year. Even as a Yankees fan, I don't think they will make the playoffs without a miracle or epic collapse of other teams. It would be fitting, though. Mariano would finish his career with the same number of post-season saves as the number he wears--42. Mariano is the last 42 in the Major League. The number has been retired by every team for Jackie Robinson. Mariano was grandfathered in since he already wore the number when it was retired.
But back to seeing him play live. I've never seen my favorite teams win championships in person. I never saw Michael Jordan or Scottie Pippen play in person. I never saw Derrick Thomas or Lawrence Taylor play in person. One of my greatest sports memories, and something I will remember until my mind fades and I call everyone Billy, is seeing that bullpen door open to BUM ba da DA DUM. At the end of this season, my last sports hero will retire. I don't know if I will ever have another one. Puig has had an amazing season so far. Yoenis Cespedes, a player who I thought would be a phenom base on the handful of rookie cards I have, just obliterated the Home Run Derby last night. I admired Brian Urlacher, who retired this NFL offseason, and I like Tamba Hali, but I don't look up to them like I do Rivera, Jordan, Pippen, Thomas, and Taylor. To say the least, it's going to take a fairly epic showing to muscle into a list with those five men.
Of those five, Mariano is also the only one who is squeaky clean. Jordan had his gambling and his over the top competitiveness. Pippen was recently charged with assault for a fight outside a nightclub and had various issues on the court in the twilight of his career. Thomas died from a blood clot due to his own drunk driving, leaving behind children from six different mothers. And Lawrence Taylor, well, just Google "Lawrence Taylor legal issues." Be prepared. The only sports hero I've seen play in person, is the only sports hero who hasn't let me down. Of course, he's blown saves. Of course, he's been beaten in the game. But he has never appeared on a BioGenesis list or any other steroid list. He's never been arrested or had any off the field problems. He's been constantly graceful on-camera and humble to every interviewer. He even said that if he had chosen his music, it wouldn't have been Enter Sandman. He listens to Christian music.
It is increasingly rare to see athletes who are as graceful in life as they are in their sport. In this age of 24 hour sports networks where we find out who is going to jail before the ink from their fingerprints is even dry, a sports hero who has never had his fingers dipped is equally rare. It could be that the negatives get all the hype (see my bitter previous post). It could be that we are becoming a nation of cynics. We've been disappointed with our Jordans, Rodriguezes, Thomases, Taylors, Hernandezes. We've delved into every part of their lives, again, thanks to the 24 hour sports networks and 24 hour news networks that jump all over anything negative on any celebrity, sports or otherwise. To keep your name out of the news while you are in the spotlight is becoming impossible.
Pause: Mariano was just awarded the ASG MVP. Selig mentioned his behavior off the filed. Mariano's family is with him. He just won a sports car. Chevrolet is donating millions in his name to youth baseball programs in a city of his choice. Mariano seemed absolutely surprised the he is being recognized at all. He thanked God, and then the fans. In case you haven't heard, everywhere he's played, he's been sent out with gifts. He threw out the first pitch for an opposing team. Think about that. First pitches are honors. We have our soldiers do them. We have celebrities. We have presidents and leaders. In a game where he would pitch against them, the New York Mets had Mariano throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Tell me when that has happened before. Google it. Go to baseball-reference.com. I'll wait.
Didn't think you'd find anyone. I'm sitting here, typing, with tears in my eyes because I was able to watch my last heroes come into a game for 16 pitches and throw a 1-2-3 8th inning. And because he is someone I can still look up to.
In my closet is a t-shirt. I bought it outside Safeco Field. It has never been worn. It is waiting for an autograph it will probably never get. I would like to frame it an hang it in my eventual man cave. The t-shirt is Yankee blue. On the left breast is the NY of the Yankees. On the back is Rivera and 42.
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