Mike Lupica on Mariano Rivera:
Rivera reaches into his locker now, touches the home uniform he will wear. No. 42 on its back of course. This was Jackie Robinson’s number, one that will be retired permanently when Rivera retires.
“I think about putting on my uniform today,” he says, “and don’t worry about tomorrow. I think about the new day, the new challenge.”
He smiles.
“Let’s try to do it one more time,” he says.
He’s my favorite athlete.
He's the ultimate Zen Master.
He's my favorite athlete too. What a treat to have had the fortune to watch him compete.
A top 5 All Time Yankee. (Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, Mariano...sorry Yogi, Ford, Jeter, Guidry, Mattingly, Goose, etc.)
Greatness personified, and Mo could even be considered the greatest Yankee ever, because they probably would not have made it through the season to the playoffs into the WS with a mortal closer during his era.
Have I mentioned that I *NEVER* get tired of reading articles about Mariano?
...and the congregation shall rise as one and shout mightily: Praise be to Mo!