Mariano Rivera’s eager for another chance at World Series
If there’s one thing Mariano Rivera is eager to achieve this season, it’s a World Series title with the New York Yankees. The veteran closer for the Yankees is heading into his 17th season and his preparation for his latest challenge came late
as he made his way to spring training after four days of the official start for pitchers and catchers. The player was delayed by his family but he eventually broke free from the responsibilities when he made his way to the club camp in Florida.
The pitcher had a chance to talk to other players about the delayed arrival and his aspirations for the season. He had one thing to clarify and that was the fact that he still desired another World Series ring.
“It doesn’t matter if you have 10 rings, 50 rings,” Rivera said. “I would want the 60th one. Or the 11th one. Or the sixth.”
Manager Joe Girardi was also present at the camp and commented on Mariano Rivera, who recently signed a two-year deal worth $30 million. The manager is placing his faith in the player and his competitive drive.
“I don’t think you can perform at the level he does, and at the level he has, if your competitive drive is not really, really strong,”
Mariano has been thinking a lot about his recently retired teammate, Andy Pettitte. The pitching ace recently walked away from the game, citing his family as the core reason. Rivera is in a similar situation but he has a different opinion on when a player
should call it quits.
“There’s no in between, because if you’re in between, you will be miserable,” he said. “If you don’t feel it in your heart, you don’t feel it in yourself anymore, that’s the time to say goodbye. Why are you going to do it if you don’t have the desire to
do it?”
The Yankees will be out of spring training soon and heading back to Yankee Stadium. The management and team need the same desire that Mariano has in order to make it into the World Series this year.
Tags: