Tuesday, July 16, 2013

The Empathic Appreciative Closer

Tonight, after pitching a perfect 8th inning for the American League in Major League Baseball's All Star Game, Mariano Rivera told TV reporter Ken Rosenthal that he appreciated the standing ovation he received from fans, fellow players and even opposing players and coaches from the National League. Choked  up with emotion, Mariano, who is retiring at the end of the season at age 43 after an amazing record setting career that all consider to be the best ever as a closer, told Rosenthal that the experience walking off the mound was "priceless" and "up there" with his experience closing World Series victories.

This show of emotion and sincere appreciation for the adulation he received from fans and peers  is not an unusual response for this great athlete with a huge heart. See the article that appeared in The New York Times today to learn how Mariano has chosen to spend his last day in each of the cities he is visiting this year: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/16/sports/baseball/yankees-rivera-spends-his-goodbye-tour-saying-hello.html

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