Bio Mariano Rivera

By Tizziana

Mariano Rivera was born November 29, 1969 Panama City, Panama. His parents Mariano Sr. and Delia Rivera raised him in the fishing village of Puerto Caimito in Panama.

Rivera began playing baseball for a team, representing his local district. A Yankees scout attended one of his games and after watching him throw, he arranged for him to attend a Yankees tryout camp in Panama City.

He flew to the United States to begin pitching for the Rookie level in the Yankees of the Gulf Coast League, he pitched 26 innings, including 15 hit-less innings. He played an important role in the Yankees advancing to and winning the 1996 World Series against the Atlanta Braves.

In 1998, he saved 36 games in 41 opportunities. He helped the Yankees beat the San Diego Padres in the 1998 World Series. In 1999, was also voted as an All-Star, and led the Major Leagues. He was also given the World Series MVP Award for earning two saves and a win against the Braves in the 1999 World Series In 2002, he was placed on the disabled list three times for groin and shoulder strains. In 2009 Mariano saved the last game and became a World Champ for the 5th time.

Rivera was 17th pitcher in MLB history to record 300 saves and the only the second pitcher in history to get over 500 saves. Only one player has more saves than him and might catch him in 2 years if he does not retire.

Rivera married his wife, Clara, on November 9, 1991. They have three sons: Mariano Jr., Jafet, and Jaziel. In November 2007 he became the highest paid reliever in baseball history with a 45 Million contract for 3 years.

Rivera is a partner in a restaurant in New Rochelle, New York called "Mo's New York Grill". He is also involved with giving contributions in Panama, which include building an elementary school and a church, providing Christmas gifts to children, and developing a program that provides computer access and adult mentors to youths. He is role model to many in Panama.
When he retires from Baseball Mariano Rivera hopes to become the second Panamanian to be elected to the Hall of Fame, Rod Carew is the only Panamanian in the Hall of Fame for the moment