Mariano Officially Announces Retirement After 2013

[Giantmetfan07]

Mariano River Will Retire At End of Season


TAMPA — Mariano Rivera knows a thing or two about closing. On Saturday, he began the closing act of his career with the same grace he has used to collect more saves than any pitcher in history.

Sitting with his wife, Clara, and two of their three sons, Rivera delivered the news the world knew was coming: the 2013 season will be his last.
“Now you're hearing it from me, it’s official,” Rivera said. “After this year, I will be retired.”

The pavilion at Steinbrenner Field was standing-room only. Hal Steinbrenner, Brian Cashman, Reggie Jackson, Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte were among a group of Yankees VIPs seated to Rivera’s right during the press conference, while the rest of the team stood behind them to watch the greatest closer of all-time deliver his news.

“It’s not so easy when you come to a decision like this,” said Rivera, who admitted he had to collect himself after he looked around at his teammates assembled for the announcement. “But I would love to say that it has been a privilege and honor to wear the pinstriped uniform that I have proudly worn for so many years in good times, great times. It has been wonderful.”

Rivera, 43, opened the press conference by thanking Cashman for a new two-year extension, drawing laughs from the crowd.

Rivera said he is confident that this is the right time for him to move on to the next chapter of his life — something Pettitte had difficulty doing, as he retired after the 2010 season only to return last year.

“Now is the time,” Rivera said. “I have given everything and the tank is almost empty. The little gas I have left is everything for this year. After that, I’ll empty everything. There’s nothing left. I did everything and I’m proud of it. That’s why it’s time.” Asked how he knows his tank is almost empty, Rivera replied, “Well, I'm telling you the tank is empty. I think that’s enough.

“It’s been a journey. One thing I will say that I will never stop missing (is) the game or the action on the field and my teammates. After that, it’s nothing else. The traveling, hotels and all that, there’s no more in me. I’ll do what I have to do next.”

 

[Steez]

the sandman will be missed. nothing short of a legend.

still remember being in like 4th grade watching him pitch in the world series against the mets and getting so pumped.

 

[Giantmetfan07]

As much as I hate the Yankees, he was one of the few players there I really liked. And I was there at Shea when he pitched in the WS too, which was tough to see but I can be one of the few that said they saw him on that stage.