TOW #25 -IRB The Closer

     Mariano Rivera, one of baseball's all-time bests, has won almost all possible accolades throughout his highly successful 19 seasons as a New York Yankee. Starting out his career from a long, slinky kid from the streets of Panama to closing out numerous World Series Games under the bright lights of Yankee's Stadium, Rivera's journey toward success is far from ordinary. Rivera is truly a "legend built from the group up" who continues inspire people through his version of the "American Dream".
     While there are 29 other Major League teams and millions of non-Yankees fans, all baseball fans can agree on one fact: Mariano Rivera's career was undeniably one of the best in MLB history. But what separates Rivera from other Hall of Fame players such as Nolan Ryan, Cy Young, and Steve Carlton is his journey towards being on a Major League roster. As a young, naive Puerto Rican teenager, Rivera dealt with obstacles that most American baseball players do not face in the already difficult race towards the Major Leagues. With language barriers, fierce competition with well-prepared players and no friend and family to support him in the United States, Rivera constantly fought through the difficulties. Yet, in the midst of all the difficulties, Rivera revealed his strong mentality as he explained his philosophy as “I just try to take away what I can from every situation, to always keep learning. Life is hard. Life is humbling. I do all I can to keep it simple”. The tenacious personality was what got him through the hard hits in his life, and his firm mindset and humble personality led to great success throughout his long career. Now, he is an inspiration to not just American fans, but to Puerto Ricans back at home and all around the globe. Rivera will not only be remembered as a dominant force for nearly two decades in the Majors, but also a true professional in which all people can learn a lesson or two through his story.   
      Although Rivera eventually received notable accolades and will be remembered as Major League Baseball's all-time saves and ERA leader, thirteen-time All-Star, and a five-time World Champion, he did not by any means just "receive" these goals. By overcoming long day and nights, Mariano Rivera made history through his incredible motive. Through his composed character, Rivera is not only a baseball player, but a great role model from which everyone can learn from.