Playing with Purpose by Jesse Florea

Author:Jesse Florea [Florea, Jesse]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-62029-999-9
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2012-12-21T16:00:00+00:00

Over the years Mariano Rivera and shortstop Derek Jeter (right) have been part of five World Series championship teams for the New York Yankees. During that time, they’ve developed a deep respect for each other. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Showing tremendous focus and resolve, he saved Game 1 against the Boston Red Sox. He doesn’t remember eating or sleeping before the game, but he got the job done on the field.

“The most difficult part of my day was leaving my family, knowing they are still in pain,” Mariano said. “It was tough coming on that plane alone. There’s tears coming out of my eyes … but I have a job to do, and I have twenty-four players there waiting for me.”

He notched a save in Game 2 as well. In fact, the Yankees led the series 3–0 before Boston rolled off four straight victories to end New York’s season.

With the season ended, Mariano could get back to his family. He usually spent a month around Christmas in Panama. But this year, the memories of the loss of his cousins were too fresh and too painful. Instead of traveling down to Panama, he flew thirty family members to the United States. He spent the winter lifting weights and riding his stationary bike at home. He didn’t throw a ball until spring training because he felt he needed to be away from baseball and with his family instead.

Throughout Mariano’s career, his priorities have been clear: faith, family, baseball. That consistency of character has earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike.

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