Page 20 - Gears and Ears June 2014

Gears and Ears

Page 20 Journal of the Rotary Club of Lake Buena Vista June 2014

THIS MONTH’S BOOK REVIEW

The Closer by Mariano Rivera

Overview

The greatest relief pitcher of all time shares his extraordinary story of survival,
love, and baseball.Mariano Rivera, the man who intimidated thousands of batters merely
by opening a bullpen door, began his incredible journey as the son of a poor Panamanian
fisherman. When first scouted by the Yankees, he didn’t even own his own glove. He
thought he might make a good mechanic. When discovered, he had never flown in an
airplane, had never heard of Babe Ruth, spoke no English, and couldn’t imagine Tampa,
the city where he was headed to begin a career that would become one of baseball’s most
iconic. What he did know: that he loved his family and his then girlfriend, Clara, that he
could trust in the Lord to guide him, and that he could throw a baseball exactly where he

wanted to, every time.

Editorial Reviews:

Publishers Weekly:

From humble roots in Panama, Mariano "Mo" Rivera went on to become the greatest closer in baseball history, notching 652
total saves, 13 all-star appearances, and five World Series rings with the New York Yankees over 18 seasons. But in this
entertaining, admirably subdued autobiography, the glory is God's: Rivera's story brims with examples of his faith. Sure, there

is plenty of baseball for fans to feast on, too. The pitcher tells stories about his teammates (including Derek Jeter, A-Rod, and
Joe Torre); championship moments, including the 2000 subway series against the Mets, and the startling game-seven loss in
2001 to the Arizona Diamondbacks; as well as instances of heated pitching rivalries against the Red Sox. He also recalls
struggling through injuries, including an elbow issue that threatened his career early on and a blown knee that almost ended his
career in 2012. Intensely competitive and a gifted athlete, Rivera will delight baseball fans. But the memories recounted here—
both on the field and off—ultimately reveal something deeper: Rivera's almost incredible humility, unshakeable faith, and
devotion to his family (he married his childhood sweetheart, Clara). In an age of bravado and bluster in professional sports, he
is one of the few athletes who has earned a right to brag. Yet Rivera's elegance and class manage to somehow outshine his
accomplishments.

From the Publisher “This man is greatness personified.... There has never been anyone like this. And it’s likely there never
will be.” — ESPN.com

“Mariano Rivera has become a kind of living god of baseball.” — New York Times