The ‘Core Four’ members still know how to make a splash. The baseball icons Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, and Jorge Posada, who lifted four World Series trophies in five years, continue to influence the game. Hall of Famers Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter serve as perfect examples. The Core Four players remained tightly knit during their baseball careers and into retirement. Their names would naturally appear when one participated in an interview or show. But are they still as close as they were years ago? Others may be, but not necessarily the two Hall of Famers.

Not long ago, Mariano Rivera, the first unanimous Hall of Famer in MLB history, took some time off to indulge in a light-hearted game of Rapid Fire. In the process, whether intentionally or not, he omitted any mention of ‘Captain Clutch’ Derek Jeter.

Did Mariano Rivera intentionally leave out Derek Jeter?

Even though it’s been nearly a decade since the 13x All-Star, ‘Sandman,’ retired, he still finds ways to keep himself busy. Rivera now devotes his time to his family and public speaking, and he is also a co-founder of the Mariano Rivera Foundation, established with his wife during his fourth MLB season. With so many responsibilities, one might think he would need more time to keep up with the baseball world. However, the Hall of Famer’s recent participation in a Rapid Fire game suggests otherwise.

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As the former Yankees’ legendary participated in the event, he answered various questions about his funniest teammate, the hardest batter he faced, the teammate he remains most in touch with, and his favorite active reliever to watch. Interestingly, none of his responses mentioned Derek Jeter.

Notably, the exceptional closer has a favorite reliever in the league, implying something special about that player. The unanimous Hall of Famer’s preferred reliever to watch is Touki Toussaint of the Chicago White Sox, known to Rivera as the “kid from Cleveland.” Until June 20, Toussaint played for this season’s underdogs, the Cleveland Guardians, and is now a player for the Chicago White Sox.

Who was the toughest batter for Rivera?

In line with the quick-response nature of Rapid Fire, Rivera didn’t overthink his answers. Consequently, when asked about the funniest teammate, he named former World Champ Nick Swisher. When questioned about the teammate he maintains the most contact with, Mariano offered, “Andy Pettitte.” However, Rivera identified the toughest batter he faced as a fellow Hall of Famer and Panama native Edgar Martinez.

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After hearing Rivera’s answers, do you think the omission of Jeter’s name was intentional? Or he wasn’t asked a question that accurately reflected his relationship with Derek. Please share your thoughts in the comments below!