“A Blessing”: Derek Jeter’s Emotional Goodbye Still Tears Up Mariano Rivera Who Hails Him as “Family”

Some days a baseball pitcher never forgets. Like the first time they step into a big league mound, the thrill and pressure, career milestone, and of course, their last day at the game. For Mariano Rivera, the day he hung up his iconic Yankee jersey is a day which he said is etched on his brain. In his words, “That memory is like a stamp on my brain.” And why not? His friend Derek Jeter made it special.

He had two of his friends with whom he won multiple titles from taking the ball from him and a crowd of more than 48k+ people cheering for him.

Mariano Rivera touching Yankee goodbye with Jeter and Pettitte

The MLB Legend, Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera hung up his jersey in 2013 after spending 19 years of season-career as a Yankee. And the day he did it is crystal clear to him, just like it happened yesterday. On Sept 26, 2013, Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte surprised him at the mound, taking the ball from him as 48k+ fans went wild. Rivera was overwhelmed to have his close friends and family, one can say, with him at such an important time of his life. His hugs, his tears, everything could make even a grown man cry!

Reminiscing this core memory, Rivera, in an interview from the stands behind home plate at Yankee Stadium, said to People, “It was a blessing to have Derek and Andy pulling me out of the game from that stage like that… I’m telling you, it was just amazing.” It is understandable why it meant so much to have them both with him then. Rivera, Jeter, and Pettitte are three players who make up the famed Yankees “Core Four” along with Jorge Posada. These key players had a major hand that led to the team winning four World Series titles in five years during the late 90s and early 2000s. Now all of them are retired, but not their relationship because that bond is still there to stay. 

And Rivera highlighted one thing clearly and with a bright smile, he said, “You’re always a Yankee… It’s in the family,” And he not only is a proud former Yankee but also is all about convincing others to take the same route as him.

Rivera has some advice for Juan Soto!

Rivera spent 19 years of his life at the New York Yankees and he wouldn’t have it any other way. In fact, recently, he tried to convince Juan Soto, to get a contract extension and stay wearing that pinstripe for the rest of his career. He told Athletics, “If I had to tell Juan Soto to be a Yankee for life, it wouldn’t take me much to say. It is what it is. To me, the Yankees are the Yankees. It’s a special place. It’s second to none. He knows. I think playing here, experiencing this, he knows about it. … If he approached me or if the question was asked, I would definitely say that.”

According to Rivera, playing for the Yankees is unique, something special, and Juan Soto shouldn’t move from it. However, things are not entirely that simple. Even though Soto and Yankees have been a perfect match both on-field and off-field too Soto seems to be well-loved by most fans. He was recently seen with Justin, a Make-A-Wish kid, and hand in hand Soto led him to meet all the other players and get his baseball signed. This gesture won the hearts of fans worldwide. 

Soto’s track record is solid, with 27 home runs, and 77 RBIs, and he leads the league with 90 walks, boasting an impressive slash line of .309/.436/.592. So it makes sense for the Yankees to keep the partnership going. And since Soto reaches free agency this November, the talks are ever more in the rounds. 

Steinbrenner said last week on YES Network analyst Jack Curry’s Yankees podcast, “I think we’d like to see him here for the rest of his career.’’ But Soto is only 25, and there’s a good chance he’ll explore new opportunities—perhaps even a huge offer from Mets owner Steve Cohen. What do you think?