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The Closer: My Story
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.
With astonishing candor, Rivera tells the story of the championships, the bosses (including The Boss), the rivalries, and the struggles of being a Latino baseball player in the United States and of maintaining Christian values in professional athletics. The thirteen-time All-Star discusses his drive to win; the secrets behind his legendary composure; the story of how he discovered his cut fastball; the untold, pitch-by-pitch account of the ninth inning of Game 7 in the 2001 World Series; and why the lowest moment of his career became one of his greatest blessings.
In The Closer, Rivera takes readers into the Yankee clubhouse, where his teammates are his brothers. But he also takes us on that jog from the bullpen to the mound, where the game -- or the season -- rests squarely on his shoulders. We come to understand the laserlike focus that is his hallmark, and how his faith and his family kept his feet firmly on the pitching rubber. Many of the tools he used so consistently and gracefully came from what was inside him for a very long time -- his deep passion for life; his enduring commitment to Clara, whom he met in kindergarten; and his innate sense for getting out of a jam.
When Rivera retired, the whole world watched -- and cheered. In The Closer, we come to an even greater appreciation of a legend built from the ground up.
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.
With astonishing candor, Rivera tells the story of the championships, the bosses (including The Boss), the rivalries, and the struggles of being a Latino baseball player in the United States and of maintaining Christian values in professional athletics. The thirteen-time All-Star discusses his drive to win; the secrets behind his legendary composure; the story of how he discovered his cut fastball; the untold, pitch-by-pitch account of the ninth inning of Game 7 in the 2001 World Series; and why the lowest moment of his career became one of his greatest blessings.
In The Closer, Rivera takes readers into the Yankee clubhouse, where his teammates are his brothers. But he also takes us on that jog from the bullpen to the mound, where the game -- or the season -- rests squarely on his shoulders. We come to understand the laserlike focus that is his hallmark, and how his faith and his family kept his feet firmly on the pitching rubber. Many of the tools he used so consistently and gracefully came from what was inside him for a very long time -- his deep passion for life; his enduring commitment to Clara, whom he met in kindergarten; and his innate sense for getting out of a jam.
When Rivera retired, the whole world watched -- and cheered. In The Closer, we come to an even greater appreciation of a legend built from the ground up.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published May 6, 2014
158 people are currently reading
1560 people want to read
About the author
Mariano Rivera
12 books19 followersMariano Rivera (born November 29, 1969) is a Panamanian retired baseball pitcher who played 19 seasons in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees, from 1995 to 2013. Nicknamed "Mo" and "Sandman", Rivera spent most of his career as a relief pitcher and served as the Yankees' closer for 17 seasons. A thirteen-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, he is MLB's career leader in saves (652) and games finished (952). Rivera won five American League Rolaids Relief Man Awards and three Delivery Man of the Year Awards, and he finished in the top three in voting for the AL Cy Young Award four times.
Rivera was signed by the Yankees organization in Panama in 1990, and he debuted in the major leagues in 1995. Initially a starting pitcher, he was converted to a relief pitcher late in his rookie year. After a breakthrough season in 1996 as a setup man, he became the Yankees' closer in 1997. In the following seasons, he established himself as one of baseball's top relievers, leading the major leagues in saves in 1999, 2001, and 2004. Rivera primarily threw a sharp-moving, mid-90s mile-per-hour cut fastball that frequently broke hitters' bats and earned a reputation as one of the league's toughest pitches to hit. With his presence at the end of games, signaled by his foreboding entrance song "Enter Sandman", Rivera was a key contributor to the Yankees' success in the late 1990s and early 2000s. An accomplished postseason performer, he was named the 1999 World Series Most Valuable Player and the 2003 AL Championship Series MVP, and he holds several postseason records, including lowest earned run average (0.70) and most saves (42).
Rivera is regarded within baseball as one of the most dominant relievers in major league history. Pitching with a longevity and consistency uncommon to the closer role, he saved at least 25 games in 15 consecutive seasons and posted an ERA under 2.00 in 11 seasons, both of which are records. His career 2.21 ERA and 1.00 WHIP are the lowest in the live-ball era among qualified pitchers. Fellow players credit him with popularizing the cut fastball across the major leagues. Along with his signature pitch, Rivera was known for his precise control, smooth pitching motion, and for his composure and reserved demeanor on the field. In 2013, the Yankees retired his uniform number 42; he was the last major league player to wear the number full-time, following its league-wide retirement in honor of Jackie Robinson. Rivera has been involved in philanthropic causes and the Christian community through the Mariano Rivera Foundation. He is considered to be a strong candidate for the Baseball Hall of Fame once he is eligible.
Rivera and his wife Clara have known each other since elementary school, and they were married on November 9, 1991. They have three sons: Mariano III, Jafet, and Jaziel. The family lived in Panama until 2000, when they relocated to Westchester County, New York; they currently reside in Rye, New York. Over the course of his professional career, Rivera learned English, beginning in 1991 with the Greensboro Hornets, when he realized none of his teammates spoke his native Spanish. He is now a proponent of Latino players learning English and of American press members learning Spanish, in order to bridge the cultural gap.
Rivera is a devout Christian. During his childhood, neither he nor his family attended church, but after a born-again experience around the age of 21, Rivera became religious and converted from Catholicism to a Pentecostal faith. His parents followed his lead after seeing the difference it made in him.
Rivera is involved with philanthropic contributions in his native Panama, which include building an elementary school, providing Christmas gifts to children, and developing a program that provides computer access and adult mentors to youths. The Mariano Rivera Foundation, which helps provide underprivileged children with an education, distributes more than $500,000 ann
Rivera was signed by the Yankees organization in Panama in 1990, and he debuted in the major leagues in 1995. Initially a starting pitcher, he was converted to a relief pitcher late in his rookie year. After a breakthrough season in 1996 as a setup man, he became the Yankees' closer in 1997. In the following seasons, he established himself as one of baseball's top relievers, leading the major leagues in saves in 1999, 2001, and 2004. Rivera primarily threw a sharp-moving, mid-90s mile-per-hour cut fastball that frequently broke hitters' bats and earned a reputation as one of the league's toughest pitches to hit. With his presence at the end of games, signaled by his foreboding entrance song "Enter Sandman", Rivera was a key contributor to the Yankees' success in the late 1990s and early 2000s. An accomplished postseason performer, he was named the 1999 World Series Most Valuable Player and the 2003 AL Championship Series MVP, and he holds several postseason records, including lowest earned run average (0.70) and most saves (42).
Rivera is regarded within baseball as one of the most dominant relievers in major league history. Pitching with a longevity and consistency uncommon to the closer role, he saved at least 25 games in 15 consecutive seasons and posted an ERA under 2.00 in 11 seasons, both of which are records. His career 2.21 ERA and 1.00 WHIP are the lowest in the live-ball era among qualified pitchers. Fellow players credit him with popularizing the cut fastball across the major leagues. Along with his signature pitch, Rivera was known for his precise control, smooth pitching motion, and for his composure and reserved demeanor on the field. In 2013, the Yankees retired his uniform number 42; he was the last major league player to wear the number full-time, following its league-wide retirement in honor of Jackie Robinson. Rivera has been involved in philanthropic causes and the Christian community through the Mariano Rivera Foundation. He is considered to be a strong candidate for the Baseball Hall of Fame once he is eligible.
Rivera and his wife Clara have known each other since elementary school, and they were married on November 9, 1991. They have three sons: Mariano III, Jafet, and Jaziel. The family lived in Panama until 2000, when they relocated to Westchester County, New York; they currently reside in Rye, New York. Over the course of his professional career, Rivera learned English, beginning in 1991 with the Greensboro Hornets, when he realized none of his teammates spoke his native Spanish. He is now a proponent of Latino players learning English and of American press members learning Spanish, in order to bridge the cultural gap.
Rivera is a devout Christian. During his childhood, neither he nor his family attended church, but after a born-again experience around the age of 21, Rivera became religious and converted from Catholicism to a Pentecostal faith. His parents followed his lead after seeing the difference it made in him.
Rivera is involved with philanthropic contributions in his native Panama, which include building an elementary school, providing Christmas gifts to children, and developing a program that provides computer access and adult mentors to youths. The Mariano Rivera Foundation, which helps provide underprivileged children with an education, distributes more than $500,000 ann
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 424 reviews
July 28, 2018
The Closer is an autobiography of Mariano Rivera, NY Yankees relief pitcher for 19 seasons. Rivera grew up in Panama and unlike many professional athletes in the U.S., didn’t always dream of making it in the big leagues. He knew he wasn’t interested in being a fisherman like many of the other men in his family, but baseball scouts sought him out to play, changing the course of his life.
Rivera is very religious and it was admirable to see him consistently abide by his own morals and values, and remain humble, when professional sports is often rampant with temptation in various avenues of life. That said, this book had a much heavier dose of his religious values than I expected it to. While I have my own beliefs, I always respect the beliefs of others. It’s Rivera’s story and I respect it, but if I knew the extent of this aspect in The Closer, I honestly may not have read it - I just found it a bit much after awhile.
I would have liked to read more about Rivera’s personal life and his training regime but the story as it was, is a decent one. I love sports although baseball is my least favorite of the big professional leagues. Big baseball fans, especially Yankees fans, are naturally likely to enjoy this story the most. Even if you’re not a Yankees fan, Rivera has done well over the course of his many seasons, and his accomplishments are worthy of respect from all fans of the game.
”For me, putting on the Yankee uniform every day is a process of rapture. You hear guys who get traded to, or sign with, the Yankees talk about how great it feels to be putting on the pinstripes. For me, the thrill never wears off. It is about the history of the uniform, the dignity and the championships, the way it stands for something enduring, for excellence. ”
Rivera is very religious and it was admirable to see him consistently abide by his own morals and values, and remain humble, when professional sports is often rampant with temptation in various avenues of life. That said, this book had a much heavier dose of his religious values than I expected it to. While I have my own beliefs, I always respect the beliefs of others. It’s Rivera’s story and I respect it, but if I knew the extent of this aspect in The Closer, I honestly may not have read it - I just found it a bit much after awhile.
I would have liked to read more about Rivera’s personal life and his training regime but the story as it was, is a decent one. I love sports although baseball is my least favorite of the big professional leagues. Big baseball fans, especially Yankees fans, are naturally likely to enjoy this story the most. Even if you’re not a Yankees fan, Rivera has done well over the course of his many seasons, and his accomplishments are worthy of respect from all fans of the game.
”For me, putting on the Yankee uniform every day is a process of rapture. You hear guys who get traded to, or sign with, the Yankees talk about how great it feels to be putting on the pinstripes. For me, the thrill never wears off. It is about the history of the uniform, the dignity and the championships, the way it stands for something enduring, for excellence. ”
May 9, 2014
Excellent autobiography of Mariano Rivera, the son of a poor Panamanian fisherman who became the best closer in MLB history with 602 saves. Very interesting how that came about and how Rivera developed his devastating cut fastball which was instrumental in NY Yankee dynasty of MLB in the last 15-20 years. A twelve time ALL-STAR, Rivera's pitch by pitch description of his relief appearances during Yankee playoff and World Series games was of great interest to me from the standpoint of a hard core Red Sox fan. When Rivera came into a game to close it in the 9th inning, the game, for all intents and purposes, was over and whoever the Yanks were playing, lost. It was that simple because he was that lights-out good.
What I especially liked about this book is Rivera'a very strong faith and how that manifested itself in his life and his game. For a world class talent, Rivera is an extremely humble man who strives to do the right thing for God, his family and the game of baseball. During contract negotiations once, he turned down an offer from the Phillies for an incremental 20 million dollars, opting instead, to remain a Yankee. That's very rare, old school loyalty to his team despite the big money lure of today's Scott Boras-style contracts. It's his old school loyalty, character and integrity that I found so admirable and so lacking in many professional athletes playing today. Mariano Rivera will be missed by everyone who love's the game of baseball and those exemplary few players who live and play the game with passion, hustle and heart.
What I especially liked about this book is Rivera'a very strong faith and how that manifested itself in his life and his game. For a world class talent, Rivera is an extremely humble man who strives to do the right thing for God, his family and the game of baseball. During contract negotiations once, he turned down an offer from the Phillies for an incremental 20 million dollars, opting instead, to remain a Yankee. That's very rare, old school loyalty to his team despite the big money lure of today's Scott Boras-style contracts. It's his old school loyalty, character and integrity that I found so admirable and so lacking in many professional athletes playing today. Mariano Rivera will be missed by everyone who love's the game of baseball and those exemplary few players who live and play the game with passion, hustle and heart.
June 19, 2014
Rating:
5 of 5 stars (outstanding)
Review:
From humble beginnings as the son of a fisherman in Panama to becoming, according to most, the best relief pitcher in the history of baseball, Mariano Rivera tells his story in “The Closer.” This book is much like many other memoirs written by players with assistance from professional writers in that the player looks back fondly at his playing days and many of the teammates and other people who helped him become a star in his chosen sport.
However, what makes this autobiography stand out is that Rivera shows that his persona as a member of the New York Yankees, humble and thankful for his talent, is who he really is as a person. This is brought out by his frequent references to two topics that are important parts of his life. They are his faith in the Lord and the devotion to his wife Clara. Rivera often refers to his faith as his means of dealing with awful occurrences (9/11 and the loss of two family members due to electrocution in a swimming pool), trying to come to grips with understanding others (use of PED’s for example) or even just how he keeps his work ethic and how he deals with low points of his career, such as the seventh game of the 2001 World Series.
His devotion to Clara is also evident throughout the book as well. He does consult and pray with her for many personal issues. One touching part that struck me was when he wanted to take a leave of absence from the Yankees on a road trip to attend his son’s elementary school graduation. The manager, Joe Torre, didn’t want to approve but knew that he couldn’t stop Rivera if that is what he wanted to do. Rivera turned to Clara for assistance in making the decision and thanked her for that and everything else she did for him during their marriage. By the way – Rivera stayed with the team for the road trip.
Rivera doesn’t talk a lot about controversial topics such as PED’s but when he does express an opinion in the book; he is open and honest and doesn’t care about the reaction. The best example of this is when he stated that he would like to have Dustin Pedroia of the Boston Red Sox as the second baseman on his team. This upset many Yankee fans – how dare a lifetime Yankee player say a RED SOX player is the best? But Rivera just was honest in his opinion on this topic as he was with any other one.
The book follows his chronological path during his youth, his tryout with the Yankees in Panama and his storied Yankee career. He doesn’t get too detailed in recounting seasons and even skims or ignores milestones he achieved. The game in 2011 in which he became the all time saves leader is worth two paragraphs. Yet, he moves the reader in which he gracefully and humbly acknowledges all that he has done and praises teammates and foes alike. Some of these passages are heart-tugging. I admit that my eyes moistened when he recalled being removed from the game in his last Yankee Stadium appearance in 2013 by teammates Andy Pettitte and Derek Jeter. He was sobbing in their arms on the mound and his recollection in the book of that moment is one that the reader will know is truly heartfelt and emotional.
The entire book is a great read for baseball fans, especially Yankee fans. I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to read about not only one of the greatest players to ever play the game, but also one of the best human beings to play the game as well.
Did I skim?
No
Pace of the book:
Excellent. Because Rivera doesn’t break down every detail of his childhood, his personal life or each season he pitched for the Yankees, the reader will move through the book with amazing speed.
Do I recommend?
Yes. Whether the reader is a baseball fan, one who likes to read biographies or memoirs or even just to read about someone who is true to his faith, this book will be a fine choice.
5 of 5 stars (outstanding)
Review:
From humble beginnings as the son of a fisherman in Panama to becoming, according to most, the best relief pitcher in the history of baseball, Mariano Rivera tells his story in “The Closer.” This book is much like many other memoirs written by players with assistance from professional writers in that the player looks back fondly at his playing days and many of the teammates and other people who helped him become a star in his chosen sport.
However, what makes this autobiography stand out is that Rivera shows that his persona as a member of the New York Yankees, humble and thankful for his talent, is who he really is as a person. This is brought out by his frequent references to two topics that are important parts of his life. They are his faith in the Lord and the devotion to his wife Clara. Rivera often refers to his faith as his means of dealing with awful occurrences (9/11 and the loss of two family members due to electrocution in a swimming pool), trying to come to grips with understanding others (use of PED’s for example) or even just how he keeps his work ethic and how he deals with low points of his career, such as the seventh game of the 2001 World Series.
His devotion to Clara is also evident throughout the book as well. He does consult and pray with her for many personal issues. One touching part that struck me was when he wanted to take a leave of absence from the Yankees on a road trip to attend his son’s elementary school graduation. The manager, Joe Torre, didn’t want to approve but knew that he couldn’t stop Rivera if that is what he wanted to do. Rivera turned to Clara for assistance in making the decision and thanked her for that and everything else she did for him during their marriage. By the way – Rivera stayed with the team for the road trip.
Rivera doesn’t talk a lot about controversial topics such as PED’s but when he does express an opinion in the book; he is open and honest and doesn’t care about the reaction. The best example of this is when he stated that he would like to have Dustin Pedroia of the Boston Red Sox as the second baseman on his team. This upset many Yankee fans – how dare a lifetime Yankee player say a RED SOX player is the best? But Rivera just was honest in his opinion on this topic as he was with any other one.
The book follows his chronological path during his youth, his tryout with the Yankees in Panama and his storied Yankee career. He doesn’t get too detailed in recounting seasons and even skims or ignores milestones he achieved. The game in 2011 in which he became the all time saves leader is worth two paragraphs. Yet, he moves the reader in which he gracefully and humbly acknowledges all that he has done and praises teammates and foes alike. Some of these passages are heart-tugging. I admit that my eyes moistened when he recalled being removed from the game in his last Yankee Stadium appearance in 2013 by teammates Andy Pettitte and Derek Jeter. He was sobbing in their arms on the mound and his recollection in the book of that moment is one that the reader will know is truly heartfelt and emotional.
The entire book is a great read for baseball fans, especially Yankee fans. I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to read about not only one of the greatest players to ever play the game, but also one of the best human beings to play the game as well.
Did I skim?
No
Pace of the book:
Excellent. Because Rivera doesn’t break down every detail of his childhood, his personal life or each season he pitched for the Yankees, the reader will move through the book with amazing speed.
Do I recommend?
Yes. Whether the reader is a baseball fan, one who likes to read biographies or memoirs or even just to read about someone who is true to his faith, this book will be a fine choice.
May 14, 2016
Uno de los mejores libros que he leído en el año, la historia y humildad de Mariano Rivera, un chico pescador de Panamá, hasta llegar a convertirse en el mejor cerrador de la historia del beisbol. Su historia es maravillosa y aprendí muchísimo más sobre béisbol y la historia de los Yankees y de Jeter. Gracias a este libro es que decidí ir dos veces al estadio de los Yankees a ver dos partidos. Si te gusta el béisbol no debes perderte este libro. Mariano, el último que portará el número 42 en los Yankees, eres increíble.
August 10, 2016
I’ve never liked the Yankees. A big market team that gets all the media attention. I love it when the lose. After reading this book, while I can’t say I now love them, I will say they’ve gotten more human. Rivera and his ‘90s and 2000s teammates have my admiration for their respect for the game, respect for the Yankee tradition, and their respect for their opponents (i.e. Red Sox) and their caring and compassion for each other, and their desire to put it all on the line every night.
This was a very easy and entertaining read. I never realized Mariano was such a devoutly religious man. He makes reference to this numerous times throughout the book. I'm not a religious person, yet reading so much about it never bothered me. The chapters are short (roughly 10-15 pages) and seem to follow each year of his career. After spending a couple of chapters describing his youth and upbringing, he gets into the meat of the book, which is his baseball career.
In general, chapters seem to contain how the year went for him. This includes any health issues, family, and teammate issues. He will share a story about a teammate or family member that affected him either that year or in his career. He discusses numerous popular Yankee teammates as well as players he admires from other teams. He’ll also discuss how the playoffs went that year, provided the Yankees made it that far.
You won’t really find any dirt on players. Mariano doesn’t seem that type of person. If a teammate does something that he disagrees with, he will talk about how that isn’t something he would do, but we are all not perfect and we make our own decisions. He does talk about having some heart-to-heart talks with players he feels need it (Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano). He also agreed that the "Jeffery Maier home run" was not a home run.
Among his closest friends are Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte, and trainer Gene Monahan. Oh, and he doesn’t particularly like Enter Sandman, but it wasn't up to him what song played when he entered the game.
This was a very easy and quick read, and I’d highly recommend it to baseball fans.
This was a very easy and entertaining read. I never realized Mariano was such a devoutly religious man. He makes reference to this numerous times throughout the book. I'm not a religious person, yet reading so much about it never bothered me. The chapters are short (roughly 10-15 pages) and seem to follow each year of his career. After spending a couple of chapters describing his youth and upbringing, he gets into the meat of the book, which is his baseball career.
In general, chapters seem to contain how the year went for him. This includes any health issues, family, and teammate issues. He will share a story about a teammate or family member that affected him either that year or in his career. He discusses numerous popular Yankee teammates as well as players he admires from other teams. He’ll also discuss how the playoffs went that year, provided the Yankees made it that far.
You won’t really find any dirt on players. Mariano doesn’t seem that type of person. If a teammate does something that he disagrees with, he will talk about how that isn’t something he would do, but we are all not perfect and we make our own decisions. He does talk about having some heart-to-heart talks with players he feels need it (Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano). He also agreed that the "Jeffery Maier home run" was not a home run.
Among his closest friends are Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte, and trainer Gene Monahan. Oh, and he doesn’t particularly like Enter Sandman, but it wasn't up to him what song played when he entered the game.
This was a very easy and quick read, and I’d highly recommend it to baseball fans.
October 24, 2014
With all the stereotypes of athletes being immature, self-centered and poor role models, it is refreshing to read the story of Mariano Rivera. Rivera is the son of a fisherman from Panama. He never thought he would ever leave Panama, let alone make the major leagues and play baseball for nineteen seasons with the New York Yankees.
Rivera marries his childhood sweetheart, Clara and has three children. When he moves to the United States, he realizes that he must learn English because few speak his native tongue. During his rise through the New York Yankees organization, he remains close to his Lord and always faithful to Clara. He speaks well of his teammates and the members of the baseball community he meets along the way.
Even though Rivera leads an exemplary life, the book was poorly written and was hard to stay focused on. The beginning of the book is of his meager beginnings in Panama. Then it goes on to endless pages of description about his baseball career. The story was bogged down with games, pitches, etc. I think if the book were better edited, it would have been a more interesting read.
Rivera marries his childhood sweetheart, Clara and has three children. When he moves to the United States, he realizes that he must learn English because few speak his native tongue. During his rise through the New York Yankees organization, he remains close to his Lord and always faithful to Clara. He speaks well of his teammates and the members of the baseball community he meets along the way.
Even though Rivera leads an exemplary life, the book was poorly written and was hard to stay focused on. The beginning of the book is of his meager beginnings in Panama. Then it goes on to endless pages of description about his baseball career. The story was bogged down with games, pitches, etc. I think if the book were better edited, it would have been a more interesting read.
May 29, 2022
I have nothing but admiration for this man.
March 27, 2020
The book The Closer is a very interesting book. Its about a man
Mariano Revera was a good man with an arm that could throw like a cannon. Mariano revera was also a chrstian, and he showed it threw his life. The book is around the 1900’s to the late 2000’s, in Yankees stadium. Mariano Revera talks about all of the games that he has gone through in his career. All of the big games, hard times, and amazing things God has done for him. I really liked this book, because of all of his story's on his different games, and how his upcoming he had started so poor and then he became who he was today. I recommend this book to anyone who has any interest in baseball at all.
Mariano Revera was a good man with an arm that could throw like a cannon. Mariano revera was also a chrstian, and he showed it threw his life. The book is around the 1900’s to the late 2000’s, in Yankees stadium. Mariano Revera talks about all of the games that he has gone through in his career. All of the big games, hard times, and amazing things God has done for him. I really liked this book, because of all of his story's on his different games, and how his upcoming he had started so poor and then he became who he was today. I recommend this book to anyone who has any interest in baseball at all.
March 5, 2017
Mariano Rivera was one of my favorite Yankee players. I was thoroughly spoiled by his amazing performance of the five World Series Championship seasons in the late 1990s and early 2000s. I was very excited to pick up this book and hoped to learn the secret of how he became one of MLB's dominant relievers.
I enjoyed the earlier parts of the book where Mariano narrated vividly of his poverty ridden youth in Panama and the magic encounter that led him to the Yankees. It was amazing how a person's life could change by a seemingly random circumstance. Mariano worked as a fisherman to save enough money to realize his dream of becoming a mechanics while playing baseball as a hobby. He didn't even start pitching until he was 19 years old at which time was discovered by chance.
The rest of book was unfortunately not very well written and light on the areas I was most interested in. I was hoping to gain insight on how he trained his body and mind, practiced with trainers and teams, developed his techniques, enriched relationships with coaches and teamates, and perhaps some interesting revelation of the almighty Yankee organization. Consistent with his cool demeanor and simple approach to baseball, he did not offer any sophisticated analysis on any of that. Instead, the rest of the book was just recap of the Yankee seasons and plays in chronological and technical terms. I appreciated that he was a man of strong faith, however his conviction that all of his skills was simply "Gift from God" was a bit much. He spent 19 seasons with the Yankees and there could have been a treasure trove of insight to gain from the experience, but he did not deliver nearly enough to satisfy the audience.
Nevertheless, I still love Mariano Rivera who undoubtedly was the King of Closers and gave the Yankee fans all he had, body and soul.
I enjoyed the earlier parts of the book where Mariano narrated vividly of his poverty ridden youth in Panama and the magic encounter that led him to the Yankees. It was amazing how a person's life could change by a seemingly random circumstance. Mariano worked as a fisherman to save enough money to realize his dream of becoming a mechanics while playing baseball as a hobby. He didn't even start pitching until he was 19 years old at which time was discovered by chance.
The rest of book was unfortunately not very well written and light on the areas I was most interested in. I was hoping to gain insight on how he trained his body and mind, practiced with trainers and teams, developed his techniques, enriched relationships with coaches and teamates, and perhaps some interesting revelation of the almighty Yankee organization. Consistent with his cool demeanor and simple approach to baseball, he did not offer any sophisticated analysis on any of that. Instead, the rest of the book was just recap of the Yankee seasons and plays in chronological and technical terms. I appreciated that he was a man of strong faith, however his conviction that all of his skills was simply "Gift from God" was a bit much. He spent 19 seasons with the Yankees and there could have been a treasure trove of insight to gain from the experience, but he did not deliver nearly enough to satisfy the audience.
Nevertheless, I still love Mariano Rivera who undoubtedly was the King of Closers and gave the Yankee fans all he had, body and soul.
March 24, 2017
Mariano Rivera, born and raised in Panama, thought he wanted to be a soccer player until an eye injury ended that. This next plan was to become a mechanic, but then he was asked to try out for the NY Yankees farm teams as a pitcher. Naturally, he gets there, since this is the biography/memoir of a retired NY Yankees pitcher who was a closer.
The bulk of this book is about his career as a pitcher, which means it got more bogged down into baseball things than I personally care to read, but I still chose to give it 4 stars since it tells the story relatively well; no prize winning writing by Rivera and his co-writer, Wayne Coffey, but it tells the story fairly well.
When I needed to read a sports book, I searched for a Christian one, so reader be warned that this book discusses his faith, and at the end the church he and his wife, a senior pastor, founded.
The bulk of this book is about his career as a pitcher, which means it got more bogged down into baseball things than I personally care to read, but I still chose to give it 4 stars since it tells the story relatively well; no prize winning writing by Rivera and his co-writer, Wayne Coffey, but it tells the story fairly well.
When I needed to read a sports book, I searched for a Christian one, so reader be warned that this book discusses his faith, and at the end the church he and his wife, a senior pastor, founded.
July 25, 2014
I really enjoyed the first third of the book but then it gets bogged down into pitch counts and very detailed look at games from the late 90s and early 2000s. At this point the book becomes almost a chore to read. I am a huge baseball fan but a very detailed pitch by pitch account without any real narrative voice is burdensome in the middle of the book.
The last third of the book though goes back to the narrative format of the first part which brings the book to a strong closure and left me wanting more. I would love to read more from Mariano Rivera as the book at under 300 pages skips large chunks of time.
The last third of the book though goes back to the narrative format of the first part which brings the book to a strong closure and left me wanting more. I would love to read more from Mariano Rivera as the book at under 300 pages skips large chunks of time.
February 18, 2017
I laughed, I cried, it was one of my favorite baseball books yet. Adorable seems like the wrong word choice for a pro ball player's autobiography, but it fits Mo's humble approach to life. I loved it.
October 1, 2019
The Closer: My Story is an autobiography written by Mariano Rivera with Wayne Coffey. This memoir chronicles baseball's greatest relief pitcher as he reflects on his surefire Hall of Fame career.
Mariano Rivera is a Panamanian-American former professional baseball pitcher who played nineteen seasons in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees, from 1995–2013. Nicknamed "Mo" and "Sandman", he spent most of his career as a relief pitcher and served as the Yankees' closer for seventeen seasons.
In this entertaining, admirably subdued autobiography, the glory is not in baseball (although there are a lot of baseball in the book), but his faith. The pitcher tells stories about his teammates, 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. Rivera 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.
However, the memories recounted both on the field and off ultimately reveal something deeper: Rivera's almost incredible humility, unshakeable faith, and devotion to his family. In an age of bravado and bluster in professional sports, Rivera is one of the few athletes who have earned the right to brag, yet elegance and class manage to somehow outshine his accomplishments.
The Closer: My Story is written rather well. It recounts Rivera's life in baseball on and off the field – it is surprisingly a book about his faith and his humility about his success in life. He gives much credit of his success to those that preceded him and his many mentors. With such humility and faith, it is not really a surprise that he writes more often about his failures and shortcomings than his success and achievements.
All in all, The Closer: My Story is a well written memoir of baseball's greatest relief pitcher, though he wouldn't attest to that, Mariano Rivera.
Mariano Rivera is a Panamanian-American former professional baseball pitcher who played nineteen seasons in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees, from 1995–2013. Nicknamed "Mo" and "Sandman", he spent most of his career as a relief pitcher and served as the Yankees' closer for seventeen seasons.
In this entertaining, admirably subdued autobiography, the glory is not in baseball (although there are a lot of baseball in the book), but his faith. The pitcher tells stories about his teammates, 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. Rivera 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.
However, the memories recounted both on the field and off ultimately reveal something deeper: Rivera's almost incredible humility, unshakeable faith, and devotion to his family. In an age of bravado and bluster in professional sports, Rivera is one of the few athletes who have earned the right to brag, yet elegance and class manage to somehow outshine his accomplishments.
The Closer: My Story is written rather well. It recounts Rivera's life in baseball on and off the field – it is surprisingly a book about his faith and his humility about his success in life. He gives much credit of his success to those that preceded him and his many mentors. With such humility and faith, it is not really a surprise that he writes more often about his failures and shortcomings than his success and achievements.
All in all, The Closer: My Story is a well written memoir of baseball's greatest relief pitcher, though he wouldn't attest to that, Mariano Rivera.
February 26, 2024
"Cuando crecí en mi bello Panamá, yo quería ser el siguiente Pelé, no Babe Ruth. Pelé era la superestrella del fútbol, cualquier niño quería serlo, pero mis habilidades no eran buenas para ser futbolista, así que Dios me mandó al béisbol. Tenía 20 años, ya era un hombre, y tuve una prueba con los Yankees. Me dieron una oportunidad. ¿Para ser qué? - pregunté- 'Para lanzar', me dijeron. Yo no sabía cómo lanzar. Yo estaba tirando la bola, cuando estaba en casa estaba solo tirándola. Yo no era un lanzador. No tenía uniforme, los spikes (zapatos de béisbol) tenían huecos, no tenía guantes".
Hace quince años, vi mi primer partido de béisbol. Recuerdo con claridad los equipos, las alineaciones y los resultados. Una de las razones por las que seguí interesado en este deporte y por las que soy un fanático de los Yankees es Mariano Rivera.
Este libro narra una de las historias más sorprendentes en el mundo del deporte: la de un joven panameño que solo había lanzado un inning en sus primeros veinte años de vida, que jugaba con guantes de cartón y calzado agujereado, y que se convirtió en el mejor cerrador de la historia y en el único jugador en ser elegido unánimemente para el Salón de la Fama.
El estilo de juego de Mariano refleja a la perfección su personalidad: sencillo. Con un solo tipo de lanzamiento, que él sostiene que le fue otorgado por intervención divina, logró dominar a los más grandes bateadores en una época donde la norma era el uso de esteroides.
Leyendo este libro aprendí mucho sobre la vida que tiene un beisbolista, sus altibajos, incluyendo lesiones y el tiempo lejos de la familia. Pero más allá de la detallada narración de cada partido, de los festejos por las cinco Series Mundiales, los 652 salvamentos o los reveses contra Arizona y Boston, lo que más me impresionó fue descubrir el profundo sentido religioso de Mariano. Alcanzar la cima después de tanto esfuerzo y seguir atribuyendo todo el mérito a Dios me parece increíble y noble, los dos adjetivos que, en mi opinión, definen mejor a Rivera.
Hace quince años, vi mi primer partido de béisbol. Recuerdo con claridad los equipos, las alineaciones y los resultados. Una de las razones por las que seguí interesado en este deporte y por las que soy un fanático de los Yankees es Mariano Rivera.
Este libro narra una de las historias más sorprendentes en el mundo del deporte: la de un joven panameño que solo había lanzado un inning en sus primeros veinte años de vida, que jugaba con guantes de cartón y calzado agujereado, y que se convirtió en el mejor cerrador de la historia y en el único jugador en ser elegido unánimemente para el Salón de la Fama.
El estilo de juego de Mariano refleja a la perfección su personalidad: sencillo. Con un solo tipo de lanzamiento, que él sostiene que le fue otorgado por intervención divina, logró dominar a los más grandes bateadores en una época donde la norma era el uso de esteroides.
Leyendo este libro aprendí mucho sobre la vida que tiene un beisbolista, sus altibajos, incluyendo lesiones y el tiempo lejos de la familia. Pero más allá de la detallada narración de cada partido, de los festejos por las cinco Series Mundiales, los 652 salvamentos o los reveses contra Arizona y Boston, lo que más me impresionó fue descubrir el profundo sentido religioso de Mariano. Alcanzar la cima después de tanto esfuerzo y seguir atribuyendo todo el mérito a Dios me parece increíble y noble, los dos adjetivos que, en mi opinión, definen mejor a Rivera.
August 2, 2023
I'm not a big sports person, but my husband is. He hated school, because reading was hard with dyslexia in a low funded school system. My husband loved listening to this book, and kept up with all of the stats that Rivera would occasionally spout out throughout the book. For this alone, I loved this audiobook. It allowed my husband and I to bond - a theme he liked, sports, with an activity I like, reading. Rivera's life story was interesting, too. I liked how calm and level headed he remained, even through the ups and downs that accompany a busy baseball season. He seemed like a humble person, and his love for God was apparent, but wasn't preachy. Some of the more stats, play-by-play parts of the book didn't keep my interest as much, but overall it was a good read.
April 1, 2019
With being a New York Yankees fan, I was instantly drawn to this book. Also, with Mariano Rivera being the first unanimous entry into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, I was further intrigued to read this book and learn his story. Being a baseball player it was very fun to read about the journey to become a professional player. I also had a fun time reading and reminiscing about the numerous championships that I’ve seen on Tv. I really enjoyed the read however I would not recommend it to everyone as I you are not a Yankees fan you would not have enjoyed it as much as I did.
February 10, 2020
As (at least for now) the only Major League player to be voted into the Hall of Fame unanimously, Mariano Rivera's story is an interesting one. This book is focused almost exclusively on baseball and his career and not much else beyond that and for me that took something away from what I was hoping for. Nonetheless, I did enjoy it, although there was a bit too much the Lord this, the Lord that for my taste.
November 29, 2018
As a die hard Yankees fan I liked Mo and now I like him even more! I was lucky enough to see him play many times! Multiple wins, losses or saves including his last game! I knew when the season started with all the injuries the Yankees had that year they wouldn’t make the playoffs and that being the last game, they had to put Mo in so I bought front row seats to see that historic moment. I remember all details about that game. There will never be another pitcher as dominate as Mariano Rivera 42!
August 25, 2017
It was very well described. I felt like I was him. It also taught me a ton of life lessons and believing in the lord. It felt great to read this book.
May 1, 2024
3.5 stars
July 21, 2024
A must read!
October 11, 2024
Arguably the most dominant pitcher of all time takes us behind the scenes of his family, Yankee journey, and his life since baseball.
May 12, 2016
Short: Mariano Rivera is my favorite ball player. He is my hero, and I LOVED this book.
This was perfectly timed: Spring Training is almost over. Opening Day is this weekend. I was feeling low and ill, and this story has inspired me, and buoyed my spirits tremendously.
Long:
It's not hard to read about your hero, but it helps that he is a moral leader as well as an elite athlete. He is respected, and he is respectable. I have admired his cool dominance since watching him in the 2009 World Series. I'm not a Yankee fan, but I'd watch Mo. I recall seeing his save in 2009, at Dilworth Neighborhood Grill, and the celebration that followed.
The book's thesis is this: Mariano Rivera was given his talents to glorify the Lord. It's simple, it's powerful, and it's true to theme throughout the book. The writing is simple, which is fitting for a man who grew up in Panama and dropped out of high school.
I am turned off by proselytizing, but I admire those who have strong faith. Here is someone who is always aware of something bigger than himself. His patience, his compassion, his integrity, are all based upon that principle. All glory, and all talent, is not his to claim. When he gets too big for his britches, and arrogant? The Lord shows him how his talent is His to take or to give, and Mariano heeds the lesson. I didn't expected to be as charmed by this story as I am, but I really am.
Mo is humble. He reminds us that he is the son of a fisherman, who learned to play ball on a beach at low tide, barefoot, using a rock wrapped in old fishing nets for a ball, and old milk cartons, folded cleverly for gloves. He tells about traveling with the Gulf Coast Yankees, grateful for the hours on the bus with Tim Cooper, who taught him English and showed him compassion. How they cut each other's hair, partially because they were paid $315 every 2 weeks! He tells about his utter loneliness in Greensboro, NC, where his few English words desert him, no one understands him, and he cries. Mariano admits to crying several times, and it's never a mark of shame. This, from a man who broke and holds major league records for games saved (652) and games finished (952) - this is his book, and you rarely hear the awards and records. This is a book about his journey, not about accolades. He avoids the spotlight. He reminds us, "I am an imperfect man on an imperfect journey."
I admire people whose faith leads them in honest, loving lives. He tells a story about a woman who mistreated him and his wife based on their appearance, as if the gardener was playing a trick. She doesn't want to allow them to see her house for sale, until she is told who they are. All he says is that he didn't think there was malice; her mistake was rushing to conclusions. His faith leads him to love those around him, even when they make mistakes. There was never any scandal with him. He married his childhood sweetheart, Clara. He hates flying, and always sits in the middle seat, row 29, with his red leather Bible in his lap, Christian music on his headphones.
He believes in hard work. His father set a great example for him. He will practice, and practice, and practice. He follows John Wetteland's advice: "Never let yourself get beat with your second best pitch. When you absolutely need an out, you bring your best." He is old fashioned, and values this in other players. He compliments amazing plays, and dedicated players countless times in this book. On an opponent, from the Red Sox: "Nobody plays harder, gives more, wants to win more. He comes at you hard for 27 outs. It's a special thing to see." He added: "If I have to win one game, I'd have a hard time taking anybody over Dustin Pedroia as my second baseman." He is against PEDs, head-hunting, and attention-seeking, calling them cheating, cowardice, and distraction. He is no nonsense. How does he get through the pressure? He just doesn't think about it, because his job is to throw to get the batter out. That's it.
I enjoyed the audiobook version, because Mariano will include details from the games he played. I am so happy that I have learned how to score a baseball game. He tells how he gets ahead or behind in the pitch count. Fielder's choice? 6-4-3? I'm picking up what he's putting down, and it brings the game to life for me.
Notes:
*My tall friend has been loving talking baseball with me.
*Jorge Posada: Calls him his brother, his soul mate, who knows him best after a decade of pitcher-catcher relationship. He talks about the paucity of their signs, because really, he only has a fast cutter he throws 90% of the time, and his two-seam fast ball is a distant second best pitch, and his only other choice.
*Alex Rodriguez: "The world's greatest side show."
*David Justice: I notice he doesn't get mentioned, except for great plays.
*Pedro Martinez: Don Zimmer was wrong to charge him, but Pedro should have done something better than throw an old man to the ground by his head. #truth
[ pop sugar reading challenge 2016: an autobiography ]
This was perfectly timed: Spring Training is almost over. Opening Day is this weekend. I was feeling low and ill, and this story has inspired me, and buoyed my spirits tremendously.
Long:
It's not hard to read about your hero, but it helps that he is a moral leader as well as an elite athlete. He is respected, and he is respectable. I have admired his cool dominance since watching him in the 2009 World Series. I'm not a Yankee fan, but I'd watch Mo. I recall seeing his save in 2009, at Dilworth Neighborhood Grill, and the celebration that followed.
The book's thesis is this: Mariano Rivera was given his talents to glorify the Lord. It's simple, it's powerful, and it's true to theme throughout the book. The writing is simple, which is fitting for a man who grew up in Panama and dropped out of high school.
I am turned off by proselytizing, but I admire those who have strong faith. Here is someone who is always aware of something bigger than himself. His patience, his compassion, his integrity, are all based upon that principle. All glory, and all talent, is not his to claim. When he gets too big for his britches, and arrogant? The Lord shows him how his talent is His to take or to give, and Mariano heeds the lesson. I didn't expected to be as charmed by this story as I am, but I really am.
Mo is humble. He reminds us that he is the son of a fisherman, who learned to play ball on a beach at low tide, barefoot, using a rock wrapped in old fishing nets for a ball, and old milk cartons, folded cleverly for gloves. He tells about traveling with the Gulf Coast Yankees, grateful for the hours on the bus with Tim Cooper, who taught him English and showed him compassion. How they cut each other's hair, partially because they were paid $315 every 2 weeks! He tells about his utter loneliness in Greensboro, NC, where his few English words desert him, no one understands him, and he cries. Mariano admits to crying several times, and it's never a mark of shame. This, from a man who broke and holds major league records for games saved (652) and games finished (952) - this is his book, and you rarely hear the awards and records. This is a book about his journey, not about accolades. He avoids the spotlight. He reminds us, "I am an imperfect man on an imperfect journey."
I admire people whose faith leads them in honest, loving lives. He tells a story about a woman who mistreated him and his wife based on their appearance, as if the gardener was playing a trick. She doesn't want to allow them to see her house for sale, until she is told who they are. All he says is that he didn't think there was malice; her mistake was rushing to conclusions. His faith leads him to love those around him, even when they make mistakes. There was never any scandal with him. He married his childhood sweetheart, Clara. He hates flying, and always sits in the middle seat, row 29, with his red leather Bible in his lap, Christian music on his headphones.
He believes in hard work. His father set a great example for him. He will practice, and practice, and practice. He follows John Wetteland's advice: "Never let yourself get beat with your second best pitch. When you absolutely need an out, you bring your best." He is old fashioned, and values this in other players. He compliments amazing plays, and dedicated players countless times in this book. On an opponent, from the Red Sox: "Nobody plays harder, gives more, wants to win more. He comes at you hard for 27 outs. It's a special thing to see." He added: "If I have to win one game, I'd have a hard time taking anybody over Dustin Pedroia as my second baseman." He is against PEDs, head-hunting, and attention-seeking, calling them cheating, cowardice, and distraction. He is no nonsense. How does he get through the pressure? He just doesn't think about it, because his job is to throw to get the batter out. That's it.
I enjoyed the audiobook version, because Mariano will include details from the games he played. I am so happy that I have learned how to score a baseball game. He tells how he gets ahead or behind in the pitch count. Fielder's choice? 6-4-3? I'm picking up what he's putting down, and it brings the game to life for me.
Notes:
*My tall friend has been loving talking baseball with me.
*Jorge Posada: Calls him his brother, his soul mate, who knows him best after a decade of pitcher-catcher relationship. He talks about the paucity of their signs, because really, he only has a fast cutter he throws 90% of the time, and his two-seam fast ball is a distant second best pitch, and his only other choice.
*Alex Rodriguez: "The world's greatest side show."
*David Justice: I notice he doesn't get mentioned, except for great plays.
*Pedro Martinez: Don Zimmer was wrong to charge him, but Pedro should have done something better than throw an old man to the ground by his head. #truth
[ pop sugar reading challenge 2016: an autobiography ]
May 22, 2019
A very well done recounting by the New York Yankees ace closer and MLB holder of the most saves. Rivera tells of his childhood in a fishing village in Panama and how he came to pitch for the Yankees--he blends well the description of key games and situations with his personal development and strong Christian belief. He comes across as humble, well-meaning and very very focused. There are good lessons and insights for baseball fans, as well encouraging faith lessons for those who are interested.
July 8, 2021
• minus one star because I can't give a Yankee 5 stars
• minus one star for the heavy-handed religious overtones
• minus one star for liking Alex Rodriguez
• minus one star for the thinly-veiled implication that heckling from Sox fans caused his performance in the 2004 ALCS
• plus one star for his performance in the 2004 ALCS
• minus one star for the heavy-handed religious overtones
• minus one star for liking Alex Rodriguez
• minus one star for the thinly-veiled implication that heckling from Sox fans caused his performance in the 2004 ALCS
• plus one star for his performance in the 2004 ALCS
August 20, 2021
4.5 🌟
I just couldn’t stop picturing Michael Kay rather than Mo through so many of these iconic moments. I loved the opportunity to relive the highs (and unfortunate lows) of the Yankee teams and players I grew up with. As a Yankee fan, I have always been a fan of my closer, but after listening to this audiobook I have a deeper understanding and appreciation for Mariano Rivera. His unwavering faith in the Lord is bar-none.
I just couldn’t stop picturing Michael Kay rather than Mo through so many of these iconic moments. I loved the opportunity to relive the highs (and unfortunate lows) of the Yankee teams and players I grew up with. As a Yankee fan, I have always been a fan of my closer, but after listening to this audiobook I have a deeper understanding and appreciation for Mariano Rivera. His unwavering faith in the Lord is bar-none.
July 30, 2018
What an awesome autobiography! The story flows well because Mariano chose a good writer to collaborate with, and it was fun hearing about the formation of that awesome late-90's Yankee squad that created my lifelong pinstripe devotion.
I also quite enjoyed learning about Mariano's profound faith, and I love how openly and unabashedly he proclaims it and acknowledges Jesus Christ as the source of every good thing in his life.
This is definitely another one of those niche books that probably won't resonate with someone who isn't a baseball fan, because he often gets into minute detail, breaking many seasons down series-by-series, game-by-game, inning-by-inning, and sometimes pitch-by-pitch. But if you DO enjoy baseball, the lifestory of its all-time greatest closer is well worth the read.
I also quite enjoyed learning about Mariano's profound faith, and I love how openly and unabashedly he proclaims it and acknowledges Jesus Christ as the source of every good thing in his life.
This is definitely another one of those niche books that probably won't resonate with someone who isn't a baseball fan, because he often gets into minute detail, breaking many seasons down series-by-series, game-by-game, inning-by-inning, and sometimes pitch-by-pitch. But if you DO enjoy baseball, the lifestory of its all-time greatest closer is well worth the read.
May 27, 2020
I finished this book awhile back. I am NOT a Yankee fan, nor was I much of a Mariano fan before this book. I have always been fascinated by his one pitch repertoire and his incredible faith. After reading this book I am more than impressed by the Christian man that he is and the player he was. What an incredible read about an incredible individual. A must-read for every athlete. No wonder he was a unanimous choice for the HOF.
April 27, 2023
This is one of the kinds of baseball books I love because it unpacks every season of Mariano Rivera’s career. Truly an awesome one. Audiobook read my Michael Kay which adds that much more to it.
October 30, 2014
"The Closer: My story," written by Mariano Rivera with Wayne Coffey is an autobiography of Mariano's humbled life starting as a poor, Panamanian fishermen and ending up in the World Series pitching for the New York Yankees, the greatest sports franchise in history, multiple times with the game and season resting squarely on his shoulders. Mariano believes he will become a good mechanic as an adult. One day in a Panamanian baseball league game Mariano is called on to pitch after the starting pitcher had been shelled. Mariano is shocked and is baffled on what to do on the mound because he had never pitched before. The manager sees potential in Mariano becoming a pitcher that day. Before making it to the Major Leagues Mariano faces much adversity. Mariano speaks poor English, is terrified of flying, must leave his love Clara for the first time, and doesn't have a clue on how any of this will turn out. Mariano in this book takes you into the clubhouse, explains his deep belief in God and in faith, and takes the reader through his remarkable career. Mariano tells the reader what built the New York Yankees teams that won three straight World Series rings. Mariano expresses his opinion on PHD's, George Steinbrenner, and other Yankee greats. In this book Mariano takes you into what happened in the Yankees greatest era and what you can achieve through determination, hard work, and commitment.
The author's purpose in "The Closer: My Story," is to show the reader that anything can be achieved if you are dedicated and you are willing to put in the time and effort. Also, to show that reader that you must have faith in life. The author's purpose has definitely been achieved throughout the story. Mariano throughout the story references athletes that he knows go all out every play, and he also talks about athletes who lack the desire to win every game, every inning, every at bat. Mariano is a poor English speaker and is more frustrated than every about not being able to speak English but, through perseverance and the help of teammates he is able to understand much English. Mariano expresses his faith countless times by telling the reader that through failure you can achieve and that you cannot get down on yourself and you must have faith in yourself even when many do not. The theme in this autobiography is that through determination and perseverance and with the help of the Lord, anything can be achieved. The main plot in this story is Mariano's journey to the Big Leagues but, the sub-plot is Mariano trying to survive in The United States as a young, helpless, Panamanian looking for a better life through the help of America's national pastime. The style of Mariano's writing is simple, filled with many life lessons and humorous stories. Mariano throughout his autobiography describes his remarkable journey from the Panama shore to the Bronx, pitching in front of 50,000 die heart fans in remarkable fashion with great detail which gives the reader and inside look on the Yankee's glory years which is why I give this book five stars without a doubt. "The Closer: My Story," is the greatest sports book I have ever been fortunate enough to read and it is essential for every Yankee's fan or Mariano Rivera fan to read this inspiring story.
The author's purpose in "The Closer: My Story," is to show the reader that anything can be achieved if you are dedicated and you are willing to put in the time and effort. Also, to show that reader that you must have faith in life. The author's purpose has definitely been achieved throughout the story. Mariano throughout the story references athletes that he knows go all out every play, and he also talks about athletes who lack the desire to win every game, every inning, every at bat. Mariano is a poor English speaker and is more frustrated than every about not being able to speak English but, through perseverance and the help of teammates he is able to understand much English. Mariano expresses his faith countless times by telling the reader that through failure you can achieve and that you cannot get down on yourself and you must have faith in yourself even when many do not. The theme in this autobiography is that through determination and perseverance and with the help of the Lord, anything can be achieved. The main plot in this story is Mariano's journey to the Big Leagues but, the sub-plot is Mariano trying to survive in The United States as a young, helpless, Panamanian looking for a better life through the help of America's national pastime. The style of Mariano's writing is simple, filled with many life lessons and humorous stories. Mariano throughout his autobiography describes his remarkable journey from the Panama shore to the Bronx, pitching in front of 50,000 die heart fans in remarkable fashion with great detail which gives the reader and inside look on the Yankee's glory years which is why I give this book five stars without a doubt. "The Closer: My Story," is the greatest sports book I have ever been fortunate enough to read and it is essential for every Yankee's fan or Mariano Rivera fan to read this inspiring story.
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