Today’s main event: Mariano Rivera’s press conference
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Mar 09, 2013 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
The Yankees have been coy about what’s happening this morning. There’s been a few sly smiles and a few knowing looks, but the Yankees have not publicly acknowledged the obvious.
“There’s a press conference?” Andy Pettitte asked. “Is it for Mariano Rivera? If there’s a press conference for Mariano Rivera, I’ll probably be there.”
“He might be announcing an extension, who knows?” Derek Jeter said.
Barring an overnight change of heart, Mariano Rivera is expected to announce this morning that this will be his final season. It’s his own personal ninth inning. He is the game’s greatest closer, the gold standard at the end of games, and this will be his 19th season in New York pinstripes.
Rivera’s legacy is secure. The cutter. The No. 42 jersey. The record number of saves. The unthinkable postseason numbers. There’s nothing left for Rivera to prove, and at 10 a.m., he’ll take a different kind of center stage to make his decision official. YES Network will broadcast the press conference.
“Whatever is out there, it’s speculation until I talk to you guys,” Rivera said.
He’ll speak in a few hours. We’ll certainly be listening.
Associated Press photo
Very sad day. In trying to find some silver lining, at least Mo gets to out the way he wants, having pitched for the Yankees his entire career.
We love you Mo!
All Things Must Pass
i may never see the likes of Mo again on a baseball field, but it’s good in a way as many large than life NYY legends fade into the lore, Mo and Jete is there to take their mantle kate.
I wonder if people a generation from now will really believe how good Mo was.
part of lore of baseball kev, it runs parallel with one’s own life, there is such continuity to it. occasionally it reminds one of their own mortality but also the timelessness of baseball as well.
good point Cash…I am still missing the Yankees of my youth…Guidry, Righetti, Thurmon of course…the whole Bronx Zoo team.
I am both looking forward to the press conference and dreading it.
It’s bittersweet Doreen, but if Mo decide it’s time to hang it up, I will respect that.
Cash money, he’s been here and excellent for far longer than anyone could have expected.
It’s the “life moves on” aspect of it that is making me feel melancholy.
Not only a great ball player but a great person. He is the total package.
I saw a couple of posts rating all time Yankee greats by number, I don’t look at it that way. I think you get to a certain point and you are sitting at the head table. Mo is sitting with the Mick and Babe and all the rest. All equals in my mind.
But this was not unexpected. A couple of years ago I remember a particularly tight situation Mo was in. I made my son stop what he was doing and told him to come watch perfection. Of course Mo did not disappoint. Godspeed Mariano.
Guidry and Thurman together. What a combo! They would come into your town and state, ” something wicked this way comes. ”
Wouldn’t it be great if Rivera got the unanimous Hall of Fame vote?
YS Guy,
I was hoping they would do a modern version of the original Yankee Stadium (per-rennovation). Go back to the original dimensions with the short porches and real Death Valley. Can’t have the monuments in play like in the old days, but still could have made them more visible.
A press conference to announce his retirement seems very un-Mo-like to me.
Everybody hopes they have a castoff Guidry 25 and 3 in the wings, but that kind of thing is like daffodils in November.
yeah, the grandest party does end sometimes. It’s always melancholic to say goodbye to someone that is endeared. Hopefully, we will find a new crop of homegrown talents to root for… sooner than later.
Radio, anyone who doesn’t vote for Mo when the given month comes is basically an anal dick,…I don’t know how else to put it.
RadioKev March 9th, 2013 at 8:11 am
I wonder if people a generation from now will really believe how good Mo was.
——————————————————————————————–
You remember Ruth don’t you?
Same thing.
The timing of this press conference absolutely stinks.
Have it at the END of spring training, not on March 9th right after the Yanks find out that they will lost Teixiera for eight to ten weeks.
The team is demoralized enough between A-Rod being a living in denial little money hungry washed up bi tch with no self-dignity to retire cuz he wants to be paid money he’s not worth anymore save on paper and the losses of Granderson and Teixiera, they need to be demoralized even more with this announcement today?
I don’t have a problem with the announcement at all, just the timing of it.
I mean say he made this announcement on Saturday, March 30, three weeks from today and three days before Opening Day. Good. The news about Granderson and Teixiera doesn’t sting as much, the team will know who their 1B and RF is, A-Rod will be even less of a thought/distraction, the Yanks have no time to think about it or let it sink in, especially David Robertson who is right now the heir to Mo’s position, or at least the primary in-house option. There have been big time rumblings that 2013 would be it for Mo so I don’t think him announcing his retirement on 3/30 would’ve been a surprise or a shock. So the Yanks have 21 less days to prepare for 0 A.M. (Year 0 After Mo – or is it 1 A.M. haha?)
Hey, Cash, I only learned recently how Auden became an American in 1945. I have this book, ” Old World, New World – Great Britain and America From the Beginning ” Since I was married into the English and now talk to you people, I figure I better learn something in a hurry!
Ruth had a great time drinking, smoking, consuming dogs and homering. Sign me up Scotty!
Another way to look at it is this gets the announcement out of the way, and he can answer all questions at once, and then prepare for the season without distraction. It is also before he has thrown a pitch in a game in spring, so it will be absolutely known that this is something he pre-determined, not based on his performance?
There would never be a good time for this…
Doreen, the guy has earned the right to say what he wants, when he wants – unbelievable, is there a Topps rookie card?
Every spring, every city crosses their toes for instant relief. Mariano has tucked NY in since time began.
Best thing to do is to savor every last moment.
And we’re lucky because we live in a modern age w DVR’s etc.
Wonder what it feels like to be a living legend ?
My guess is that it’s better than being a dead one.
And when God whispers in Mo’s ear he listens.
I don’t have Mo, but I’d settle for the Mad Hungarian at this point. I like Casey Jansen a lot though and think he can get it done with Sergio Santos filling in,….when healthy. Casey, really nice guy, and in Darren don’t call me Al Oliver, we have a Dan Plesac type which every team requires. Unfortunately, my Canadian 3rd b man is not Pete Rose thus far.
MTU, when Mo whispers in god’s ear, god listens!
Mills-
Hrabosky was a hoot to watch.
As was “The Bird”.
“The Bird” was a much better Pitcher than he was a mechanic apparently.
I get what you’re saying. But when you go with a child, especially a young one, he or she is going to want the real experience, and as their father I want to give that to them. That means the hot dogs, the snacks, the souvenirs. I don’t want to have to sneak food in like I’m in a POW camp.
————
Not saying I disagree with the real stadium experience thing, but you’re permitted to bring outside food, water, and juice boxes into YS
RadioKev, love the George Harrison reference. Song is appropriate for today and will be played on my turntable.
I so admire Mariano’s career in this game, his unflappable nature, his generosity, and the sense of happiness he exudes. If he is in fact retiring, I am thankful he is going out on top, having not lost a step.
Thanks, Mo!
Duh Innings II —-
Criticizing the timing of the news conference is absurd.
Did you consult your magic eight ball to guarantee there would be no bad news in the days leading up to your planned March 30th event?
Besides I don’t consider this “bad news” at all. It lets the Yankees go ahead with plans for a new closer with no time pressures. the man is a legend, a Hall of Famer on and off the field and he can have his announcement whenever he damn well pleases.
It has ZERO impact on anything else.
MTU, I remember a Wednesday game I think ’78 in Toronto on TV dontcha’ kno. Fidrych, Mark or however you spelt’ it got hammered for 6 in the first couple. Tigers came back tho to eat my fledgling Jays
Mills-
Mo knows who he takes his marching orders from.
And it’s not the Yankees.
Isn’t basebal great!? Beyond the drugs, we don’t have the stupid concussion problems of football or hockey which arguably should go by the wayside.
Those monument makers already have 2 new orders in hand.
They simply wait for the go ahead.
Mills-
There’s a reason it’s been around a looooong time.
MTU, who was that closer for the Tigers in ’84 who set a consequtive record? Rodriguez or something? After all these years, you’d think I’d be a better speller,…sorry people.
Mills-
I hate to say it but when you ask questions like that I really miss GB.
He had an encylopaedic knowledge of baseball.
My guess is that he answers that one off the top of his head.
Me. I’m senile so I can’t help.
Baseball is one of the allowable games I would watch my daughter in. If I was in control, the damn NHL would be wearing cages not just visors and fighting would be forgotten.
MTU, GB7 is special! Teaches me everything I want to know about Sudden Sam – I was lucky to hear him.
Mills-
But the fisticuffs are what draw many to the sport.
Unfortunately, human beings like train wrecks.
That’s why dogs are so much better.
Jack Curry 30m.
Mariano Rivera’s press conf is at 10 AM. We’ll carry it live on YES. Join @29alltime and I for coverage. Promises to be memorable day.
Mills-
Despite his onry nature GB enriched us all.
I will be glad to have him callling me out again in the future.
Rhapsody-
Record it for baseball posterity.
MTU, I hear you. I like dogs too even though I don’t have one yet so many of my girlfriends did, leaving irritating hairs on the back seat that the vacuum had a problem with
Doreen
I think no matter how Mo did it it would be a distraction.
If he didn’t announce it now he would be questioned all season.
By announcing it now he will be lauded his last time in every city.
Not that I question his decision. Just that it won’t be less of a distraction either way.
It is after all the GOAT.
It is a rare combination indeed for someone to be the best at something at yet at the same time be so
grounded and humble.
It’s the latter part that impresses me the most.
Feel the same about Jeter.
MTU, I have a feeling GB will and is, correcting us both.
Mills-
You should have just had an El Camino.
Mills-
I look forward to sharing more bad puns w GB someday.
El Camino found foresaken in a casino!
blake says:
March 9, 2013 at 9:23 am
I get all the WBC fallout from the loss last night but it’s just the way it is….. The best team doesn’t always win in a single baseball game…..the Astros will win probably 60 times this year and they are dreadful…
Other issues are of course that the US doesn’t send it’s best players ( mainly pitchers) and that many players playing against them are actually US citizens and many like Adrian Gonzalez were born in the US
I still say he’s going to announce that he can play 1B and that he plans to pitch til he’s 50
MTU, you can converse avec GB anytime if you want, if you dare
Blake, you’re out of your mind, I’m playing first and Mo lasts ad infinitum, ad nauseum mon ami.
Blake
Any plans for tonight like around 9PM?
Should be a doozy.
Good morning.
MTU-You’ve got mail……..finally.
Saw a little of the 7 run inning, that Cuba put a hurting on Taiwan with, today in Tokyo.
Maybe when Cuba gets to the next round in San Francisco the Yankees can get a few of them to defect directly and be ready for opening day. There’s another Abreu that would fit perfectly in the outfield.
Mills-
I’m designating you my official French-Canadian sales rep.
Here’s my Gallery :
https://picasaweb.google.com/109721757058432487394/Gallery#
Now get to work earning those lucrative comissions.
YT, hello, I need a second baseman!
So I break down and start up DTV before the beginning of the season so that I can be sure to get Mo’s press conference. I turn it on and get the “this program is not available in your area” screen.
So now I have to wait to fight with them.
GRRR!!!!
YT-
I replied. Thanks.
Maybe when Cuba gets to the next round in San Francisco the Yankees can get a few of them to defect directly and be ready for opening day
——————————————-
They’ve already got one.
And I hope he’s there on opening day.
Hi Trish et Everybody; MTU’s pics are amazing! It’s as if I don’t have to go there at all.
Tar says:
March 9, 2013 at 9:46 am
Blake
Any plans for tonight like around 9PM?
Should be a doozy.
Yup
. We got this one
Jeers-
I’m on the Mustelier bandwagon.
Mills-
But it’s so much more fun !
@DanBarbarisi: All the Yankee staff here for Mo presser – Hal, Dr. Felix, Wheelchair Cashman.
If they don’t come through I will just have to hope (and I think I’d be right) that either MLB or ESPN would be carrying it.
Well here’s what they told me – and I’m hoping they’re right. The re-broadcast of a Nets game is on right now and I’m blacked out of that. (so sad…) They said that at 10 I should get regular programming. Here’s hoping. I’d rather be with YES. If not, I’ll do some quick switch-over and try to figure it out.
Blake-
When E F Hutton speaks people listen !
Hi jmills and all.
Feeling moosh, as I think many of us are. Maybe the reason Mo is announcing it now is that he didn’t want the press asking him every single game if this was going to be his last season.
Canada’s going to be mad after losing to the Italian stallion. Watch out America!
MF – I got the black out screen.
Bronx-
Yes, I agree. Ronnier Mustelier has been impressive with the bat and more than adequate with the glove. He deserves to be on the opening day roster.
Either the Yankees will use him as the opening day corner outfielder or they are showcasing him. He’s athletic, has hit >.300 everywhere he’s played and despite little time in the minors at 3rd base, the Cardinal announcers were gushing over his defense at third on the radio two days ago.
And now it came on.
Okay, I’m fine.
Cashmans in a wheelchair. Looks like Chad in the front row. The guy likes his flannel.
Trisha-
Not that you doubted it but see there is a God.
Its a geat thing losing to Italy; after all, Gilles Villeneuve did us proud in Ferrari land.
Musty should be the opening day third baseman and let youkilis play first base until tex gets back. He should be playing third each spring game the rest of the way.
jmills –
I’ve alway known it.
I wonder what Hal is thinking while sitting next to Brian.
Later. It’s time to walk the Mops.
They are gnawing at my ankles.
When it gets like that I know it’s time to go.
Hal is thinking “yes, ten mil off the books for 2014″
MTU & YT,
I’d love to see it too but I don’t have much faith in those that make the decisions.
And here is the G.O.A.T
I am plugging my ears and not lip reading…
Some folks doubted that Mo would make it back this year…..I never did….I knew he wouldn’t go out that way.
ac1-
Hopefully Mustelier will be at 3rd today vs the Braves at 1:05.
Another player who, if he pitches well today, deserves a shot, is Jose Ramirez. Marshall and Warren hurt their chances with bad outings the last time through.
Joba and Wells look like twins.
Impressed the entire team showed up……
Trish, remember, Mo never goes away, and whether you win or I win, we’ll still be friends!
Even Billy Eppler is there
Yt, with Logan and Rapada out, I’m interested in some of our lefties in the system too. The team may not be good this year but if they let the youth play, could be the most exciting team we have seen in a few years..
What a scene. MO what a Player and amazing Individual.
Jeters the only player with a seat.
Mustelier is the shortest player by far. That’s probably why he won’t make it.
Haha….Mo thanks Cash for a new 2 year deal
jmills, we’ll always be friends and that’s a great thing.
However, at this moment I feel like I’m losing my best friend.
While they should, no way they give musty a chance… Would even be shocked to see Zoological or melky v2. We will probably get Dan Johnson, Rivera and Diaz….
Bronx Jeers March 9th, 2013 at 10:09 am
Jeters the only player with a seat.
—————-
Andy has a seat too I think
Trish, you’re not! Celebrate good times, come on!!!!
Andy has a seat too I think
———–
Next to Jeter? I think that’s Reggie.
Yes, I know I cry over a lot but I know I am not the only one with tears on my face right now.
What a phenomenal ride this has been.
God bless Mo. I bet he comes back as a coach or something.
I did figure that last year, not playing, was going to show him something.
We were lucky to have a player like Rivera for 19 years. With his early career struggles, the leadership we have now would have written him off and stuck him in e sixth inning….
Okay, this is going to be a bittersweet season, but it’s okay. He’s given us something no fans of any other team have had the privilege of knowing, and I believe, they never will.
I do believe he will be back with the Yanks, and I can live with that.
THANK YOU MO!
I’m glad Mo lasted and that some S.O.B., didn’t take his Bobby Orr knees out.
Mo is the man
Trisha
Doesn’t he still live in Panama in the offseason?
Anyone else verrklempt right now?
Straw -
I am a ball of tears and with everything he says, it just brings more tears. There will never be anyone else like him. Humility defines him. You can tell he is truly centered in God because a lot of people talk the talk, but when someone lives likes he does, you know they are walking the walk.
Anyone else verrklempt right now?
Mo just laid the gauntlet down for the team
Mo just laid the gauntlet down for the team
Sorry double post
The guy is perfect. Period.
Nothing Mo needs to be said! First ballet with eveyone chirping in,…if they have a sense.
Bronx Jeers March 9th, 2013 at 10:14 am
Andy has a seat too I think
———–
Next to Jeter? I think that’s Reggie.
————
On the left of Jeter
Bucky Dent was tres fantastique for what he did in that ’78 game after school and in the playoffs too! Eat your heart out, Spaceman.