New Rochelle: Home to Baseball Hall of Famers - Mariano Rivera

Last, but not least in our series of Baseball Hall of Famers with ties to New Rochelle: Mariano Rivera!

"Raised in the Panamanian fishing village of Puerto Caimito - about 15 miles from Panama City - Mariano Rivera began his baseball journey playing with cardboard gloves and tree-branch bats," reads the description on the Baseball Hall of Fame website. A live arm and an athletic body brought him to the attention of the New York Yankees, with whom he signed as an international free agent for $3,000 on Feb. 17, 1990." It continues, "The Yankees won five World Series titles during his 19-season career, advancing to the postseason 17 times. Rivera was named the World Series MVP in 1999 and the ALCS MVP in 2003...In 19 seasons, Rivera posted a record 652 saves with a win-loss mark of 82-60. His career ERA of 2.21 ranks No. 1 among all pitchers who started their careers in the Live Ball Era (post 1919), and his 952 games finished also rank first all time."

In 1995, as a young ballplayer, Rivera became fast friends with Joe Fosina, a pillar of the New Rochelle community and the owner of the company that oversees Yankees' uniforms. Their friendship led to New Rochelle becoming the adopted home of Rivera and his wife, Clara. In 2014, Refugio de Esperanza, "Refuge of Hope," was opened in the former North Avenue Chuch, located next to New Rochelle's Police Headquarters and Courthouse. Clara Rivera is the Senior Pastor of the Pentecostal congregation. The 1901 building underwent a 3 million renovation funded by the Mariano Rivera Foundation.

Rivera was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 21, 2019, the first year of eligibility. He was first player ever to be elected unanimously by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. New Rochelle was quick to pay tribute with a "Mariano Rivera Day" on July 27, with festivities that included a special presentation of the Key to the City, a pinstripe parade and a culminating celebration at the Hudson Park Bandshell. "New Rochelle has been my hometown since I came here in '95," Rivera said during an interview before the ceremonies began. "New Rochelle reminds me of my hometown and has been amazing." 

The Riveras have given generously to numerous causes around the world and locally. On May 28, 2015, Mariano donated his time at a book-signing event at NRPL to help the Friends of NRPL raise funds to build their bookstore. When "The Closer" announced his retirement he said, "I would love to be remembered as a player who was always there for others." Rivera has taken those sentiments far beyond the baseball stadium.