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The Closer: Young Readers Edition
The legendary, record-breaking Hall of Fame pitcher tells his inspiring story
Mariano Rivera never dreamed of becoming a professional athlete. He didn't grow up collecting baseball cards, playing Little League, or cheering on his home team at the World Series. He had never heard of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, or Mickey Mantle. One day, that all changed.
From a childhood playing pickup games in Panama to an epic career with the New York Yankees, Mariano's rise to greatness has been anything but ordinary. He's the guy on the mound who doesn't hear the crowd, just the sound of the ump calling, Strike! The teammate you can rely on, even when the bases are loaded in the bottom of the ninth. Whether you know him as Mo or as the Sandman, Mariano is The Closer, and this is his story.
Full of tips for young athletes and tales from the Yankee clubhouse, The Young Readers Edition is an inspiring story of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication that have defined the life of a baseball legend.
Mariano Rivera never dreamed of becoming a professional athlete. He didn't grow up collecting baseball cards, playing Little League, or cheering on his home team at the World Series. He had never heard of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, or Mickey Mantle. One day, that all changed.
From a childhood playing pickup games in Panama to an epic career with the New York Yankees, Mariano's rise to greatness has been anything but ordinary. He's the guy on the mound who doesn't hear the crowd, just the sound of the ump calling, Strike! The teammate you can rely on, even when the bases are loaded in the bottom of the ninth. Whether you know him as Mo or as the Sandman, Mariano is The Closer, and this is his story.
Full of tips for young athletes and tales from the Yankee clubhouse, The Young Readers Edition is an inspiring story of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication that have defined the life of a baseball legend.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
25 people are currently reading
101 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 33 reviews
February 8, 2017
I liked the fact that Mariano Rivera let us see what he was thinking in some of the biggest moments of his career.
November 7, 2020
Rivera is the best closer of all time bar none. I am not a Yankees fan at all but I became a Rivera fan. I am glad I read this farther away from all the Yankee success in the last 20 years. But part of me wishes I would have known the quality of the character of this man when he was in the middle of the game. His character has stood the test of time and he always worked hard for what he achieved. So amazing for a young man that expected to grow up to be a mechanic.
May 1, 2016
Although there were a few rough spots where the language and text is a bit awkward (I'd guess due to the transitions from the adult version), I will be recommending this book to my sports-lovers who want a long, good read.
Rivera is an excellent role model for youngsters- never losing his focus on what's really important, and putting the team first instead of himself or money!
We need more professional sports players like him, and more books about them for our youngsters!
Rivera is an excellent role model for youngsters- never losing his focus on what's really important, and putting the team first instead of himself or money!
We need more professional sports players like him, and more books about them for our youngsters!
November 25, 2014
I have always admired Mariano Rivera, but had no idea how unlikely it was that he became a professional baseball player. As a young readers' edition, this book should be easily read by younger children, and has a good message about work ethics, what it means to be a teammate and performance-enhancing drugs. Made me want to read the adult book.
February 19, 2019
This autobiography was refreshing to read. A professional athlete who has high standards for himself, his team, and his sport has become the exception. Rivera is the first MLB player to be elected into the Hall of Fame unanimously. He was the last MLB player to wear #42, Jackie Robinson's number and a player Rivera admired greatly. He credits Robinson for paving the way for minorities to play in the MLB.
Mariano Rivera grew up in a poor fishing village and dreamed of one day being a mechanic, not a Yankee. He showed up to his try-out with a hole in his shoe and no baseball glove! There were several revelations in the book he shares with the readers about his niavete. For example, he only received a $2000 sign-on bonus, he did not know even who Babe Ruth was when he auditioned, and he didn't speak English one bit when he came to FL.
Rivera speaks openly about his childhood and his faith, which he attributes to his success. "For me, the most meaningful prayers are when I ask for God's wisdom. The Lord may not be on the side of the Yankees, but he is on my side. He is always there, ordering my steps if only I will let him." (Page 295-296)
Rivera has never taken any Performance Enhancing Drugs and expresses his dislike for PED's. He does show compassion for athletes that get wrapped up in steroids though. He honestly speaks about his thoughts while on the mound and admits his game flaws. He expresses disappointment in himself when he feels he has let a teammate down because team is everything to Rivera. Even when knocked down, he stays positive. "I don't carry things that do me no good. I let them go, so I can be light." (Pg 274)
The reason I gave it four stars instead of five really has to do with me more than the content. Rivera explains many games in great length, and for me it was a tad boring at times. I'm not a baseball enthusiast.
One of my favorite sections in the book was his "Notes from Mo." In these short notes we learned much of the back story of Yankee Stadium, the rivalry between Boston and the Yankees, and about the Subway Series.
If you have a young adult who loves baseball or sports, I would definitely hand them this book.
Mariano Rivera grew up in a poor fishing village and dreamed of one day being a mechanic, not a Yankee. He showed up to his try-out with a hole in his shoe and no baseball glove! There were several revelations in the book he shares with the readers about his niavete. For example, he only received a $2000 sign-on bonus, he did not know even who Babe Ruth was when he auditioned, and he didn't speak English one bit when he came to FL.
Rivera speaks openly about his childhood and his faith, which he attributes to his success. "For me, the most meaningful prayers are when I ask for God's wisdom. The Lord may not be on the side of the Yankees, but he is on my side. He is always there, ordering my steps if only I will let him." (Page 295-296)
Rivera has never taken any Performance Enhancing Drugs and expresses his dislike for PED's. He does show compassion for athletes that get wrapped up in steroids though. He honestly speaks about his thoughts while on the mound and admits his game flaws. He expresses disappointment in himself when he feels he has let a teammate down because team is everything to Rivera. Even when knocked down, he stays positive. "I don't carry things that do me no good. I let them go, so I can be light." (Pg 274)
The reason I gave it four stars instead of five really has to do with me more than the content. Rivera explains many games in great length, and for me it was a tad boring at times. I'm not a baseball enthusiast.
One of my favorite sections in the book was his "Notes from Mo." In these short notes we learned much of the back story of Yankee Stadium, the rivalry between Boston and the Yankees, and about the Subway Series.
If you have a young adult who loves baseball or sports, I would definitely hand them this book.
March 7, 2018
I read a very good book called The Closer by Mariano Rivera. This is an autobiography, and of course Mariano is the main character. Mariano is a very poor fisher that lived with his family in Panama. He is 15 at the time, then he dropped out of high school. Mariano's best sport is soccer, then he quit that. Mariano's new best sport is baseball. He is very good at it, and gets lots of major league scouts to go to his games. One day, Mariano gets to have a meeting with one of the New York Yankees scouts. The Yankees really want Mariano to play with them. So, Mariano Rivera is off to Tampa, Florida to play in spring raining for the Yankees. Mariano becomes a star and is called up to the major leagues to pitch as a starter, he doesn't do good so he is sent back down. He and Jorge Posada work their way up to the MLB together as best friends through the process. They hung out a lot, and both became Hall of Famers in the long run. They both get called up to the MLB not long after they were sent down. Both of their careers took off. Mariano's career as a pitcher, and Jorge's career as a catcher. They won about 10 World Series together on the Yankees. They both stayed with the organization for their whole careers! One day, at the peak of Mariano's career, he broke his leg shagging batting practice in the outfield. He is devastated and disappointed in himself, but soon he is back to playing baseball again.
I would not change much in this book. Mariano Rivera is not an author but now he is. I also think he should keep making more books. He is really good at writing. There are a couple grammar miscues in this book. These are what I would change.
I would recommend this book to middle school students. This seems like a really good age for this book. Just like me, I'm in middle school and I really enjoyed this book. But, people who love baseball, a good story, and autobiographies would really like this book!
I would not change much in this book. Mariano Rivera is not an author but now he is. I also think he should keep making more books. He is really good at writing. There are a couple grammar miscues in this book. These are what I would change.
I would recommend this book to middle school students. This seems like a really good age for this book. Just like me, I'm in middle school and I really enjoyed this book. But, people who love baseball, a good story, and autobiographies would really like this book!
June 9, 2015
Rivera grew up in a small town in Panama. As a fisherman's son all he knew was work. His dad would get up early and go to bed late. Mariano would work with his dad on his boat until he was 20 years old. One time they were out at sea at about 3:00 fishing right by the canal. They brought in a huge load of fish. When the started heading back home the water pump started to not work. Water was flowing into the boat. Then suddenly it began to work again. So they continued as usual. Then it happened again. But this time it would not work. The whole boat went under water. They used life boats to get to a small island off the coast and stay there until the Coast Guard came and got them. In the beginning Mariano was not a pitcher. He was a great hitter who played in the outfield. One game his coach made him pitch because of his great arm. He was stellar. He would not miss his spots. Mariano thought nothing about it until people started scouting him and he was on a plane to Tampa for spring training with the Yankees. After that his carrer sky rocketed. He became the person with the most carrer saves in the MLB. During his carrer he suffered a brutal injury that tore both his MCL and ACL in his right knee. He will definitly be a first ballot hall of famer in 2019.
May 12, 2016
Bryan Williams
Ms.Williams
2 period
5-12-16
Book review
The book is about man named Mariano Rivera and his journey to the major leagues. His journey to the big leagues was a struggle since he had very little when he was younger born and raised in Panama. He would go fishing with his dad. He played soccer for a while but he had to give up at eighteen because a eye injury. He went on a plane to the Yankees single a ball team. He got called up to the big leagues 1995 and had a amazing career.
In my opinion I liked this book very much. It taught me more about Rivera than I ever knew before. I actually didn't know he was he had less things to have when he was little. In the book I liked the fact that it showed when his teammates went to get the ball from him in his final outing.
I would recommend this book to the people who enjoy reading about a baseball player, likes Mariano Rivera, and like mlb. I recommend this book to them because it might not be as interesting to others that don't like baseball. It is a great book that a lot of people should read.
January 16, 2020
You need to love baseball to really like this book. Parts of it were exciting for me, especially the descriptions of his life in Panama and how he was discovered by a Yankees scout. Most of the book describes the games he played in his twenty-something year career. Page after page of this hit, that pitch, this out, that save. This went on for over 200 pages. I enjoyed reading about the talented and famous athletes he played against, but there wasn't enough suspense or drama to keep me interested. I've read other memoirs by athletes that have held my interest more than this one. Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow and The Keeper by Tim Howard appealed to me even though I'm not an athlete myself.
A lot of people seem to like this, and I'm glad, because if there's one thing I learned from this book it's that Mariano Rivera is a great guy.
A lot of people seem to like this, and I'm glad, because if there's one thing I learned from this book it's that Mariano Rivera is a great guy.
March 30, 2015
Mariano Rivera: The Closer was a good book. It's about the life of one of baseballs best relief pitcher. Mariano Rivera was born in a very poor village in Panama, Where the economy is fish. He grew up around fish, he never thought he would be a professional baseball player. He always worked with his dad on his boat but stopped when a scout watched one of his games. Where Mariano pitched and didn't give up a run. From there his career as a baseball player came true. He played in the minor leagues for a couple years till he got called up to the Yankees. From there he won 5 World Series titles and become one of the best relief pitchers baseball has had. I recommend this book to anyone who likes sports.
March 4, 2016
This is review of just the first half of the book. The first half of this book is a great one. It shows Mariano's path to the MLB and his career. It also shows how hard of a worker he is. I would definitely recommend this book. Mariano is very consistent and always does what's best for the team. Hard work definitely pays off because Mariano is one of the best closers ever and it at the top of the all time saves list.
The second half of the book was also very inspiring. He had to battle through many injuries. He kept the grind going. This makes me want to work as hard as possible to try to succeed. He also battled old age saying that anything is possible. It was very sad when he retired because the legend is now gone from baseball.
The second half of the book was also very inspiring. He had to battle through many injuries. He kept the grind going. This makes me want to work as hard as possible to try to succeed. He also battled old age saying that anything is possible. It was very sad when he retired because the legend is now gone from baseball.
January 6, 2016
Let me say first, that I am NOT a Yankees fan, but I had heard so many good things about Mariano Rivera, that I felt I could read this book and enjoy it for the story. And I did. Mariano started out in life as a poor fisherman's son from Panama. He dropped out of school, and enjoyed playing soccer. His life and work ethic are something every young person needs to read. Once Mariano gets drafted by the Yankees, his life changes drastically, but the person, the young man, always stays true to himself. There is a lot of play-by-play in this book, so if you're in to baseball, you will certainly enjoy it. This is a remarkable sports success story, with a man I would want to be friends with.
November 2, 2016
Mariano 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.
May 16, 2017
I liked this book because it was based on a true story. Mariano grew up poor and dropped out of high school. He worked with his dad as a fisherman. He liked soccer but did not really have much interest in baseball. Because of injuries, he gave up soccer and played baseball. His career took off from there, He went on to be drafted by the Yankees and became an all star and five-time World Series champion. He is proof that hard work pays off no matter what kind of life you come from. It was a great book about an all star.
May 11, 2018
the book the closer by Mariano river mainly talks about his life and how he came up to be one of the best closers in baseball history.He started as a young boy and a Fishermans son in panama.As he got older he started to gain interest in soccer.But because of an ankle injury he couldn't play soccer anymore.This made him loose interest in the sport because he couldn't play.This made him try new things like baseball.Overall this book is good overall and shows comparable struggles.
December 12, 2017
A very good, inspiring and sincere book. Even adults will like it. You don't have to be a Yankee fan to appreciate his amazing journey from humble beginnings, his work ethic and his unshakeable belief in himself, based on a very strong faith in his God and people in general. I also found his modesty endearing.
February 18, 2020
I have never liked the New York Yankees. But it's not personal, it's about spreading the joy around. But even in disliking all the Yankee championships, I could never find anything about Mariano Rivera to dislike. And now I know why.
His is an amazing story. One day he's standing in right field, and his manager waves him in to pitch. "He can't possibly mean me, I am not a pitcher." He is told just throw strikes, we are in a bind. He does that for 7 or 8 innings.
From that one game, he is referred to a local baseball scout, td this kid has something. And not long after that, he is signed by the Yankees.
Most of his accuracy comes from a game they used to play in Panama with pebbles trying to get them through a very small target.
With nothing but a fastball and pinpoint location hr rises through the minors and gets the call up to the Yankees.
He's in a country where he can't speak the language and is lonely for his love of his life Clara. But he learns the language and through a patient player who teaches him while they wait their turn on the bench. Also, at age 18, Mariano decides to give his life to the Lord, asking Jesus into his heart.
Through all his saves as a closer, he always prays before pitching. Not to win, but to do his best and not let his teammates down.
As a ballplayer he has fun but is always respectful. He never sees anyone use a needle and is naive about PEDs. He listens to his manager and trusts him whenever he is called on. He isn't much into statistics.
He writes or tells his story with the same humility that he shows in everything else. A young reader reading this book would learn the right way to go about playing a kid's game as a professional.
I like and admire this man so much, reading his humble beginnings a world away from the limelight he will one day live in as the greatest closer ever to pitch in the majors. I find a brother in the faith on these pages. I am sure if we lived in the same town we could be good friends.
I even can sympathize with his shock and pain losing game 7 of the 2001 Series to my team that I supported and even saw a playoff game with, the Arizona Diamondbacks. It is maybe my happiest moment ever as a fan. But for him it was a day of tears.
This is a Youth Reader edition but over 300 pages and never feels any different than any other edition would helped by Sue Corbett who has done many books for young readers. It is in the regular adult section of the library. And as a baseball fan who has read many biographies of sports figures, it is one of the best.
Even Mariano's best pitch, the cutter that is almost all he threw, happened by accident, just warming up one day. The guy catching him got mad because the ball kept moving and he couldn't catch it. He thought Mo was messing with him, not that maybe the greatest single out pitch in history was being discovered. I relate to this. It is similar to how I discovered a knuckle curve ball I threw one day as a joke, but which helped me with quite a few strikeouts in my limited unprofessional years as a pitcher. It's part of the fun, learning to throw a ball and make it miss batter's bats. Mo did this at the highest level into his 40's.
Mariano understands that his life and talent is a gift from God, every bit as much as his beloved Clara and 3 sons are gifts God put into his life.
You'd like this book. It is the story of a great man, a humble man, a consistent man of faith and trust. I recommend it fully.
His is an amazing story. One day he's standing in right field, and his manager waves him in to pitch. "He can't possibly mean me, I am not a pitcher." He is told just throw strikes, we are in a bind. He does that for 7 or 8 innings.
From that one game, he is referred to a local baseball scout, td this kid has something. And not long after that, he is signed by the Yankees.
Most of his accuracy comes from a game they used to play in Panama with pebbles trying to get them through a very small target.
With nothing but a fastball and pinpoint location hr rises through the minors and gets the call up to the Yankees.
He's in a country where he can't speak the language and is lonely for his love of his life Clara. But he learns the language and through a patient player who teaches him while they wait their turn on the bench. Also, at age 18, Mariano decides to give his life to the Lord, asking Jesus into his heart.
Through all his saves as a closer, he always prays before pitching. Not to win, but to do his best and not let his teammates down.
As a ballplayer he has fun but is always respectful. He never sees anyone use a needle and is naive about PEDs. He listens to his manager and trusts him whenever he is called on. He isn't much into statistics.
He writes or tells his story with the same humility that he shows in everything else. A young reader reading this book would learn the right way to go about playing a kid's game as a professional.
I like and admire this man so much, reading his humble beginnings a world away from the limelight he will one day live in as the greatest closer ever to pitch in the majors. I find a brother in the faith on these pages. I am sure if we lived in the same town we could be good friends.
I even can sympathize with his shock and pain losing game 7 of the 2001 Series to my team that I supported and even saw a playoff game with, the Arizona Diamondbacks. It is maybe my happiest moment ever as a fan. But for him it was a day of tears.
This is a Youth Reader edition but over 300 pages and never feels any different than any other edition would helped by Sue Corbett who has done many books for young readers. It is in the regular adult section of the library. And as a baseball fan who has read many biographies of sports figures, it is one of the best.
Even Mariano's best pitch, the cutter that is almost all he threw, happened by accident, just warming up one day. The guy catching him got mad because the ball kept moving and he couldn't catch it. He thought Mo was messing with him, not that maybe the greatest single out pitch in history was being discovered. I relate to this. It is similar to how I discovered a knuckle curve ball I threw one day as a joke, but which helped me with quite a few strikeouts in my limited unprofessional years as a pitcher. It's part of the fun, learning to throw a ball and make it miss batter's bats. Mo did this at the highest level into his 40's.
Mariano understands that his life and talent is a gift from God, every bit as much as his beloved Clara and 3 sons are gifts God put into his life.
You'd like this book. It is the story of a great man, a humble man, a consistent man of faith and trust. I recommend it fully.
May 31, 2018
The Closer by Mariano Rivera in my opinion would be placed with autobiographies. In this book Mariano talks about how he grew up all the way to his last page in the majors. The book starts out when Mariano was just a kid and helping his dad work on his boat and in other ways. Mariano was always involved in street baseball games in Panama. When he finally got on a team he was scouted. When he started his career with the Yankees he was a Starting Pitcher. Failing to get anything done he was sent down to the minors where they changed him to a relief pitcher. When he started to heat up the Yankees moved him to the closers role. He career took off from that moment becoming the best closer in Major League Baseball history. In my opinion there was nothing wrong with the book mostly because Mariano himself wrote the book. This makes a difference because he is talking about his own life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2021
I enjoyed this book because of its versatility. Every part of the book fed you more than just one topic of information at a time. It went from Mariano’s early years as a homeless kid in Panama, to how he and his friend escaped the country by boat to get to the U.S. , and how his journey to being the greatest closer baseball has ever seen began.
February 21, 2020
i love this book because it talks about baseball and baseball is quite one of my favorites sports and i think if you love baseball you will love this book.
January 30, 2022
Definitely a good book for a sports-enthused kid; Mariano is an excellent role model for kids because he played for the right reason and used his faith to guide him.
December 12, 2016
ake Shaw
Per 5.
12-12-16
Moles
The Closer
Mariano Rivera was a closer for the New York Yankees. The thirteen time all star had some hardships before he got the MLB including seeing the death of his uncle. The Closer was written by the man Himself Mariano Rivera. This book was about how Mariano RIvera got to the MLB and all of what he had to do prior to the MLB. Mariano basically went right from the ocean to the bigs. Before going to the Big Leagues his job was on a fishing boat with his father. Until his teammates called him and told him that a scout wanted to see him pitch. Although Mariano didn't pitch much, and he himself did not consider himself anything special as a pitcher besides that he was consistent.
The theme in book was mainly to not give up on yourself and to follow your dreams no matter what gets in your way. Mariano had to sacrifice leaving a girl that he liked since kindergarden. He supports this theme by telling us his failures and what he did wrong in his experiences. But also the things that he did right so the readers would what to do and what not to do.
I liked the fact that he told the re
ader some advise as he was telling his story. He elaborates a lot on what to do one your path to the MLB especially for foreign players. Mariano had a rough time leaving his home town to go to New York. The book was a good book and I myself actually learned a lot more than I thought I would with this book. Mostly about what to do with scouts and interviews and most of all fellow players. I would recommend this book to anybody who is on the path to the Big Leagues and or just have a love for baseball and wants to know more about the paths of players.
Per 5.
12-12-16
Moles
The Closer
Mariano Rivera was a closer for the New York Yankees. The thirteen time all star had some hardships before he got the MLB including seeing the death of his uncle. The Closer was written by the man Himself Mariano Rivera. This book was about how Mariano RIvera got to the MLB and all of what he had to do prior to the MLB. Mariano basically went right from the ocean to the bigs. Before going to the Big Leagues his job was on a fishing boat with his father. Until his teammates called him and told him that a scout wanted to see him pitch. Although Mariano didn't pitch much, and he himself did not consider himself anything special as a pitcher besides that he was consistent.
The theme in book was mainly to not give up on yourself and to follow your dreams no matter what gets in your way. Mariano had to sacrifice leaving a girl that he liked since kindergarden. He supports this theme by telling us his failures and what he did wrong in his experiences. But also the things that he did right so the readers would what to do and what not to do.
I liked the fact that he told the re
ader some advise as he was telling his story. He elaborates a lot on what to do one your path to the MLB especially for foreign players. Mariano had a rough time leaving his home town to go to New York. The book was a good book and I myself actually learned a lot more than I thought I would with this book. Mostly about what to do with scouts and interviews and most of all fellow players. I would recommend this book to anybody who is on the path to the Big Leagues and or just have a love for baseball and wants to know more about the paths of players.
January 18, 2023
This book had lots of ups and downs for me. The beginning of the book was probably my favorite part. Reading about Rivera growing up in Panama and developing his passion for baseball was exciting. I loved learning his background and seeing how he got to where he got. It really set the stage well for the rest of the book.
His description of his games, however, were a bit much for me. I understood the general gist of them, but I really got lost in all of the numbers being given and what they all meant. This is obviously a personal problem as baseball numbers mean nothing to me, and that’s not Rivera’s fault. Essentially, if you’re not a baseball fan, you likely won’t find much enjoyment from this book.
It started becoming even worse around page 150-160. It was just so tedious and repetitive. He lost the storytelling aspect of the earlier chapters and the book basically became a play-by-play of each of his games. It honestly became so hard to tell when one game ended and where another began. It definitely became a bit of a slog to get through.
To read more of my review, check out
https://yalitreader.wordpress.com/202...
His description of his games, however, were a bit much for me. I understood the general gist of them, but I really got lost in all of the numbers being given and what they all meant. This is obviously a personal problem as baseball numbers mean nothing to me, and that’s not Rivera’s fault. Essentially, if you’re not a baseball fan, you likely won’t find much enjoyment from this book.
It started becoming even worse around page 150-160. It was just so tedious and repetitive. He lost the storytelling aspect of the earlier chapters and the book basically became a play-by-play of each of his games. It honestly became so hard to tell when one game ended and where another began. It definitely became a bit of a slog to get through.
To read more of my review, check out
https://yalitreader.wordpress.com/202...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2015
This book is the autobiography of Mariano Rivera, the recently retired closer for the New York Yankees. It tells the story of how he started off working as a fisherman on his father’s boat in the Dominican Republic and became a baseball star. It was very interesting to see his journey from high school dropout to baseball player. I also liked how there were short chapters every so often that described things in the book and gave background knowledge of things like how his theme song became Enter Sandman by Metallica. I am a huge Yankees fan, so I might be biased, but I would recommend this book.
November 30, 2016
Travel the baseball career of Mariano Rivera from sand ball on the beaches of Panama, to the World Series. From a broke down home in Panama, Mariano worked on a fishing boat for his father from age 12 to age 18. He then got a chance to play in front of MLB scouts after a guy recommended him after getting a start and going 8 innings and playing excellent. He continued to go back to the scout until he gets an offer, to the Yankees. He goes to Florida to play Gulf Coast ball, then promoted to Single A, then Double A, then Triple A. Finally he goes to the MLB. He played Reliever and Closer. He set records and had the best stats among closers in his 20 year career.
March 1, 2015
The Closer is autobiography by Mariano Rivera. It tells his story from a fisherman's son in Panama to the best closer in the MLB. Rivera would cut his family's grass with a machete. Now that is over because he has just signed a contract to play baseball for the New York Yankees. After being in the minor leagues for a couple years he makes it on to the Yankees. He helps them win and helps the Yankees win the world series 3 times in 4 years. He has his number retired in 2013 and is considered the greatest closer of all time.
September 23, 2015
The Closer is an amazing book written by Mariano Rivera [with Wayne Coffey and Sue Corbett].
The Closer is about the amazing journey of Mariano Rivera from Panama to NYC. One of my favorite parts from the book is when Mariano Rivera passes Trevor Hoffman and becomes baseball`s all-time saves leader. My least favorite part of the book is when Mariano Rivera was being sent from the clippers to Yankees back and forth.
I would recommend this book to whoever wants to be a pitcher, sports player, or just wants to learn how to act to become a successful person in life.
The Closer is about the amazing journey of Mariano Rivera from Panama to NYC. One of my favorite parts from the book is when Mariano Rivera passes Trevor Hoffman and becomes baseball`s all-time saves leader. My least favorite part of the book is when Mariano Rivera was being sent from the clippers to Yankees back and forth.
I would recommend this book to whoever wants to be a pitcher, sports player, or just wants to learn how to act to become a successful person in life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2015
The Closer by Mariano Rivera is an autobiography. This book takes place during his Major League Baseball career and his childhood in Panama. The main characters are Mariano Rivera, his wife, his family, and his many teamates. The book follows him as he begins his journey from a fisherman's sun to a Major League Baseball superstar. He describes how the most important thing in his life was not his career or money, but his family. I rated this book five stars because it shows an amazing journey of a small boy from a small town in Panama.
November 6, 2015
Mariano Rivera was just a normal kid. There was no difference between just kids and him. Also, he had no interest in the baseball. He was just planning to follow father job. If I add another information about him, he loved a soccer, and want to became a soccer player. One day he broke his ankle while he was playing the soccer, so he give up the soccer player dream. He got interest into the baseball. He was good at throwing exact point where he wants to throw. He worked hard to be a baseball player. He never ever gived up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2016
This is a very well written book, I think this book is like for 4th grade and up. Just because of the vocab.my favorite part was when he actually talks. This book is also really inspiring. espeshiley to me.
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