Thanks For The Sho, Mo

If you are a baseball fan, last night was one of those 'where were you?' moments that won't soon, if ever, be forgotten. The best part for a lot among us? You didn't even have to be a Yankees fan to appreciate it. It's a long way from the streets of Puerto Caimito, Panama, to the bright lights at Citi Field, in the city he has called home, in this, his adopted country, for the past 19 seasons.

Imagine the thoughts going through this man's mind as he stood on the bump in the bullpen, making the last few tosses, before that familiar guitar rift blared over the loud speakers, offering his cue that it was time to, 'Enter Sandman'; thoughts of shaping bats out of tree branches, hitting balls made only of old, discarded fishing net and tape, and catching fly balls with gloves carved out of old milk cartons. And that long, lonesome stroll, alone with these thoughts, through the plush green grass, with the ASG insignia forming a perfect template in the outfield. Did they also bring reminders of a childhood walking to the docks, to board his fathers' boat, toward another grueling day fishing for shrimp and sardines, in order to make a living? We may never know the answer to these questions, but we do know one thing: 40,000 people in attendance, teams in both dugouts and millions of us at home got to witness, in his glory, the most dominant closer the game has ever known. And we appreciated the moment. I have the goosebumps to prove it.

13 times he was voted to the All Star Game, appearing in 9. He ranks 1st all time in saves, 1st in post season saves, 1st in post season E.R.A., has won 5 World Series rings, was last nights' MVP and he did it all with one pitch. Now, don't get fooled into thinking, 'One pitch? That's not dominating'. On the surface, no. Instead, examine the science of that pitch, the cut fastball. Much like Greg Maddux used to defy logic, throwing a mediocre fastball, with pinpoint accuracy, he takes this one pitch and manipulates everything about it; the delivery angle, speed, grip and stride to the plate. He has worked so hard, and studied so fiercely, that he can make this one pitch seem like a dozen; two dozen even. It's masterful to watch and it's genius in its simplicity. This man didn't grow up in a baseball factory. His town didn't have a diamond on every corner and sponsors on the backs of their shirts. In his town they played soccer for real, and baseball for fun. Why? Because that was the culture and outside of that culture, when you dare to switch the roles of your birthright due to a series of unfortunate ankle injuries, you learn a different craft, you break it down, until it's perfect and you make people notice. This man invented the K.I.S.S. method. Genius, sheer genius. Oh, and they did notice; a little. The Yankees, in all of their wisdom, snatched this hidden gem up from the streets of Panama, for a whopping $3,000 USD. That's the equivalent of a little over 5k today, but you get the picture. This man, now hailed as the greatest ever, wasn't supposed to make it; he didn't belong here. Look at him now.

His accolades as an athlete are noteworthy, but what may be even more impressive, is the work he does away from the game; his character, devotion to his family and assistance to the general public, which he provides through his foundation, both here and back in his homeland. This man embodies what is good about professional athletes. This man is a true role model, fashioned by his work ethic, actions and deeds, rather than words. This man is a sure fire Hall of Famer, first in life, then in the game he loves. This man is, Mariano Rivera.

So, last night, as you got to the hill, taking a moment to soak it all in, offering up a sheepish, almost embarrassed, smiled and donned your cap to the millions of adoring fans watching attentively, I hope you realize, sir, it is we who should be saluting you. Well done, Mariano and thanks for the show.

Exit Sandman,

Scott