Mariano Rivera Reaches Milestone [HUMOR]

Jeff Shull by Correspondent Written on June 29, 2009
NEW YORK - JUNE 28: Mariano Rivera #42 of the New York Yankees celebrates after earning his 500th career save against the New York Mets on June 28, 2009 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

On ESPN's Sunday night baseball, Mariano Rivera proved why he is a legend.

Rivera was called upon at a crucial juncture of the game, and he delivered, like he has done only once in his career.

With Derek Jeter at the plate, sweat dripped down Francisco Rodriguez's face, for even though Rivera wasn't in the on-deck circle, KRod knew who was next.

In a effort to avoid a potential meeting with Rivera, Jerry Manuel came to the mound in an attempt to persuade KRod to pitch to Jeter, and it worked, but only for one pitch. I guess KRod figured he should avoid the second coming of Mr. October.

So after the intentional walk of Jeter, Rivera came strutting to the plate. Mariano is the poster boy for the old saying, "the name on the back is not as important as the name on the front"-the back of the helmet read "Ransom."

KRod shook off any jitters that may have overcome him, and bared down.

Ball 1.

The crowd gets a little nervous in the Mets stadium; why would you throw a ball to a pitcher?

Ball 2.

Every Mets fan in the stadium boos, there is no excuse for this blasphemy.

KRod composes himself and brings the heat for two strikes, and the crowd rests easy. The next pitch, Rivera makes contact! Foul ball. Derek Jeter is seen openly laughing at first base, the very notion of Rivera hitting the ball in any direction is unbearable.

Ball 3.

Now people are starting to look at each other in disbelief, Met and Yankee fans alike. Everyone in the stadium is reassuring everyone else the next pitch is going to end the inning.

Ball 4.

Rivera turned in his first RBI of his illustrious career with a masterful seven pitch walk that will be remembered by fans everywhere. People will never forget June 28, 2009.

The scene in the locker room is frantic. Every reporter was trying to get a piece of the superstar.

"Mariano, how did you manage such an incredible at-bat?"

"Well coach told me to avoid swinging at all costs and it paid off, we have a great hitting coach."

"Were you nervous?"

"Come on, who do you think you're talkin' to? Well, I take it back, I was a little nervous, for KRod."

No one laughs.

"Do you have anything to say about reaching 500 saves tonight?"

"That's enough questions."

Annoyed, Rivera slams his glove in his locker and heads for the showers. The reporters mull in their positions for a moment, staring at each other in disbelief. I guess some players just can't handle The Show.

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written on June 29, 2009 Humor

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