"The event was held as a fundraiser for both Rivera's church, Refugio de Esperanza, in New Rochelle, NY and Tiger Hollow Inc., which is raising funds to put lights up at Tiger Hollow II, Guido Maiolo Field....Rivera went on to talk about what an honor it was to be the last player to wear No. 42 and say his greatest honor as a ball player was to be able to put on the Yankee uniform every day. He also said his childhood sports hero was the great Pele and that he loved soccer as a child.
Thee were a number of lighter moments too like when Rivera gave credit to Edgar Martinez as the toughest batter he faced when asked by a young fan who was the most feared hitter he went up against.
"First I have to say there was no fear for any hitter," Rivera joked. "But Edgar Martinez, he was tough. I just couldn't get him out and later in his career I was just thinking `god, get him out of here."
Rivera also said Yogi Berra was his Yankee hero and he cherished the time he got to spend with him and that he may like to coach in the minors some day....
"We are trying to get the lights built by next fall since this field is used by the high school as well as the youth programs who would also really benefit," Tiger Hollow president John Pavain said. "We need to raise approximately an additional $175,000 and today will really help us get there and we couldn't thank Mariano enough."...photo by Lisa Weir, News Times
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