Introduction to the Incident
Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera tore an Achilles tendon while going after a flyball at the New York Yankees’ Old-Timers’ Day game on Saturday and needs surgery. This unfortunate event occurred during a game that was meant to be a celebration of the team’s history and a reunion of its former players.
The Game and the Injury
Agent Fern Cuza said the 55-year-old closer, baseball’s career leader in saves, will have the operation within a week. In his lone at-bat, Rivera singled off former teammate Andy Pettitte and easily ran to first base. During an at-bat by Willie Randolph, Rivera took a step and fell to the ground in shallow center field behind second base. The injury was a shock to everyone present, as it was not expected that the day would end on such a sour note.
Reaction from Fellow Players
The Yankees restored the Old-Timers’ Day game for the first time since 2019. “It was a fun day until we heard about Mariano. Mariano hurt his Achilles,” seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens told WFAN broadcaster Suzyn Waldman. “I don’t know what was going on. We all thought it was a hamstring, but I think it’s a little worse than that. I think he’s at the hospital now. Unbelievable.” The reaction from fellow players and fans alike was one of shock and concern for the well-being of Mariano Rivera.
Background on Mariano Rivera
In 2019, the 13-time All-Star became the first player unanimously inducted into the Hall of Fame by getting all 425 votes in balloting conducted by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. He helped the Yankees win five World Series titles and seven American League pennants. Rivera was playing in the Old-Timers’ Game for the second time. He hit an inside-the-park homer in 2019. The event commemorated the 25th anniversary of the 2000 championship team, the last team to win three straight World Series titles.
The Event and Its Significance
Clemens was a first-time attendee at the event, which had captain Derek Jeter give a short video message when he was introduced following Rivera. Before the event, Rivera said he intended to speak with struggling reliever Devin Williams. The road to the Fall Classic begins in Tokyo, Japan. Here are the must-know dates and matchups for the 2025 MLB season. AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report.
Conclusion
The injury to Mariano Rivera during the Old-Timers’ Day game is a reminder that even in celebratory events, the risk of injury is always present. Despite this unfortunate incident, the event served as a reminder of the rich history of the New York Yankees and the contributions of players like Mariano Rivera to the team’s success.
FAQs
Q: What happened to Mariano Rivera during the Old-Timers’ Day game?
A: Mariano Rivera tore an Achilles tendon while going after a flyball and needs surgery.
Q: Who will perform the surgery on Mariano Rivera?
A: The details of the surgeon have not been specified, but it is confirmed that the operation will take place within a week.
Q: What was the occasion of the Old-Timers’ Day game?
A: The game commemorated the 25th anniversary of the 2000 championship team and marked the return of the event after a hiatus since 2019.
Q: How many World Series titles did Mariano Rivera help the Yankees win?
A: Mariano Rivera helped the Yankees win five World Series titles.
Q: What is the current status of Mariano Rivera’s condition?
A: As of the latest reports, Mariano Rivera is scheduled to undergo surgery within a week, but further updates on his condition are not available.
