Mariano's My Friend So I Hate It Had To Be Him

Hello readers. The tone of this post will be quite sad so if you're not in the mood to shed some tears, then I suggest you bypass this post. If you're quite the inquisitor and you're dying to know what I'm writing about then my all means plop yourself down in a chair and commence reading. Tonight the Yankees played the Kansas City Royals and the Yankee outing was simply lackluster. It's May 4th and the Yanks aren't really shining like many of us had expected. We're not the diamonds that get fitted into rings that sit in Harry Winston window displays. We're starting to look like cubic zirconia. It's cheap and a poor imitation of quality. Wow, even writing that sounds a little harsh but it's how I feel. I know my team will find its footing and once they do, things will align perfectly and the increasing panic will subside. Now, the game isn't the reason why I'm blogging tonight. I'm sad to report that THE great Mariano Rivera has suffered a torn ACL in his right knee. May the heavens give me strength to continue.

During the team's batting practice earlier in the day, Mariano twisted his knee and as he fell down to the ground holding it and grimacing, we all prayed that only swelling would follow. Well readers, when it rains, it pours and manager Joe Girardi delivered the news that made all of us collapse on the floor. Chicago Bulls phenom Derrick Rose recently suffered a torn ACL but, D Rose is 23, his body is young and with extensive physical therapy, he will heal. Mariano is 42 and with the buzz surrounding retirement rumors, this just only makes the situation foggier. I can't speculate or say what will happen but I will say that my heart is heavy and as I continue to read the solemn tweets and reactions from fans all around the world, I'll continue to calm my nerves and think happy thoughts while routinely monitoring updates.

Mo, I have always and will continue to be your loyal "ride or die" chick and I'm sending nothing but well wishes and prayers.

XOXO,
Whitney

I Always Knew That Mariano Rivera's Favorite Number Was 602

Good evening readers. How are you feeling tonight? Did you have a rough day? Are you ready to go postal on your job and co-workers? If you've answered "yes" to any of the above questions then you are having another case of the Mondays. For those of you who are having a beyond extraordinary day, I can tell you why. It has nothing to do with the new love in your life, that promotion set in place, or that upcoming weekend trips with friends. No, your happiness stems from the fact that MARIANO RIVERA IS NOW THE ALL-TIME SAVES LEADER!

It seems like just yesterday, 1995 to be exact, that we began hearing the name Mariano Rivera. Like many people on the New York Yankees, Mariano was a young, lanky, hungry pitcher just trying to make a name for himself in this big city. In 1996, Mariano became the Yankees' setup man and in 1997 had the honor of being named the closer. It's not an easy gig closing out baseball games but there was something about Mariano in which we NY fans knew that we had just hit the jackpot. Things would never be the same.

With the Yankees and their impressive storybook dynasty throughout the 90s, Mariano Rivera was the key man in making sure that his team always acquired the win. Now, I know what you're thinking "there's no way in hell that anyone could be that great at his job for 17 years" and I say to you "sip on that haterade because baby it's true!"

How do I even continue to describe in detail the plethora of accolades and praise this man has amassed over the years? Is there even room in this post? This blogger has more than enough time and energy to go into detail but I want to reserve this portion of the post to let my emotions run deep and my fingers to type away.

As a fan of the Yankees since 1995, all I've come to know and selfishly expect is winning. My entire baseball fanhood has seen its fair share of heartache and joy but what keeps me coming back are the familiar faces and once known as the Core 4, it has now become the Core 3. These 3 men, Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, and Mariano Rivera or God Almighty may have kept my pockets low from the amount of money spent on tickets and memorabilia(it was so well worth it) but my spirits were always high. Thank you guys.

So, to Mariano Rivera: thank you for your humility, for your undying passion, unwavering grit, and for always keeping us, your fans, at the forefront in your life. Thank you for reminding us in a very subtle manner that the start of the game can be bumpy and you either strikeout or hit a home run, but it's how you choose to end whether it be a 1-2-3 shutout or a completely blown save. Thank you for gracing us fans with a piece of calm and tranquility. Thank you to your wife and children for never scorning us and cursing us because we share a place in your heart.

Before the rambling begins because of my joyous emotions, I'll end this piece by simply saying Congratulations on 602 saves Mariano. I look forward to seeing 700 Sandman ;)

XOXO,
Whitney

Mariano's 600th Save = Swag on Swag on Swag

As baseball season approaches its end, there will be countless montages and videos dedicated to all the water cooler moments that made our love for the game downright/borderline obsessive. Included in the reminiscent reels will be Derek Jeter's 3000th hit and Mariano Rivera's 600th career save. Yes folks, you read that last part correctly. Every Yankees fan's lord and savior Mariano Rivera garnered his 600th save against the Seattle Mariners with some clutch performance help from no other than Russell Martin and fans home and abroad have got to be feeling the same way I am....effing ecstatic!

Trevor Hoffman leads the league in career saves and the magic number for Mariano to become the all-time saves leader is 2. 2 has always been a favorable number for myself so there's no doubt that 602 won't become my new favorite number. I am more than certain as well that 602, painted in classic white and blue, shall be tattooed on the arms and legs of die hard Yankees fans....probably myself included!

Congratulations Mariano, you have come to represent strength, passion, and calm for us fans for the past 16 years. Thank you for your humility, and always stepping up and showing out for your fans. I can't wait to write an extensive piece on you and your lustrous career once you get to lucky number 602.

Also, congrats to the Yankees for picking up another victory winning the game 3-2.

XOXO,
Whitney

The Core Four...Loyalty Is All They Know

As I was scanning through the Daily News this morning, I came across this interesting piece entitled, Fab Four: How This Legendary Group Almost Never Got Together and I was compelled to write about this spectacular group of men and how we can all learn a little something about love and loyalty.

It's hard to believe that nearly 16 years ago, a young shortstop from Michigan, Derek Jeter, a pitcher from Texas, Andy Pettitte, a catcher from Puerto Rico, Jorge Posada, and a reliever from Panama, Mariano Rivera,  made their big league debuts. Skinny, wide-eyed, and hungry, figuratively and literally, these men scraped and scrapped for their success....success that has contributed to 5 World Series titles and nearly hundreds of millions in salaries. With all that could come with such monumental success, I think what should be reveled is the fact that they're still together. Although Andy left for 3 years, he's still much apart of that statement than anything else.

Free agency, greed, and big bucks go hand in hand and with anything in life, stability isn't always guaranteed. To have longevity in an organization such as the New York Yankees, I wonder what has been keeping them together besides great negotiations and lucrative contracts? Call it mushiness or call it realness, I believe love and loyalty, on all fronts, is what's been the glue to holding these guys together. In order to survive double digits on a team with the same people, you have to develop a mutual love and understanding for who that person is on the field and off the field. Likewise, you have to keep the phrase "throwing me/him under the bus" away from your organization and life at all times.

So, how does witnessing love and loyalty from a group of baseball players help bridge connectivity in our lives? The same practice of mutual understanding in a clubhouse is no different than in any house. You and I can exhibit the same quality in any situation no matter how big or small the issue. Secondly, as a big stickler for loyalty, I am a proponent of accountability and taking responsibility for your actions. Therefore, throwing someone under the bus shouldn't be your first or last resort, it shouldn't find it's way into your life. Learning to be loyal and trustworthy goes a long way. Trust me, there's nothing more desirable than a person who's loyal.  Loyalty is all I know.

As Wednesday approaches and the ALDS begins, I want to congratulate the Yankees, including the Core Four, on another successful season. This piece is for you. Also, congratulations to all the teams in who've made it to the postseason. This is sure to be something exciting.

XOXO,
Whitney

A Toast To Yankee Baseball And October!

Congratulations to the New York Yankees for clinching a playoff spot tonight. It's been a long time coming and with the ups and down of the past few games, we fans have been itching for some assurance that we'll reach October. Tonight was that night as the Yankees won 6-1.

Congratulations to Carsten Charles Sabathia and Mariano Rivera for their outstanding performances tonight. I think it's only fitting to end this short post by saying congratulations once again Yankees. Keep up the good work.

XOXO,
Whitney