Legendary New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera suffered a setback during the team’s Old-Timers’ Day game this past Saturday. He tore his Achilles tendon while chasing a fly ball.
The Hall of Fame pitcher, who many call the greatest closer in baseball history, will need surgery within the next week. At 55, Rivera’s injury cast a somber mood over a day meant to celebrate Yankees history and the 25th anniversary of their 2000 World Series championship team.
Mariano Rivera’s Injury on Old-Timers’ Day
The injury happened in the early innings at Yankee Stadium, during an at-bat by former teammate Willie Randolph. Rivera moved into shallow center field, trying to catch a fly ball, but suddenly pulled up and collapsed in pain.
Former teammates like Roger Clemens watched with concern as Rivera was helped off the field. At first, people thought he’d pulled a hamstring, but later his agent, Fern Cuza, confirmed it was a torn Achilles tendon.
Earlier, Rivera had shown flashes of his old skills by singling off Andy Pettitte. He jogged to first base, drawing cheers from the crowd.
The excitement didn’t last, though, as concern quickly replaced it after the injury.
A Rare But Not Unprecedented Event Injury
Old-Timers’ Day has seen its share of injuries before. In 2017, Paul O’Neill strained a calf muscle running to first base.
Still, Rivera’s Achilles tear feels especially serious because recovery from that can take a long time.
Oddly enough, Rivera’s faced a similar setback in the past. In 2012, he tore his right ACL while shagging fly balls during batting practice.
Many thought that injury might end his career, but Rivera rehabbed and returned in 2013 for one last season before retiring.
The Career and Legacy of Baseball’s Greatest Closer
Rivera’s career with the Yankees stretched from 1995 to 2013. He holds the MLB record for saves with 652, and he racked up 42 postseason saves.
His dominance in October helped the Yankees win five World Series titles and seven American League pennants. That’s a legacy few can match.
In 2019, Rivera became the first player ever unanimously elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. That says a lot about how much he was respected by everyone in the game.
His cut fastball was legendary, and he never seemed rattled on the mound. Rivera’s place in baseball history feels completely secure.
Rivera’s Return to Old-Timers’ Day
This was Rivera’s second appearance in the Yankees’ Old-Timers’ Game. In his 2019 debut, he wowed the crowd with an inside-the-park home run and got a huge ovation.
The 2024 game felt extra meaningful, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Yankees’ 2000 World Series win over the Mets.
Rivera’s Mentorship Role
Before the injury, Rivera wanted to offer encouragement to current Yankees reliever Devin Williams, who’s been having a rough stretch. Rivera’s advice? Focus on confidence, composure, and mental toughness—qualities that always set him apart when the pressure was highest.
Looking Ahead
Surgery is set for later this week, so Rivera has a tough road of rehab ahead. His playing days are long gone, but Yankees fans still love seeing their old heroes out there at Old-Timers’ Day.
Missing him at those events just won’t feel right for a while. He’ll be back eventually, but until then, there’s going to be a noticeable gap.
Old-Timers’ Day means a lot to this franchise. It brings together generations, and fans get to relive some of the best memories in Yankees history.
Rivera’s injury put a damper on things, sure. But it also kind of reminds you—these legends are still people, still taking risks for the game they love.
- Injury Details: Tore his Achilles chasing a fly ball.
- Past Injuries: Blew out his right ACL in 2012, but came back for one last season in 2013.
- Career Achievements: 652 saves, 42 postseason saves, and five World Series rings.
- Hall of Fame: Made it in unanimously in 2019.
- Old-Timers’ Day: This was his second time—he even hit an inside-the-park homer in 2019.
Here is the source article for this story: Rivera tears Achilles during Old-Timers’ game
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