Mo Rivera

[SueDonJ]

Wow, what sad news out of Yankee Stadium about Mo's injury. He's been a RedSox nemesis for way too long, sure, but he's one of those players whose exceptional talents transcend the rivalry. I don't think any Yankee will ever get as loud an ovation in Fenway Park as he did on Opening Day, 2005. Of course we Sox fanatics were happy that his blown saves were what forced the monster collapse by the Dreaded Yankees during our 2004 playoff run, but we also recognize that he pretty much stands alone as The Best Closer Ever. A lot of folks thought that ovation was simply bad sportsmanship, more taunting than adoration, but no. Real fans know that he deserved those accolades.

I hope he gets to come back for at least one game at Yankee Stadium after the long rehab so that his fans can pay respect and say goodbye under much better circumstances. If he manages that, then I hope too that he'll have at least one more appearance at Fenway and all the other AL East parks. Sad, sad, sad.

[SpikeMauler]

Rivera says he's coming back next year. It's gonna be a tough rehab for a 42 year old but I think he'll make it back.

[Nickfromct]

He certainly doesn't want to close out an incredible career like this.

[fillde]

Originally Posted by SueDonJ

Wow, what sad news out of Yankee Stadium about Mo's injury. He's been a RedSox nemesis for way too long, sure, but he's one of those players whose exceptional talents transcend the rivalry. I don't think any Yankee will ever get as loud an ovation in Fenway Park as he did on Opening Day, 2005. Of course we Sox fanatics were happy that his blown saves were what forced the monster collapse by the Dreaded Yankees during our 2004 playoff run, but we also recognize that he pretty much stands alone as The Best Closer Ever. A lot of folks thought that ovation was simply bad sportsmanship, more taunting than adoration, but no. Real fans know that he deserved those accolades.

I hope he gets to come back for at least one game at Yankee Stadium after the long rehab so that his fans can pay respect and say goodbye under much better circumstances. If he manages that, then I hope too that he'll have at least one more appearance at Fenway and all the other AL East parks. Sad, sad, sad.

Very classy of a sawx fan to start a thread on Mariano. Agreed he is the best ever. He did it with class. No showmanship. Quietly and effectively.

[dundey]

If you've ever heard Mo speak, there is no way you cannot like the man. Does not matter who you root for, he transcends the sport.

He will be back in 2013.

[susieq]

Originally Posted by SueDonJ

He's been a RedSox nemesis for way too long, sure, but he's one of those players whose exceptional talents transcend the rivalry. I don't think any Yankee will ever get as loud an ovation in Fenway Park as he did on Opening Day, 2005. Of course we Sox fanatics were happy that his blown saves were what forced the monster collapse by the Dreaded Yankees during our 2004 playoff run, but we also recognize that he pretty much stands alone as The Best Closer Ever. A lot of folks thought that ovation was simply bad sportsmanship, more taunting than adoration, but no. Real fans know that he deserved those accolades.

Couldn't have said it better. Even tho any and all members of Red Sox Nation would cringe when he walked out onto the field, no one can dispute his talent. May his recovery go swiftly and smoothly - but may we never have to face him!! (double edged sword! )

[theo]

Originally Posted by dundey

<snip> ...there is no way you cannot like the man. Does not matter who you root for, he transcends the sport.

I'm no fan of the Yankees, but no reasonable person could possibly dislike Mariano Rivera. He's a great competitor and a thoroughly classy guy. Even when Red Sox fans have given him a "mock ovation", he still smiles broadly and remains the picture of composure. A class act, to be sure.

I hope Rivera heals and rehabs well, comes back healthy and has a stellar final year in 2013. I even hope that his final pitching appearance in Fenway Park is one in which he slams the door shut on a Boston rally. I'd actually like to see him walk off the Fenway mound a winner and tip his cap with that broad smile as his final "farewell".