Many people consider Mariano Rivera to be the greatest relief pitcher in baseball history. So his selection to the Baseball Hall of Fame this past Tuesday was no surprise. What was a surprise, and what made his selection extra special, was that he became the first baseball player the Baseball Writers Association has ever unanimously voted in.
A Different Kind Of Pitching Coach
Rivera played his entire 19-year career with the New York Yankees, helping to lead them to five World Series titles. He was named the 1999 World Series MVP after pitching 4.2 scoreless innings over three games. In 141 playoff innings, Mariano surrendered a total of just 11 earned runs.
What makes his story really amazing and interesting is that in 1997, Rivera “mysteriously” developed a cutter that became one of the best pitches in baseball. He threw it almost 100% of the time. Even though the best hitters in the world knew it was coming, they couldn’t hit Rivera’s cutter most of the time. Rivera told Sports Spectrum in 2010 that the pitch “came from the Lord. Nobody taught me that but Him”. The Lord was his pitching coach. “It’s been tremendous since the first time that I used it. It’s been effective, so I thank God for that.”
Keeping Centered In The Lord
Through all the success, Rivera continues to serve the Lord faithfully and gives Him the glory. “I believe in Jesus Christ, and I cannot move without His direction,” Rivera said. “That doesn’t mean that I’m a perfect man. Now I wish I could tell you that I’m perfect, but I’m not. But I’m always trying to please the Lord, and that’s my goal.”
As I read Mariano Rivera’s testimony and how the Lord helped him develop the cutter I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do (even pitch in the MLB), do it all for the glory of God.” I strongly believe that we can experience God’s presence and help in every area of our lives. He can help us in our God-given vocation, whether as a teacher, engineer, accountant or whatever He calls us to do.
Rivera will be part of the National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Sunday, July 21 in Cooperstown, New York. He will be inducted along with Mike Mussina, Edgar Martinez and the late Toronto Blue Jay pitcher, Roy Halliday.
QOTD: Are you conscious of God’s presence in your vocational life and do you seek to honor Him in your work life?