New York Yankees: Is Mariano Rivera Ready for Retirement?
December 27, 2011 · Bill Ford · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Mariano Rivera, the greatest closer in the history of Major League Baseball, just completed a record-setting 2011 season. He has shown barely any signs of slowing down, but has the time arrived when he should begin to consider retirement?
He closed out the 2011 season as the all-time leader in saves with 603 and in games finished with 883. His cut fastball still dominates batters with an average speed in the mid-90s.
He still has a powerful arm that many batters fear when they step into the batter’s box. Rivera’s calm and reserved demeanor, complimented with such a devastating cut fastball, make him quite an intimidating presence.
If Rivera is still strong and effective, then why would he consider retirement? His contract with the Yankees ends after the 2012 season. In November 2012, he will be 43 years old. Could the end of the 2012 season be the appropriate time for Rivera to hang up his hat? He has not answered that question just yet.
As a lifelong Yankee fan, I would hate to see him retire. No one will ever replace him or fill his shoes. He is the best at what he does, and he always will be in my eyes. As a baseball fan, as much as it pains me, I must admit that I believe that at the end of the 2012 season, Mariano Rivera should step away from the mound and retire gracefully on top.
Nothing is worse than watching a professional athlete refuse to accept when his or her time has come to walk away. Some just can’t accept that their bodies have worn, and they continue to slide down. The harder they try, the farther they slide. Their frustration takes over and affects their performance. Fans watch in agony.
Mariano Rivera is still on top. No matter how incredible he is, time will have its effect on his body. Aging is inevitable. When the 2012 season and his contract both come to an end, Rivera should go out while he is at the top. I would miss his presence on the mound terribly, but watching him slip and go down would be just too painful.
He has all of the talent and all of the numbers that will enshrine him in the Baseball Hall of Fame. No one doubts that he will be elected into the HOF. I look forward to seeing him in Cooperstown.
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