Mariano Rivera to reveal retirement news soon
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Here we go again.
One year ago Yankees closer Mariano Rivera hedged on telling reporters whether the 2012 season would be his last. Rivera admitted he had made a decision, but would not reveal it.
This year, Rivera again said he had made a decision — but this time he plans to tell everyone before spring training is over.
“There are some things that I have to do,” Rivera told reporters in Tampa, Fla. Wednesday. “There are some [personal things]. Don’t worry, the time will come. You guys have been patient enough. I’ve been patient. Another day or a week, it won’t hurt.”
Rivera, 43, clarified that he would tell reporters of his decision unlike 2012, when news reports indicated Rivera would retire. Of course, as it turned out, Rivera tore his ACL shagging fly balls May 4 in Kansas City and decided to return in 2013.
He began that comeback on Wednesday as he threw a bullpen session in front of the coaching staff and media. He proclaimed the early season outing a success.
“I feel good,” Rivera said. “It was wonderful to be out there again.”
“It looked normal to me,” manager Joe Girardi told reporters after Rivera’s throwing session. “It looked like the first day of spring training for any year I’ve been here.”
Rivera was having his usually stellar year before being injured in 2012. He had five saves in nine appearances and a 2.12 ERA. His ERA was under 2.00 every season from 2008-11 despite his advancing age.
Follow Metro New York Sports Editor Mark Osborne on Twitter @MetroNYSports.
