[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 109 (Tuesday, September 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1755]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MR. MARIANO RIVERA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 6, 2005

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to pay tribute to Mr. Mariano Rivera, as he is awarded the 2004 Latino 
MVP Relief Pitcher of the Year Award by Latino Sports and the Latino 
Sports Writers & Broadcasters Association (LSWBA).
  Rivera made his major league debut with the New York Yankees in 1995. 
Since 1997 he has served as the team's closer and has blown away his 
competition. Rivera is arguably the most effective closer in postseason 
baseball history, recording final outs in three Yankee world title 
seasons (1998, 1999 and 2000). He also owns the Major League record for 
most postseason saves with 32, as well as most World Series saves with 
9. Rivera also established the longest scoreless innings streak in 
postseason play with thirty-three innings pitched and was named as the 
World Series MVP in 1999 and the Most Valuable Player of the American 
League Championship Series in 2003. He currently leads the Yankees as 
the club's all-time saves leader with 366 and boasts an incredible 
Earned Run Average below 1.00 in postseason play.
  Mariano Rivera was born on November 11, 1969, in Panama City. The son 
of a fisherman, he grew up poor and played baseball as a kid using a 
glove fashioned out of a cardboard box. He has been described by many 
as being a deeply religious man, and says that he would one day want to 
move back to his native Panama to become a Priest. While fans of 
opposing teams dread to see Rivera on the mound, all will agree that he 
is a class act. Never one to boast or brag about his incredible gift, 
Rivera comes to work and does the job better than anyone. He is 
fearless yet humble, a combination that we seldom see in today's 
athletes.
  When the game is on the line, great athletes always rise to the 
challenge. Jordan, Montana and Pele all separated themselves from the 
pack with their ability to overcome their fears and anxiety and play 
with a high level of confidence. With his ability to shut down 
opponents at the end of a game Rivera has earned a place among these 
elite competitors.
  Mr. Speaker, Mariano Rivera is proof of the great contributions 
Latinos continue to make to this country. While I am proud of the many 
championships Rivera has helped to bring to the city of New York, I am 
more proud of the fact that he has helped to improve the lives of many 
young people in the South Bronx. Whether he knows it or not, Rivera's 
attitude towards the game of baseball provides all who watch him with a 
model of how to approach life--hard work and determination.
  Mariano Rivera exemplifies the idea of an athlete as a role model. 
For his unyielding competitive spirit and positive impact on the lives 
of all Americans, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
Mr. Mariano Rivera as he is awarded the 2004 Latino MVP Award.

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