The above photo was taken a few years ago and it’s missing a son, but it appealed to me because it shows Mo walking off the field with his family, which is what he officially said he’ll be doing after the season.
His press conference this morning was bittersweet. It was great to see the Yankees brass and team turn out for the event, just as he’s turned out for plenty of press conferences for others over the years.
He was as classy as ever. So respectful of the franchise and his teammates. So humble. And so honest – he said he just didn’t have the gas in the tank to keep traveling and continue the daily grind and would rather stay home with his family. I found it interesting that when asked about staying in the sport in some capacity, he said he wasn’t interested in the big leagues but rather in the “rookies.” What a great mentor/coach he’ll be for the kids in the minors.
When it was mentioned that others have retired only to un-retire (yes, Andy, he was talking about you), he ruled that out. This is a man who knows himself and who has purposes in life other than baseball. It’s what makes him such a compelling person and player. There will never be anyone like him – on the field or off. Not even close.
Hi Jane & Fellow Baseball Fans…
He gave a wonderful presser …what else could you expect of this special man. It was so beautiful to see all his teammates there for him. If only he wasn’t kidding with Cash in the beginning about the extension …what a shocker that would have been to everyone. How lucky would any rookie(s) be to have him take them under his wing? What an honor and priviledge for any young player.
I’m assuming Mariano Jr. was at school (I think he’s a freshman in college) and couldn’t be there today but it was nice seeing his wife and other two sons there at his side.
Last thing…he sure didn’t look like the tank was empty when he pitched his lst inning in almost a year…3 outs …2 K’s. I just love me some Mo and I’m praying this season doesn’t fly by like it has the past few years.
Have a great weekend …
Go Yankees 2013 !!!!
I bet he’ll have plenty of gas for this final lap, Peggy. As you say, I just hope it lasts as long as possible – for his sake and ours.
I was listening to the game that day on the radio and Mariano came on and spoke. When they asked him about the emotions of speaking on this topic, especially in front of all of his teammates, his response was that he did start to cry and then he rememembered, “there’s no crying in baseball” and he stopped himself. It was very funny. There’s no one else like him…he will be missed but we all must feel so blessed that we got to have him and that he began and will end his career in pinstripes. GO YANKEES!!!
Glad you mentioned Mo’s sense of humor, Diane. People forget that in addition to all his other great qualities, he’s also funny!
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I still haven’t seen the press conference. I just don’t want to…
Aw, YankeeCase. I know how you feel, believe me, but it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be because he handled it so well and kept saying, “I’m not sad.”