Childhood and Education Journey of Mariano Rivera in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Mariano Rivera. A timeline of key moments.

Mariano Rivera, a Panamanian-American former professional baseball pitcher, played 19 seasons for the New York Yankees (1995-2013). Known as "Mo" and "Sandman", he was the Yankees' closer for 17 seasons and is MLB's career leader in saves (652) and games finished (952). A 13-time All-Star and 5-time World Series champion, Rivera received five AL Rolaids Relief Man Awards and three Delivery Man of the Year Awards. In 2019, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, being the only player ever unanimously elected by the BBWAA.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

November 29, 1969: Mariano Rivera Born

On November 29, 1969, Mariano Rivera, the future Panamanian-American professional baseball pitcher, was born.

Others born on this day/year

1988: Uncle's Death

In 1988, Mariano Rivera's uncle Miguel died from injuries sustained on his father's commercial boat.

November 9, 1991: Mariano Rivera Married Clara

On November 9, 1991, Mariano Rivera married Clara, whom he had known since elementary school.

1991: Rivera Starts Learning English

In 1991, Mariano Rivera began learning English while playing for the Greensboro Hornets, realizing his teammates didn't speak Spanish.

August 27, 1992: Elbow Surgery

On August 27, 1992, Mariano Rivera underwent elbow surgery to repair damage to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow.

April 1997: MLB Retired Number 42

In April 1997, MLB retired the uniform number 42 league-wide to honor Jackie Robinson. Mariano Rivera was among the players allowed to keep wearing the number due to a grandfather clause.

July 1998: Mariano Rivera Foundation Established

In July 1998, the Mariano Rivera Foundation was established as a 501(c)(3) organization to support underprivileged children's education.

2000: Rivera Family Moves to Westchester County

In 2000, Mariano Rivera and his family relocated from Panama to Westchester County, New York.

2001: Rivera Reflects on Game 7 Loss in 2001 World Series

After his failure in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series, Rivera found comfort in the fact that it saved teammate Enrique Wilson from being on American Airlines Flight 587, which crashed.

2006: Clubhouse Grill Opens in New Rochelle

In 2006, "Clubhouse Grill," formerly known as "Mo's New York Grill," opened in New Rochelle with Mariano Rivera as an investor.

2006: Riveras Purchase Home in Rye, New York

In 2006, the Riveras purchased a 13,000-square-foot home in Rye, New York, for $5.7 million.

2011: Rivera Acquires Church in New Rochelle

In 2011, Mariano Rivera acquired a 107-year-old church in New Rochelle for $1, which his foundation later renovated.

2012: Siro's Opens in Manhattan

In 2012, Mariano Rivera invested in Siro's, a restaurant that opened in Manhattan.

2013: Rivera Forms Public Version of His Foundation

During his final season in 2013, Mariano Rivera formed a public version of the Mariano Rivera Foundation to accommodate donations, appointing Naomi Gandia as executive director.

2013: New York Board of Rabbis Names Rivera "Man of the Year"

In 2013, the New York Board of Rabbis (NYBR) named Mariano Rivera their "Man of the Year".

March 2014: Refugio de Esperanza Opens

In March 2014, the renovated church acquired by Rivera in 2011 opened as Refugio de Esperanza, hosting a Pentecostal congregation.

March 2014: "Legends Series" Played in Panama

Later in March 2014, the "Legends Series", two MLB exhibition games between the Yankees and Miami Marlins, was played in Mariano Rivera's native Panama to honor his legacy.

May 21, 2014: Rivera Receives Honorary Degree from NYU

On May 21, 2014, New York University (NYU) awarded Mariano Rivera an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during its commencement ceremony held at Yankee Stadium.

2014: Rivera and Wife Create Scholarship

In 2014, Mariano Rivera and his wife Clara created a scholarship in their names at the College of New Rochelle.

2014: Mariano III Drafted by Yankees

In the 2014 MLB draft, Mariano Rivera's son, Mariano III, was drafted by the Yankees with the 872nd pick but chose to return to Iona College.

October 2015: Rivera Becomes U.S. Citizen

In October 2015, Mariano Rivera became a naturalized citizen of the United States and was recognized as an Outstanding American by Choice during the ceremony.

2015: Rivera Opens Car Dealership in Mount Kisco

In 2015, Mariano Rivera opened a Toyota and Scion car dealership in Mount Kisco, New York.

2015: Rivera Visits Israel

In 2015, Mariano Rivera participated in a trip to Israel facilitated by the New York Board of Rabbis.

March 2017: Rivera Serves on Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission

In March 2017, Mariano Rivera served on the Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission formed by US president Donald Trump.

August 2018: Rivera Co-Hosts Fundraiser for America First Action PAC

In August 2018, Mariano Rivera co-hosted a fundraiser dinner for the America First Action PAC with Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle.

2018: Rivera Visits Israel Defense Forces Base

In 2018, Mariano Rivera visited Michve Alon, an Israel Defense Forces base, during a trip to Israel arranged by Friends of the Israel Defense Forces.

June 2019: Partnership Between Rivera and eBay Announced

In June 2019, Mariano Rivera partnered with eBay to auction Rivera-centric sports memorabilia to benefit his foundation.

July 2019: Rivera Attends Christians United for Israel Conference

In July 2019, Mariano Rivera attended the Christians United for Israel conference.

July 2019: Rivera Defends Support for President Trump

In July 2019, Mariano Rivera defended his support for President Trump, stating he respects him and believes he's doing the best for the United States.

July 2019: Rivera Joins Washington Speakers Bureau

In July 2019, Mariano Rivera joined the Washington Speakers Bureau as a paid public speaker.

December 2019: Riveras Sell Lakefront Home in Tampa

In December 2019, Mariano Rivera and his wife sold a lakefront home in Tampa, Florida, for $3.2 million.

December 2020: Rivera Appointed to Second Term on President's Council

In December 2020, Mariano Rivera was appointed to a second two-year term on the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.

2020: Mariano III Opens Auto Repair Shop

In 2020, Mariano Rivera's son, Mariano III, opened an automobile repair shop in Chester, New York, after pitching in the minor leagues.

2020: Riveras List Rye Home for Sale

In 2020, the Riveras listed their home in Rye, New York, for sale at $3.995 million.

2021: Mariano Rivera Foundation Launches Mentorship Program

In 2021, the Mariano Rivera Foundation launched the Mariano Rivera Mentorship Program, a faith-based initiative for underprivileged males.

June 2022: Riveras Sell Rye Home

In June 2022, Mariano Rivera and his wife Clara sold their home in Rye, New York, for $3.783 million.

2022: Rivera Continues on President's Council

In 2022, Mariano Rivera continued to serve as a member of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, after President Joe Biden appointed new co-chairs.