Mariano Rivera, Former Professional Baseball Pitcher for the New York Yankees; Founder, Mariano Rivera Foundation, New York, NY

Mariano Rivera is a former professional baseball pitcher who played 19 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees from 1995 to 2013. Mr. Rivera spent most of his career as a relief pitcher and served as the Yankees' closer for 17 seasons. A thirteen-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, he is MLB's career leader in saves and games finished.

Mr. Rivera was born in Panama City, Panama. As a child he played baseball by using cardboard milk cartons for gloves, tree branches for bats, and worn-out balls and wads of shredded fishing nets to play the game. He was 12 years old when his father was able to purchase him his first baseball glove.

Mr. Rivera was signed by the Yankees organization in Panama in 1990, and he debuted in the major leagues in 1995. Initially a starting pitcher, he was converted to a relief pitcher late in his rookie year, and became the Yankees' closer in 1997. In the following seasons, he established himself as one of baseball's top relievers, leading the major leagues in saves in 1999, 2001, and 2004. Mr. Rivera was named the 1999 World Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the 2003 AL Championship Series MVP and is regarded within baseball as one of the most dominant relievers in major league history.

Mr. Rivera is currently involved in philanthropic causes and the Christian community through the Mariano Rivera Foundation, an organization with emphasis in youth oriented programs.