The Closer

May 12, 2014
From humble roots in Panama, Mariano "Mo" Rivera went on to become the greatest closer in baseball history, notching 652 total saves, 13 all-star appearances, and five World Series rings with the New York Yankees over 18 seasons. But in this entertaining, admirably subdued autobiography, the glory is God's: Rivera's story brims with examples of his faith. Sure, there is plenty of baseball for fans to feast on, too. The pitcher tells stories about his teammates (including Derek Jeter, A-Rod, and Joe Torre); championship moments, including the 2000 subway series against the Mets, and the startling game-seven loss in 2001 to the Arizona Diamondbacks; as well as instances of heated pitching rivalries against the Red Sox. He also recalls struggling through injuries, including an elbow issue that threatened his career early on and a blown knee that almost ended his career in 2012. Intensely competitive and a gifted athlete, Rivera will delight baseball fans. But the memories recounted hereâboth on the field and offâultimately reveal something deeper: Rivera's almost incredible humility, unshakeable faith, and devotion to his family (he married his childhood sweetheart, Clara). In an age of bravado and bluster in professional sports, he is one of the few athletes who has earned a right to brag. Yet Rivera's elegance and class manage to somehow outshine his accomplishments.

Baseball's all-time save leader tells his story.With the assistance of seasoned sportswriter Coffey and veteran's children's author Corbett, Rivera shares with young readers the remarkable tale of how a gangly Panamanian fisherman came to be one of the most famous pitchers in baseball history. Having grown up in a two-room house with no phone and dropped out of high school in the ninth grade, this humble fisherman's son lacked his own glove and cleats when the Yankees signed him in 1990, at age 20, to be a pitcher. What Rivera exhibited at his audition for the Yankees and would be known for throughout his nearly 20-year career was not a dazzling variety of pitches but steely control and reserve in pressure situations. The children's edition of this straight-laced family man's life focuses on reminiscences of playing in the minor leagues, the World Series and the hardship of life on the road. It pares down some of the adult version's (2014) more extended comments on other players' conduct and steroid usage, as well as some of the proselytizing from the devout closer. His voice, though filtered through two co-authors, is endearing and often funny. Though a bit scrubbed, Rivera's account offers engaging insight into the thrills and trials of getting the last out of the season. (photos, "Notes from Mo," glossary) (Memoir. 10-16) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

December 1, 2014

Gr 5-8-In this autobiography, Rivera describes how he went from a poor boy in a humble fishing village in Panama to one of the greatest New York Yankee baseball heroes. A ninth-grade high school dropout who worked on his father's fishing boat, Rivera played pickup baseball with improvised bats, balls, and gloves because there was no money for sports equipment. When he joined a local team, his outstanding pitching skill was discovered by professional baseball scouts, and eventually he was hired by the Yankees as a closing pitcher-a career that spanned 18 years. Rivera discusses his marriage to childhood sweetheart, Clara; his heartfelt love for his children and friends; his dedication to the game despite loss and injury; and the deep Christian faith that guided him through it all. Baseball fans will appreciate and enjoy relevant play-by-play details of significant games and championship competitions. This edition closely follows the original version written for adults, including more toned down spiritual aspects and the same appealing eight-page color photo insert. A must for young baseball fans, especially those who follow the Yankees, and those who enjoyed R.A. Dickey's Throwing Strikes (Dial, 2013).-Diane P. Tuccillo, Poudre River Public Library District, CO

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2015
"You don't mess around with machetes. I learn that as a little kid..." In this memoir about growing up in a fishing village in Panama, young Mo works hard, gains the attention of a baseball scout, and blossoms into a baseball superstar while remaining an all-around nice guy. Didactic "Notes from Mo" inspirational-message anecdotes are interspersed. With an eight-page color-photo insert. Glos.

(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)