The Sandman Gets To Rest!

      
   The new Yankee Stadium was the stage
for another of those monumental moments
that mark the history of this legendary
team. I've been a Yankee fan since I was a
kid. But you didn't have to be one to
appreciate what happened.
   It wasn't the longest home run ever hit.
   It wasn't a nail biting no hitter or a
perfect game.
   In fact the team was losing again and
was already well out of the running for
a championship this season. 
  In the 9th inning, with two outs, veteran
players Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte were
sent out on the field to take Mariano
Rivera , "Mo", out of the game.
   Rivera, the greatest closer in major
league baseball history and known as the
"Sandman," is retiring this year.This was
his last appearance on the mound at Yankee
Stadium.
   All three of the players came up through
the minor leagues together and joined the
Yankees at the same time.  They're true friends!
   The big leagues are tough. But the tears
in Rivera's eyes as he hugged Pettitte remind
all of us there's a lot of little boy in most
every guy who plays Baseball!
    The fans and the players, on both teams,
were applauding this humble man as he left
the field. This was truly a Class Act!
     With all the controversy over a hand
full of players who used performance
enhancing drugs to advance their careers
it was nice to see everyone acknowledge a
player who leaves with his record and
reputation in tact!
     I still pitch softball from time to time.
     I'll probably get applause if I ever
decide to call it quits. It will be coming
from the opposing players who will
undoubtedly want to say thanks for all the
hits they've racked up against me!
     That's a hint Moe! Our team can use a
good reliever!
      Hope you enjoy your retirement and
that all your NEWS is good!