Staying with the hero thing ...
Mariano Rivera is considered by most to be the greatest closer of all time. But he's also a Yankee. An enemy to all. A player for the big business side of baseball. Despite that all, Mariano has garnered one of the best reputations in the sport both for his work on the field and his actions off. I bring up this article not because I am a Yankees fan, but because Mariano embodied that old stereotype of an athletic hero. That said, maybe you disagree.
Please read this article: Marian Rivera, King of the Closers and comment on how baseball insiders define a hero.
For some reading fun and to make you think WHAT?! Read this, too. It's related to Rivera.
Grace Donahoe:
ReplyDeleteMariano Rivera may attribute his achievements to "divine intervention," but most people would say that it is his natural athleticism. Mariano Rivera is the exact image of who baseball insiders see as a hero. He has it all: being a natural at baseball, being stoic and calm in a high-pressure situation, remaining humble. In baseball, as I am sure we will soon see in "The Natural," often times the hero is the natural, or the person for which baseball is effortless. That being said, a hero doesn't act like they are destined for greatness; as in the case of Rivera, they often credit their team or something divine. One important thing about Rivera is that he is very calm under pressure. This is a very important characteristic of a hero, because baseball insiders like to know that the game is in good hands, and the hero is reassuring to them. Lastly, a hero is not necessarily the most recognizable or well-known player. Especially in the case of Rivera, with "the peculiarity of his profession that only the failures stick in the collective memory." Rivera will not be remembered for all of the things that happened while he was out on the mound, but rather, all of the things that did not happen because he was there. The hero is a player that leaves a lasting legacy; although baseball careers are short and they will soon be replaced by younger up-and-coming players, the heroes are the players that are always remembered.
Baseball insiders, fans, and anyone who read this article would come away with the feeling that Mariano Rivera is the quintessential hero in baseball. Even people who don’t follow baseball often have the impression that a hero is someone who saves the day, and saving the day is part of Rivera’s job description. Not only does Rivera have one of the best records in MLB history, but he also passes on the wisdom of his years of experience to the new players, thus ensuring a continuance of his heroism and legendary skill. Multiple times in the article specific games were mentioned, whether for his saves or his losses, to emphasize just how much of an influence Rivera has had on his sport over the years. Baseball insiders, if we can consider the author of the article as one well versed in the realms of baseball, don’t just look at statistics to define a hero. Numbers can’t explain who the person is both on and off the field nor can they explain the feeling of the player, how he holds himself on the mound or how he interacts with the rest of the team. Rivera is revered for his demeanor, humility, and love for the sport, not just his skill. In terms of what we’ve been looking at and reading so far, I think Rivera is the manifestation of heroism in baseball, a player that even someone who hates baseball can admire.
ReplyDeleteMariano Rivera, similar to Chipper Jones, had overcome his being a Yankee and achieved a reputation as one of the best closers in baseball, as well as a great reputation for his character on and off the field. His loyalty to his club differentiates himself from the players that join midway through their career, almost all of their decisions driven by money. Rivera’s heroicness is due to his unusually calm mentality in situations of utmost pressure. This character trait is essential for closers due to their highly pressurized position; however, nobody embodies this more than Rivera. Baseball insiders have come to define heroes as players who have made names for themselves and have gained respect from their teammates and peers through their play alone. All of the publicity and flare that becomes a byproduct of being a good baseball player has only halted certain players in achieving a heroic title. Heroes also must be leaders and “put the team on their back” in that most crucial situations. Rivera has proven over and over again that he is the best man to do just that. Rivera is the epitome of a hero in baseball, and as a person.
ReplyDeleteSandy Schenker:
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, baseball insiders consider a baseball player a hero who either helps their team win the world series, is just an amazing baseball player, furthers the game as a whole, or just a player who is respected and beloved for being a great player who plays within the rules and appears as if he is enjoying the game. An example of the world series aspect of a hero is somebody such as Edgar Renteria. Edgar Renteria was bad an entire year, but then he hit a home run in the 5th game of the World Series to win it. Renteria was then beloved by all San Franciscans, and became a hero in San Franciscans eyes. The second example is a player such as Barry Bonds, who was simply too amazing to not love as a San Franciscan, and was a true hero just because of the quality of his play. The third main type of hero is the type such as Rivera or Jeter, who were great players, but were viewed as heroes because of their love for the game, and their will to win. They became heroes for examples such as Rivera crying before coming into the game, baseball fans could sympathize and empathize with them leading to them becoming legends.
Baseball (and most other sports) insiders seem to define a hero as someone that attracts the attention of the public without trying to and also the love for the game. Rivera's skills alone have the ability not only to cause many people around to call him the greatest closer of all time, but to get people to like him. Rivera is not known because of his media comments or outbursts involving the public, but rather, his ability and composure in the clutch. River can be most similarly compared to another athlete, Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls who played in the 1980-1990s. By many, Jordan is not only called the greatest of the game, but he is loved. He is loved because of his desire to win and because he lets his skill bring himself publicity instead of his words. Most of the time Jordan was in the news because of the stuff he did on the court instead of off the court. This is a big part in what defines heroes. Another athlete that helps in proving this concept is LeBron James of the Miami Heat, another basketball player. He is known as the best player in the game today, but is hated by so many because of some of the stuff he said and says in the media. Despite the ability that all three of these athletes have in their respective sports, Jordan and Rivera are seen as heroes and loved whereas LeBron is hated. Jordan and Rivera are also seen as heroes for their love of the game because it shows them as true competitors that love the game. Similar to when Rivera started crying, when Jordan won his first NBA championship in 1991, he began crying when handed the trophy. The concept of heroism can be attributed to one's love for their game and Mariano Rivera showed that and more in his long, successful career which is why he is loved by most despite playing for one of the most hated teams in baseball.
ReplyDeleteWe have spent a lot of time talking about about why a certain player is heroic for one reason or another, but Mariano Rivera is special in that he is a heroic in almost every action. Insiders, fans, and casual observers will all agree that talent is a fundamental part of being a hero in baseball. The greats are remembered for many things, but few players are remembered for being bad payers with great personalities. Rivera has this, a veritable god of pitching, he pitches the same pitch over and over, yet he remains almost un-hitable. While there are many great players what really separates talent from heroism is the way a player carries themselves off the field. In players like A-Rod this aspect is questionable and we see this in his image as a fallen hero. Rivera is a role model, not just as a ball player but as a human being. His level of down-to-earthness is as great as his talent which is something so rare. He also is a leader among his teammates, other players and his community. It is clear that this level of talent, paired with such a conscientious person is what makes a true hero. He raises the level of play of the people around him, all the while humbly sharing wisdom on how to live off the field.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion Mariano Rivera is the quintessential baseball hero. His character off the field as well as his excellence and composure on it during high-pressure situations is why many Baseball fans perceive in this light. Rivera’s poise and dominance while on the mound is the reason why he is a hero. Hero’s are larger than life players that are able to display their talents on a nightly basis. Rivera has done just that. His dominance on the mound is what has gained him this status as a hero. However, his character off it is what causes him to be respected by all baseball fans. Rivera’s humility as well as his active presence in his old country, due to these things it is impossible to not respect Mariano. An example of a player who also displays their incredible talent on an everyday basis is Richard Sherman. However due to Sherman’s lack of character and respect for his peers many are able to hate him. Although Sherman might be a hero in Seattle he is hated in most areas of the country. This why I think your character off the field is what separates a hometown hero from a national hero. Mariano Rivera is a national hero due to his character off the field.
ReplyDelete-Luc Stervinou
Staying with the hero thing ...
ReplyDeleteMariano Rivera is considered by most to be the greatest closer of all time. But he's also a Yankee. An enemy to all. A player for the big business side of baseball. Despite that all, Mariano has garnered one of the best reputations in the sport both for his work on the field and his actions off. I bring up this article not because I am a Yankees fan, but because Mariano embodied that old stereotype of an athletic hero. That said, maybe you disagree.
Please read this article: Marian Rivera, King of the Closers and comment on how baseball insiders define a hero.
I believe baseball insiders define a hero, especially a baseball hero who plays the game for the love of it. In addition, I believe that what defines a hero is how they act on and off the field. In this case of Mariano Rivera being the greatest closer of all time, I think it really shows he is a hero because he has stuck with his Yankee team all this time. At the end when he is described as a great guy that stands up patiently and answers all the media questions in both spanish and english, that really impressed me. It shows me that he truly cares about his team and fans and that all he is a mortal god to us, he is still such a gentleman and impressive man. Overall, I think he is a legend and hero both on and off the field.
Baseball insiders are defined as heroes when they demonstrate good character and a genuine love for the sport. Mariano Rivera is known as a family man, a star athlete, and an all-around good guy. His love for the “beautiful game” runs deep within him, and this shows in his passion both on and off of the pitcher’s mound. His talent and likeability prevented his reputation from being tainted by his status as a player for the Yankees. As a closer, Rivera had a very short amount of time to prove his skills. Heroic actions are often presented in this sense; they offer a burst of greatness that stands out in seemingly ordinary life. Rivera’s heroism spans far beyond his impressive athletic statistics; in fact, it is most apparent in the character he has shown the world over the last two decades. Athletes are viewed as heroes when they make people look past the game and examine what makes up the person behind the skill. Mariano Rivera has exemplified this concept through his humility, his focus, and his passion for baseball.
ReplyDeleteBaseball insiders define a hero as a humble player with natural talent who's passion for the game brings out the best in them not only on the field, but off. Not only is he polite and modest during interviews and a mentor for many of his teammates. Through The Mariano Rivera Foundation, he distributes at least half a million dollars a year, and helps underprivileged children through church-based institutions in both Panama and the U.S. His love for the game and unwavering commitment to his personal beliefs compliment his raw talent. Making Rivera not only the greatest closer of all time, but one of baseball's greatest heroes.
ReplyDeleteI think the main reason Rivera has been so extraordinarily successful both on and off the field is due to his strong sense of identity and set of morals. As the article references, Mariano was very dedicated to his charitable work, and he did it because it was important to him; he did not do it for his brand. This was why he's been able to elude the "sell out " label that is almost unanimous with Yankees these days. The Insiders love this. They could not have crafted a better made "hero" by their standards had they tried(Sorry Chipper). First of all he is a Yankee, and though many pretend to, or really do, hate them, they garner so much more attention than any other club by far. Because of this Rivera's heroism was more on display than Chipper's. Next of all he was obviously a superstar, in fact likely the GOAT. But he was the greatest at the most mythologized position in sports: the closer. He is the insiders and the media's Michelangelo.
ReplyDeleteBaseball insiders have defined a hero as a very caring and talented player, who's actions on and off the field are amazingly powerful to everyone who gets the chance to be with him. As we have seen, being very famous and one of the best players of the game can be detrimental to people but Mariano, lives his life pretty unselfishly. On the field, when he could be training with his teammates on the Yankees, he pitches to the his teammates in the minor league to help them become better and gives them a one in a lifetime experience. Off the field, rather than spending his millions of dollars on new cars, houses, diamods and other worthless things, he donates it to a foundation that he founded for underprivileged children. And to back all this up, a classic hero is someone who saves the day, and Rivera is just that. Literally, that is his job to save the game and strikeout the last few players who step up to the plate.
ReplyDeleteFrom personal knowledge and also after reading the article, I think that baseball insiders might define a person as a hero a bit cavalierly. To many, hero are thought of and considering in the present tense. Players become defined as a hero after doing one small act that had larger, positive consequences in the moment. But when they don't deliver, or make a mistake, their previous status as a hero or legend is diminished almost instantaneously. For example if Rivera had failed to pitch well in that game against the Sox in 03, people would have forgotten his previous glory and ended up blaming the heartbreaking loss on solely him and solely on the way he pitched in a do or die situation. Heros and legends should be defined by not only by their actions in the moment but by everything they have done for the sport they love both on and off of the field, which is why Rivera is a prime example. Years of dedication and passion create a hero, not a lucky game winning play.
ReplyDeleteIt is obvious that baseball insiders such as Rivera's teammates see him as a great player and an even better leader. His stats are good and throughout his career he has accomplished great feats on the field as well as off the field. To professional players and people who know the game well, these superficial aspects make him a hero. Though this is true, I don't think this captures the entire picture. As the article states, Rivera is a "soul at peace" and his heroic advice might not work for just anyone. When I first started to read the article, I saw him as a hero who was heroic because he was a great player and because he could do things that not many other players could. Although he is a hero for those reasons, I think some of his advice is a bit misleading, especially for players who are not necessarily at his level yet. As a baseball outsider, I think this is important to keep in mind, especially considering that a lot of people who don't know the game that well see it in a more external light.
ReplyDeleteThere are some players who are simply greater than their teams. They defy the stereotypes of their teams and they are universally loved simply because they are so good at playing the game. Rivera is the perfect example of this type of player. Of course Rivera is a class act, a great leader, and a humble man, but that doesn't really matter to me. Tons of players I'm fans of, like Barry Bonds, are not exactly the nicest people. The reason I love Rivera is simply because I'm a pitcher, and Rivera is what every pitcher dreams of being. He throws gas with ease and his mechanics never falter. All four of his pitches are released at the exact same arm slot but move in different ways, and his cutter is arguably the best pitch in the history of the major leagues. Rivera is a baseball god.
ReplyDeleteI think this article plays into baseball's ideology that heroism comes from natural/inherent talent. Baseball insiders constantly indulge in the idea behind the small-town boy rising to power due to their incredible talent and steady pace. This idea of experiencing the grit of the game as the humble hero-archetype is embodied by baseball's insiders. These insiders love to pinpoint the dichotomy between evil enemy and heroic savior in the game and yet they are willing to make exceptions. Just brings light upon the malleability of heroism I suppose.
ReplyDeleteI feel that baseball insiders qualify a baseball hero as someone who helps the team, but through the years a common thread has been helping a team especially when they are down. Many teams find themselves in a slump but, the player who is called up from the minor leagues or rallies the team and leads them out of the dark is also a huge hero. The hero who helps pick a team up when they have fallen, many times isn't a hero for as long. They usually have a few great games but they have no longevity. Of course there are exceptions to all rules, and some of these heros stay around for a long time, much like Mariano Rivera. His longevity is what made him into a hero not only for the yankees but for baseball. The yankees can always count on him, and he will forever be remember as a hero to the entire baseball community.
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