This is an old piece on Yankee closer Mariano Rivera and his wearing of #42, but I think thematically it links to a lot of what we've been talking about this last week. What are your thoughts? What connections to do you find between Rivera and Robinson and some of the broader topics we've discussed?
A special note: this post is due on January 31. JACKIE ROBINSON'S BIRTHDAY!!!! So sing him happy birthday (he is no longer alive, but if he was he'd be 97) while you're working.
Although Rivera would never agree to it, he and Robinson are very alike in how they conducted themselves while playing the game of baseball. Robinson was quiet because he had to be. If he spoke up about race he would have never been able to play baseball again and maybe even be killed. Although for a different reason, Rivera is also quiet. Not because he has to be but out of respect for Robinson as he is wearing his number 42: "All Rivera does is pitch and do what he can, quietly, in his community." Also, although they went about being successful in the game of baseball in different ways, Robinson through speed and grit and Rivera through that weird slider that nobody could figure out, they both found ways to be successful in the game. Instead of using up their passion in words, they used their passion through playing baseball to the best of their ability, showing their worth, and the worth of all minorities across the country in doing so.
ReplyDeleteRivera and Robinson are similar in that they are seen as “ambassadors” of their race. Rivera cites that he was “...always watched, under the microscope...”; his behavior was often scrutinized because he was one of few Latin Americans in the MLB in the 90s. This experience is similar to the one Robinson had as the first ever black player in the major leagues. Robinson had to accept derision and temper his personality just to play and be accepted by fans. Both players face the issue of stereotype threat, or when people feel as though they could confirming negative stereotypes about their social or ethnic group. Robinson and Rivera feared that if they were reactive or made a “wrong move”, they could potentially enforce negative stereotypes about blacks and latinos, respectively. Thus, I think it’s fairly appropriate that Mariano Rivera be the last player who wore Robinson’s number. However, it is clear that Robinson’s plight was much more extreme than Rivera’s; Robinson played and lived in a much more bigoted and segregated era, whereas diversity was much more accepted when Rivera was playing. In all, both were unwilling representatives for for their race, and thus are very similar.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the principle of someone wearing the last #42 jersey is a precarious endeavor, with little to no leeway for failure. With this in mind, to look back at Rivera's career with hindsight and to hear Rachel Robinson speak so highly about how he carried on Jackie's legacy, Rivera is posed as nothing short of an American Hero. He was faced with unspeakable pressure, and just as he plays baseball, he quietly and humbly executed this duty with precision and success. It is an incredibly profound coincidence that Rivera - who had worn the jersey initially unaware of its significance - had such undeniable similarities to Robinson. They are both people of color, both have disposition's eerily akin to each others, and both will be remembered indefinitely as iconic ballplayers. Because of these similarities, and the heroic way that Rivera respected the numbers significance through his humility and talent, I see it as a picturesque finale to the perpetual connotations tied to number 42.
ReplyDeleteThough from different backgrounds and time periods, both Rivera and Robinson played in an America divided (whether overtly or covertly) among racial lines due to the white supremacy engrained in our culture. Both figures were “always watched, under the microscope,” because both were forced to become pioneers of their race in the baseball world. This is why Branch Rickey molded Robinson into an acquiescent and patient figure, and why Rivera “has presented a very different kind of Latino face to American sports” which was described in the article as dispassionate and borderline hypnotic. These apathetic actions are a testament their humbleness and desire to ensure a better future for their respective minorities. Additionally, both dealt with the “privilege and pressure” of the sport. In Rivera’s case, the privilege is wearing the number 42 on his back, as well as being able to play major league ball as a Panamanian. However, there is a pressure of not only having to live up to Jackie Robinson’s success and integrity as a player and a leader, but also not tainting the fragile and ever-changing reputation of the Latino community. Robinson had immense privilege in being the first black player in the major leagues, but had a lot of pressure not mess up for his own sake but also for the sake of the entire black community.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this article. After learning about Jackie Robinson's active role on and off the field last class, it's encouraging that his legacy lives on through Rivera. Civil rights extends to all races and with the rise in Latino baseball players, Rivera has been chosen to represent a culture that is currently oppressed. It is problematic, though, that just as Robinson was handpicked to represent an entire population, Rivera has been too. It is emphasized in the article that Rivera is depicted as "cool," an uncommon descriptor of Latino players. His attitude and demeanor are similar to Robinson's; even in the face of death threats, Robinson consistently kept his "cool" and never lashed out in response to these taunts. It feels appropriate that they share this levelheadedness, and Rivera owes a responsibility to Robinson to show America the value of every player regardless of the color of his skin.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I learned is that Rivera really believed that he was blessed with being able to wear that number. Also it is very fitting that Rivera wore Robinsons number because they both had a very similar way the played the game. Both of them had a "just get the job done" attitude towards playing, so it makes sense why Rivera was the last 42. Rivera simply tried to play the game well, and he also knew that in doing so he could provide a strong case for positive imagery of latin players. He is the perfect counter example of Manny Ramirez and Sammy Sosa who presented negative latino images to the league and its fans. Rivera's main priority was to close games for the Yankees but this article taught me that he tried to help in his community too.
ReplyDeleteMariano Rivera deserved to wear #42. Just as Jackie Robinson carried himself like a true professional and played the game of baseball with pride, Rivera acted very professionally throughout his career and did not do anything that would have disappointed JR. Both Robinson and Rivera embodied the characteristics of being an American hero. Being minorities, they both overcame adversity as some people doubted these players and treated them poorly. These players were not given anything and they both had to work hard to become great baseball players. They both had the passion of a true “ballplayer.” Additionally, both of these men were leaders, helping their teams win World Series titles throughout their respective careers. Robinson clearly overcame the pressure of being the first colored player in the MLB. All eyes were on Robinson and some fans of baseball desperately wanted him to fail. However, JR had guts and he didn’t let the pressure affect how he performed. Additionally, Rivera had the pressure of living up to JR’s legacy. I think Rivera did a great job of handling this pressure. He kept his head down and went to work everyday. He is clearly remembered as a class act who can be compared to Robinson in both his performance and spirit on and off the field.
ReplyDeleteThis article was extremely enjoyable to me. I found Rivera's attitude towards being the last person to wear the #42 jersey was very admirable and respectful. In his own way, Rivera fought racial stereotypes and boundaries with the same integrity that Jackie Robinson displayed over 50 years ago. Considering the character of the players on Major League teams today, it is difficult to find many with the work ethic, "coolness" and integrity that Jackie Robinson exhibited. Mariano Rivera has embodied many of Robinson's commendable qualities throughout his journey of combating racial discrimination in baseball, so, to me, Rivera is the perfect player to represent all that Jackie Robinson fought for during his time as a baseball player.
ReplyDeleteI think the significance with both of them wearing 42 is what they both bring to the game and the stereotypes the overcame. Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball and not only is he remembered for it but his number is retired by all of baseball. When the MLB allowed certain players to continue to wear the number, no on could imagine one of them would turn into one of the greatest closers ever. By being such a fantastic player with no off the field trouble, Rivera honored the number 42. Furthermore, much like Jackie Robinson, Rivera broke down racial stereotypes. The article mentions the stereotypes that Latin players experience. They are thought not to be team players and are considered "dirty". Much like Robinson Rivera had to give off a certain image to satisfy fans of the game. If he had off the field trouble or wasn't seen as a team player, its very possible that the number 42 wouldn't be given the same reverence it is if it weren't for the play and attitude of Rivera. Both him and Robinson faced similar challenges, and both presented the image they needed to in order to create the image 42 has.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is fitting that Mariano Rivera is the last MLB player to wear Jackie Robinson’s number 42, not only because of his legendary status as an athlete, but also for his integrity on and off the baseball field. As Rachel Robinson stated about the number 42: “I believe that there is an integrity attached to it… So to have someone who conducts himself in the way that Mariano Rivera does, that’s what we want to teach our young people”. This article also brings to light some of the similarities between the experiences and the struggles of African Americans and Latinos in baseball. Although, unlike Robinson, Rivera did not perceive the insidiousness of racism to be a strong force in his baseball career, the two men were still very similar in the way that they carried themselves. Robinson was required to maintain his composure as a result of his race and, while Rivera no longer sees his race as an issue, there is an expectation that comes with the number 42 that requires him to act in the same way that Robinson did.
ReplyDeleteI do not know much about Mariano Rivera, but from what I have read, in the article and from my peers' posts, I believe that Rivera is a great player to wear the number 42 for the last time. Rivera appears to be a modest player with a great sense of his image and what it means to be wearing Robinson's number. I think that the most impressive aspect of Jackie Robinson was his ability to remain calm and not retaliate. To me he represents not only a monumental shift in Baseball, but also the ideal mindset/composure of an athlete. I am content that Rivera was the last to wear 42 because I also believe that he represents the model athlete that Robinson was.
ReplyDeleteI cannot think of a better person to have carried on the legacy of Jackie Robinson than Mariano Rivera. Both players faced adversity coming to the major leagues, both players were treated poorly because of their race, and both players were dedicated to working hard. I think Rivera was the perfect person to wear the number 42 not only because of his outstanding play, but because of the way he conducted himself on the baseball field. He always kept his composer on the field and his attitude toward the game of baseball mirrored that of Robinson's. I also think Rivera understand the implications of wearing the number 42 and truly values the meaning. He recognized the importance of Jackie Robinson and in doing so honored Jackie every time he stepped on the diamond. I think the number 42 stands for someone who amidst adversity used hard work and composer to achieve greatness, and I believe that Mariano Rivera is a perfect example of that.
ReplyDeleteI thought this article was very interesting to read. We have been talking about Jackie Robinson and his impact on the game and in this article it talks about two people, Mariano Rivera and Rachel Robinson, who both cherish Jackie in both similar and different ways, so it was interesting to tie all the themes we've been talking about in class with this article. Although I do not know much about Rivera as a player and a person, the article describes how he always plays with "persistent professionalism" which is similar to the way Jackie conducted himself on the field. Another similarity between Robinson and Rivera is that they are both leaders in their communities. Both Rivera and Robinson have left a legacy for all of baseball.
ReplyDeleteIt is a fitting coincidence that Mariano Rivera will be the last player to wear 42. Rivera was always an incredibly respectful and dedicated player. Given that he wears 42, the respect he shows when he is on the mound is for those around him, and also for Jackie Robinson, although that payment of respect is unintentional. The class that Rivera shows is perfectly inline with Robinson's mission to show restraint and class during the game. It would be a great shame if the last player to wear number 42 was a clown and a distraction. Luckily enough, Rivera made sure that the number 42 will always conjure up feelings of bravery and respect.
ReplyDeleteAs many people have mentioned about baseball, the game has become about much more than just a bat, a ball, and a mitt. It is the national pastime and its historic popularity has made its players into icons and heroes. Because of this, baseball players have a responsibility to be role models and not just athletes. Jackie Robinson's personality is a major reason for why he was brought up to the major leagues, and he was able to be a great inspiration for the black community. People like Robinson and Rivera are highly important to a functioning society, in that they display qualities that can benefit society if they are perpetuated by their fans. While there are plenty of awards for physical achievement, I believe that remembering sports players for their character has become almost equally important as the game has evolved.
ReplyDeleteBoth Jackie Robinson and Mariano Rivera are great ambassadors of baseball, who both were able to represent their different races with dignity and respect. Although Rivera would not admit it, he and Robinson were very similar because of the impact they had on their different races. Robinson, being the first African-American player to play in the Majors, had an enormous target on his back. Having this target on his back, and being under constant attack by players, fans, and coaches may have made any other player fight back, but Robinson knew that one wrong move would not only impact himself, but his entire race. Similar to Robinson, Rivera entered MLB when there was a low percentage of Latino players. Although the target may have been as large as Robinson’s, there was still a target for discrimination and harassment on Rivera’s back. Rivera’s response to these attacks was what connects him to Robinson the most, they both let their baseball skills do the talking. Araton says, “All Rivera does is pitch and do what he can, quietly, in his community.” The number 42 connects two great players and ambassadors who were able to pave the way for the younger generation of their races and help them realize playing in the majors was a reality and not only a dream.
ReplyDeleteI always remember as a kid my dad getting excited watching his Yankees games when Rivera came to the mound, because he was his favorite player. I know understand why. Besides that he is a hard man to dislike, his character shines through of something similar to Jackie Robinson. Every game, he walked up to the mound, quietly and humbly, never making any sort of drama. His character of great respect and restraint makes him worthy of the number 42. I think it also speaks nicely that Rivera was a Latino player, and the Latino baseball population has been on the steady rise. Just as Robison did, I see Mariano standing as an important figure to the Latino baseball in America, especially given that he shares the 42, it immediately makes him resonate with change and respect. In this same sense, I believe Rivera did a great job of upholding the number 42 as its last player in the MLB, and making sure that it has kept its power.
ReplyDeleteLike many of my peers, I believe that Rivera is worthy to be the last player to wear the number 42 and in many ways is similar to Jackie Robinson. From what I learned from reading the article, he did not seem to have to face too much racial discrimination or pave the path for other Latino players, but the way he wore the jersey number 42 and played in such a cool manner makes him appear similar to Robinson. This is because Rivera faced a lot of pressure, similar to the pressure that Robison faced, by being one of the last players to wear the number 42 because of what Robinson was able to accomplish. Thinking about this more broadly, I believe that having a Latino player be one of the last players to wear Robinson's number sends a direct message to the league and fans because it makes it clear that baseball is a sport open to change in order to make this American Dream more accessible for more people.
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