Last night the Yankees got thumped by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Before the game Matt Williams, Mark Grace and Luis Gonzalez all threw out the first pitch. That trio played on the 2001 World Series team which beat the Yankees in seven games. Widely considered the greatest world series ever, four of the games were spectacular, including game seven which ended with a walk-off win in the bottom of the ninth. I was at three of those games, but unfortunately they were the three blowout games, not the three good ones.
As the TV announcers were discussing that series, they said what really struck most reporters covering the series was Mariano Rivera's behavior after game seven. In the bottom of the ninth, up by one run, Rivera blew the save and lost the game on a little Texas leaguer off the bat of Gonzalez. The trouble all started when Rivera committed an error by throwing wide of second base on a comebacker. But after the game, Rivera stood in front of his locker for more than an hour answering the same questions over and over again. He never snapped at the reporters, he never showed frustration, and he didn't hide, which he also could have easily done, and who would blame him.
He had just blown one of the most important games of his life, but he stood there and took the blame and the heat. He didn't shy away from responsibility and he didn't take his frustration and disappointment out on others.
He is the best closer in the history of the game and yet he helps others pitchers out answering their questions, giving small pointers and tips, and he never shows up opposing hitters. He simply goes out and does his job and when he is successful he is the same as when he fails. He is the consummate professional and we could all do well to learn from him and follow his example.
No comments:
Post a Comment