November 19, 2013--Say It Isn't So Mariano

He made at least $10 million this year and more than $15 million in 2012. Over his career he earned $170 million, and it is estimated that his net worth is more than $90 million. So why does he need to do these tacky things?

He is Mariano Rivera, the New York Yankee's quintessential closer, the pitcher they turned to to get the last outs at the end of a game when they had a precarious lead.

He has been baseball's preeminent closer for nearly 17 seasons and retired in September, greatly honored and respected even by his fiercest opponents.

Those who know say he was the greatest of all time. He saved 652 regular season games during his career--more than any other relief pitcher-- and was essential to the Yankees winning five World Series titles. In five years, when he is eligible for the Hall of Fame, it is expected he will be unanimously elected. If this happens, he will be the only former player to be thus honored.

It is reliably reported that he is a fine family man (one of the few professional athletes who didn't fool around while on the road), an exemplary citizen of his native Panama, and a devout and practicing Christian.

So you can imagine my surprise when last week there was a full-page ad in the New York Times that announced a series of events that the public would be able to attend.

For a price. A hefty one.

"Meet Mariano Rivera," the headline proclaimed. "Here's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the star New York Yankee pitcher in the intimate setting of the New York Times Center."

At that event, he will "share memories of his extraordinary career."

Package #1 offers general admission and to the Q&A session. It costs $99.99.

Package #2 also offers admission, access to the Q&A, plus one "Mariano signed final season baseball." It goes for $349.99.

And the "V.I.P. Package #3" is a real deal--you get two tickets to the Q&A, two tickets to the V.I.P. cocktail party (Mariano doesn't drink), a photo with the closer, access to "two Yankee alumni mingling with guests," "passed hors d'oeuvres," and two Mariano Rivera signed 14x14 inch framed photographs.  

Package #3 will set you back $1,499.99.

I'll take a raincheck on the passed hors d'oeuvres and mingling Yankees and look back to October 16, 2003 when Mariano raced in from the bullpen to save the game for the Yankees who went on to beat the Red Sox to secure a place in the World Series. He came in in the 9th inning with the game tied. It remained tied until the bottom of the 11th when the Yankees scored on Aaron Boone's home run. Rivera pitched the final three innings and got the win by securing the final nine outs.

Priceless!