Readers Write: Rivera special off and on the field

The Island Now

It is universally agreed that retiring Yankees closer Mariano Rivera is the best who ever played his position. 

But as great as his physical skills, greater still is the character of the man.

In an age when we see countless athletes seek shortcuts to fame, when so many of the record books have been tainted by the use of performance enhancing drugs, Mariano did it the old-fashioned way: talent, hard work and dedication. On and off the field, he acted as a gentleman, always the good teammate, the good family man, and the good citizen. Never seeking the spotlight for the sake of fame, always humble and modest when it came his way.

It’s easy to get caught in the “win at all cost” philosophy that affects so many in our society – in business, in athletics, in entertainment, and in politics. 

When all is said and done, integrity is the only winning formula that matters. That’s what made Mariano so special.

David Golbert

Great Neck

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