The Closer

May 12, 2014
From humble roots in Panama, Mariano "Mo" Rivera went on to become the greatest closer in baseball history, notching 652 total saves, 13 all-star appearances, and five World Series rings with the New York Yankees over 18 seasons. But in this entertaining, admirably subdued autobiography, the glory is God's: Rivera's story brims with examples of his faith. Sure, there is plenty of baseball for fans to feast on, too. The pitcher tells stories about his teammates (including Derek Jeter, A-Rod, and Joe Torre); championship moments, including the 2000 subway series against the Mets, and the startling game-seven loss in 2001 to the Arizona Diamondbacks; as well as instances of heated pitching rivalries against the Red Sox. He also recalls struggling through injuries, including an elbow issue that threatened his career early on and a blown knee that almost ended his career in 2012. Intensely competitive and a gifted athlete, Rivera will delight baseball fans. But the memories recounted hereâboth on the field and offâultimately reveal something deeper: Rivera's almost incredible humility, unshakeable faith, and devotion to his family (he married his childhood sweetheart, Clara). In an age of bravado and bluster in professional sports, he is one of the few athletes who has earned a right to brag. Yet Rivera's elegance and class manage to somehow outshine his accomplishments.

Mariano Rivera is remembered not only as the greatest relief pitcher in history but also as a humble, soft-spoken, and deeply religious man. That's why it takes some time to get used to Michael Kay as the narrator of Rivera's memoir: The New York Yankees television announcer has a brash tone, a Bronx accent, and a fast-talking delivery that is ill-suited to the author's demeanor. But once you settle in, the audiobook is an engrossing listen for baseball fans. Kay's narration is strongest when he tells stories from the clubhouse and the field; he sounds less comfortable when recounting Rivera's childhood growing up poor in a family of fishermen in Panama and his spiritual journey as a born-again Christian. D.B © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine