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Mariano Rivera Tears Up During Interview After ACL Injury

Before yesterday evening, here was a list of the possible final images of Mariano Rivera’s storied career.

- Being mobbed by teammates after recording the final out of another Yankees World Series title.

- Leaving the field in noble disappointment after a gutty playoff loss to a team like the Red Sox or Phillies.

And… that’s about it. Really, before yesterday, those were the only two ways it could’ve ended for Rivera.

One way it couldn’t end: with him writhing in pain near the outfield wall in Kansas City’s Kauffman Stadium in May.

During batting practice prior to yesterday’s game against the Royals, Rivera tore his ACL and suffered meniscus damage while shagging fly balls. His season is likely over, and since Rivera previously intimated that this would be his last season, his playing days might be over as well.

A career that included 5 World Series wins, 12 All-Star appearances, and the record for most MLB saves all time wasn’t supposed to end like this. Not for the sage and dignified Rivera, who’s been something of a high priest in the Yankee clubhouse for the last 17 years. And after suffering a devastating  injury to his knee, Rivera had to give a devastating interview to reporters — one in which he was as sage and dignified as ever, even in the face of overwhelming disappointment.

At the 2:30 mark, Rivera discusses how he feels like he let his teammates down. This — not the fact that blowing out his knee in a freak accident is an unjust way for him to leave the field, possibly forever — is what finally causes him to tear up. Which tells you all you need to know about Mariano Rivera.

[YES Network]