In a brief but emotional statement, the family of New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera has confirmed the news that has left the baseball world speechless: his throat cancer has returned.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share that Mariano’s cancer has returned after nearly four years of aggressive treatment. He is preparing to embark on a new round of chemotherapy, this time more intense, more difficult… but he is keeping the faith.”
“I’ve won before, and I’ll win again”
In a handwritten letter to fans posted on his personal page, Rivera wrote:
“I’m not afraid. I threw the last pitch of my career when the whole Yankee Stadium stood up and cheered. I’ve overcome this disease once before. I believe in God, in my doctors, and in your prayers.”
His wife, Clara Rivera, broke down in tears as she recalled the early days of her follow-up visits, when Mariano said:
“If you see me getting weaker, remember: I’m still a closer, just this time for my own life.”
Tears in the Bronx: Yankees prepare to hold second “Mariano Rivera Night”
The Yankees have announced plans to hold an emergency tribute to Rivera at Yankee Stadium later this month. Fans are encouraged to bring flowers, signs of support and wear jersey number 42.
Derek Jeter, a close teammate, told reporters:
“He’s someone I look up to, on and off the field. He needs us right now.”
Across social media: #StandWithMo goes viral
The hashtag #StandWithMo quickly trended on Twitter/X within hours. Fans around the world – from his home state of Panama to Tokyo – posted messages of support, shared memories and hung pictures of him on amateur ballparks.
The silence of a ballpark can say more than a thousand words
As the lights at Yankee Stadium dimmed at the end of the night, the image of Mariano Rivera walking slowly out of the bullpen to the song “Enter Sandman” echoed.
But this time, he wasn’t coming out to close out a game.
He was entering a final battle, one that was bigger than baseball.