**CBS NEWS: An Epochal Message from Mariano Rivera to New York Yankees, Team, Fans, and Entire Baseball Community**
*March 14, 2025*
In an unprecedented move, Mariano Rivera, the legendary New York Yankees closer and Hall of Famer, has sent a powerful and heartfelt message to the team, its dedicated fans, and the entire baseball community. The message, delivered via social media and shared across multiple platforms, is being hailed as “epochal” by those who have followed the career of the man who redefined the art of closing games.
Rivera, who spent his entire 19-season career with the Yankees, is widely regarded as one of the greatest relief pitchers in Major League Baseball history. Known for his signature cut fastball and unparalleled poise on the mound, Rivera retired in 2013 with five World Series championships and a laundry list of records, including the most saves in MLB history. Since his retirement, Rivera has kept a relatively low public profile, stepping into roles as a mentor, philanthropist, and ambassador for the game of baseball.
But in his latest message, Rivera chose to break his silence, reaching out to a new generation of Yankees players and fans while honoring the team’s storied past.
The message, posted on Rivera’s official social media accounts, opens with an expression of gratitude. Rivera speaks fondly of the Yankees’ historic legacy, a team that has always been synonymous with excellence. He reflects on his own experiences in pinstripes, recalling his early days in the Bronx and the unparalleled honor of wearing the iconic Yankees uniform. “I was blessed beyond words to be part of this great organization, to share the field with so many amazing teammates, and to play in front of the most passionate fans in the world,” Rivera writes. “The honor of representing New York will never leave me, and the love I have for this team and this city will never fade.”
However, the core of Rivera’s message is what has resonated most with fans and analysts alike. In an era where sports have become more commercialized and the Yankees’ championship expectations have shifted, Rivera’s words are seen as a call to return to the roots of the team’s identity: resilience, tradition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
“You are more than just a team,” Rivera continues, addressing the current Yankees roster. “You are the embodiment of a tradition that goes back over a century. The fans expect greatness, and they deserve it. Wear the pinstripes with pride, not just for yourself, but for every Yankee who came before you. The legacy of Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, and countless others rests upon your shoulders. Never forget that.”
The message goes on to encourage the players to remain united, regardless of the inevitable challenges that the sport brings. Rivera stresses the importance of team chemistry, leadership, and consistency—qualities that made the Yankees of the late 1990s and early 2000s so dominant. “It’s not just about talent,” he writes. “It’s about heart. And I know you all have that heart. Believe in each other and trust the process. This team has the potential to do something special.”
Perhaps most emotional of all is Rivera’s message to the Yankees’ fanbase, who have stood by him through thick and thin. “To the greatest fans in the world,” he writes, “I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your love and support carried me through the toughest moments of my career. You are the heartbeat of this team, and your passion fuels us all. Never stop believing, because together, we can achieve greatness once again.”
The message ends with a final word of encouragement: “Stay strong, stay united, and remember—once a Yankee, always a Yankee.”
Rivera’s message has been met with an outpouring of support from Yankees fans, players, and even fellow baseball legends. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the timing of his words could not be more fitting. With new faces joining the team, including several young stars, the Yankees are looking to return to their championship ways after a period of transition.
In a sport often defined by individual accomplishments, Mariano Rivera’s latest words remind everyone of the values that truly make the New York Yankees great: unity, tradition, and an unyielding commitment to excellence.