MARIANO RIVERA'S POWERFUL MESSAGE

At a press conference before game 2 of the World Series, Bud Selig presented Mariano Rivera with the Commissioners Historic Achievement Award. An award given to players that have made a lasting impact on the game. If you didn't have the opportunity to watch the press conference, you can do so HERE.

For Selig to have presented this award to Mo is a huge honor. There is no doubt that Mo is one of the most respected athletes, not just in baseball, but in all professional sports. As Selig said during the conference "He became the face of baseball for this generation. And he did it in a way with so much class and so much dignity and so much honor."

In a moment of humor Mo even said he would give it another year, but this time in the National league. He was joking of course. Mo will forever be a Yankee. Besides, can you just imagine Mo having to hit in the ninth inning? Nope! Sorry National League teams, you can't have him.

I think my favorite part of the entire press conference came when Mo commented on being a role model. He said:

"It doesn't take anything to be nice, you know. I don't know why you would say you're not a role model, because kids look at you. And I think that if we do the right thing and play the game the way we should play it, that's all we need to do. And outside the game, help as much as you can. That's being a great role model. You don't need to do something different that you don't know how to do. You just do what you know to do."

We appreciate that here at Bleeding Yankee Blue and I think that may be the most powerful statement that Mo has ever uttered. It rings true, not just for athletes, but for adults in general. We have an entire generation of children, and young adults looking for guidance. Who are we not to be role models? Why should we not encourage them to be great, and lead by example? Mo, the humble son of a fisherman, who grew up playing baseball with milk cartons, and rocks, become a role model for children everywhere. In our own way, we can too.

It has been incredible watching Mo's farewell tour. This honor bestowed on him today just added to the beauty of Mo's career. I truly wish Mariano, and his beautiful family the absolute best. After everything he gave to the game, he deserves a peaceful retirement, filled with the love of his family.

--Erica Morales BYB Senior Writer
Twitter: @e_morales1804



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