Yankees legend Mariano Rivera receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

Make that 5 World Sequence rings — and one Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Legendary Yankees nearer Mariano Rivera was awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor by President Trump throughout a Monday ceremony on the White Home.

“His dominance on the mound mesmerized followers, teammates and, sadly for them, it mesmerized the opponents,” mentioned Trump, calling the Panamanian-born reduction ace “possibly the best pitcher of all time.”

In short remarks earlier than the medal was mounted round his neck, Rivera recounted his wrestle to be taught English throughout his early years within the minor leagues, and the way the expertise taught him perseverance, earlier than in the end bringing him acceptance.

“I’m proud to be an American,” mentioned Rivera, who turned a naturalized US citizen in 2015. “For that, I thank God.”

Together with Rivera’s household, former Yankees supervisor Joe Torre — who helmed the staff for 3 of the World Sequence-winning seasons throughout Rivera’s profession — regarded on because the White Home ceremony started to the heavy strains of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” the track to which Rivera entered video games all through his profession.

Additionally in attendance was present Yankees Chief Working Officer Lonn Trost, to whom Trump wished luck on the upcoming playoffs.

“We may use him within the bullpen, possibly,” Trump joked to Trost of 49-year-old Rivera. “That may assure it.

“Get him in uniform, we’re preparing!” cracked Trump later in his speech. “Simply signal him up, Lonn!”

It’s the most recent honor for baseball’s all-time saves chief, who retired in 2013 after spending his total 19-year profession with the Bronx Brombers — and who turned the primary participant unanimously voted into the sport’s Corridor of Fame in 2019.

From his impoverished childhood in Panama, Rivera climbed to the heights of the baseball world, tallying 13 All-Star Recreation appearances, main the Majors in saves thrice and serving to clinch 5 championships for the staff with essentially the most within the sport’s historical past.

In his post-playing profession, Rivera serves because the co-chair of the President’s Council on Sports activities, Health & Vitamin and took half within the White Home Sports activities and Health Day in Might 2018.

Rivera is the sixth athlete bestowed the medal by Trump, becoming a member of basketball legends Bob Cousy and Jerry West, golfer Tiger Woods and fellow Yankee legend Babe Ruth, who obtained the award posthumously in November 2018.