The Closer: Young Readers Edition

by Mariano Rivera Narrated by Jon Curry

Overview

The legendary, record-breaking Hall of Fame pitcher tells his inspiring story

Mariano Rivera never dreamed of becoming a professional athlete. He didn't grow up collecting baseball cards, playing Little League, or cheering on his home team at the World Series. He had never heard of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, or Mickey Mantle. One day, that all changed.

From a childhood playing pickup games in Panama to an epic career with the New York Yankees, Mariano's rise to greatness has been anything but ordinary. He's the guy on the mound who doesn't hear the crowd, just the sound of the ump calling, Strike! The teammate you can rely on, even when the bases are loaded in the bottom of the ninth. Whether you know him as Mo or as the Sandman, Mariano is The Closer, and this is his story.

Full of tips for young athletes and tales from the Yankee clubhouse, The Closer: Young Readers Edition is an inspiring story of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication that have defined the life of a baseball legend.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"A must for young baseball fans."--School Library Journal

School Library Journal

12/01/2014
Gr 5–8—In this autobiography, Rivera describes how he went from a poor boy in a humble fishing village in Panama to one of the greatest New York Yankee baseball heroes. A ninth-grade high school dropout who worked on his father's fishing boat, Rivera played pickup baseball with improvised bats, balls, and gloves because there was no money for sports equipment. When he joined a local team, his outstanding pitching skill was discovered by professional baseball scouts, and eventually he was hired by the Yankees as a closing pitcher—a career that spanned 18 years. Rivera discusses his marriage to childhood sweetheart, Clara; his heartfelt love for his children and friends; his dedication to the game despite loss and injury; and the deep Christian faith that guided him through it all. Baseball fans will appreciate and enjoy relevant play-by-play details of significant games and championship competitions. This edition closely follows the original version written for adults, including more toned down spiritual aspects and the same appealing eight-page color photo insert. A must for young baseball fans, especially those who follow the Yankees, and those who enjoyed R.A. Dickey's Throwing Strikes (Dial, 2013).—Diane P. Tuccillo, Poudre River Public Library District, CO

Kirkus Reviews

2014-09-04
Baseball's all-time save leader tells his story.With the assistance of seasoned sportswriter Coffey and veteran's children's author Corbett, Rivera shares with young readers the remarkable tale of how a gangly Panamanian fisherman came to be one of the most famous pitchers in baseball history. Having grown up in a two-room house with no phone and dropped out of high school in the ninth grade, this humble fisherman's son lacked his own glove and cleats when the Yankees signed him in 1990, at age 20, to be a pitcher. What Rivera exhibited at his audition for the Yankees and would be known for throughout his nearly 20-year career was not a dazzling variety of pitches but steely control and reserve in pressure situations. The children's edition of this straight-laced family man's life focuses on reminiscences of playing in the minor leagues, the World Series and the hardship of life on the road. It pares down some of the adult version's (2014) more extended comments on other players' conduct and steroid usage, as well as some of the proselytizing from the devout closer. His voice, though filtered through two co-authors, is endearing and often funny. Though a bit scrubbed, Rivera's account offers engaging insight into the thrills and trials of getting the last out of the season. (photos, "Notes from Mo," glossary) (Memoir. 10-16)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170291984
Publisher:	Hachette Audio
Publication date:	09/02/2014
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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