April 05, 2020 / By mobanmarket
NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Yankees baseball legend Mariano Rivera, formerly of New Rochelle, was honored at the White House Monday with President Donald Trump awarding the Baseball Hall of Famer the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The president noted Rivera’s upbringing in Panama, being the son of a fishing-boat captain, becoming a naturalized citizen in 2015 and serving as co-chair of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition.
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“Mariano Rivera has made extraordinary contributions to American sports, culture and society,” Trump said in his introduction. “He is the most dominant relief pitcher in the history of baseball. And more than that, he has lived the American dream and shines as an example of American greatness for all to see.”
In attendance, according to a White House transcript, were Rivera’s wife, Clara, his three sons, Jafet, Jaziel and Mariano, and his daughter-in-law Alyssa.
Trump also gave a shout-out to New Rochelle, speaking about Rivera building a learning and community center there.
“[F]rom being in New York, what you’ve done in New Rochelle has been incredible,” Trump said. “Incredible.”
Rivera said it was an honor and a privilege to receive the Medal of Freedom.
“I mean, all I did is try to be the best and do the best for America,” he said.
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