GRATITUDE: Yankees Honor Mariano Rivera with $2.5 Million Statue Outside Yankee Stadium
In a heartfelt and long-overdue tribute, the New York Yankees have approved a $2.5 million project to erect a statue of legendary closer Mariano Rivera outside Yankee Stadium. This permanent monument will stand as a symbol of gratitude to one of the most iconic players in the franchise’s storied history—a man who defined an era of excellence, humility, and grace in the Bronx.
Mariano Rivera, widely regarded as the greatest closer in Major League Baseball history, spent his entire 19-year career with the Yankees. From 1995 to 2013, Rivera became synonymous with consistency and dominance, earning 652 career saves—the most in MLB history—and an astounding 0.70 ERA in the postseason. His signature cut fastball became the stuff of legend, carving through lineups with surgical precision, especially when the stakes were highest.
The decision to honor Rivera with a statue is more than a celebration of his accomplishments on the field; it’s a recognition of the character and spirit he brought to the game. Known for his quiet leadership, deep humility, and unwavering sportsmanship, Rivera embodied everything the Yankees stand for. He led by example, never boasting, always respecting the game, his teammates, and his opponents.
Perhaps even more remarkable than his stats is the legacy he left behind. Rivera was the last player in Major League Baseball to wear the iconic number 42, retired league-wide in honor of Jackie Robinson. Fittingly, Rivera carried that number with dignity, becoming a bridge between baseball’s past and present. In 2019, he became the first player ever unanimously elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame—a testament to the universal respect he earned from peers, fans, and media alike.
The statue, slated to be unveiled outside the gates of Yankee Stadium, will offer fans a tangible way to celebrate Rivera’s contributions for generations to come. Crafted by renowned sculptor Julie Rotblatt-Amrany, the design is expected to capture Rivera in his iconic pitching motion, calm and focused, a figure of serenity amidst the storm of playoff pressure. The $2.5 million investment is a reflection not just of his impact on the team, but on the sport itself.
Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner stated, “Mariano Rivera is more than a Yankee great—he is a baseball legend. This statue is a symbol of our eternal gratitude for his contributions, not only in helping us win championships, but in representing our organization with class and honor.”
For fans, Rivera’s statue will serve as a new landmark at Yankee Stadium—a place to pause, reflect, and say “thank you” to the man who sealed countless victories and brought pride to New York. In an era where heroes are rare, Mariano Rivera was the real thing. And now, his legacy will be cast in bronze, just as it has already been etched into the hearts of millions.
