New Rochelle in Westchester County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Mariano Rivera
"The Closer"
| | New Rochelle Walk of Fame | |
In 2019, Mariano Rivera was the first player ever inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame by unanimous vote. Rivera played for the New York Yankees from 1995 to 2013 as a relief pitcher nicknamed "Sandman" and "The Closer." He posted 652 saves, struck out 1,173 batters, and achieved an ERA of 2.21.
His career highlights include being named to 13 American League All-Star teams, playing on five World Series Championship teams, World Series MVP in 1999, five-time Rolaids Relief Man Awards winner, three-time Delivery Man of the Year and three-time MLB saves leader. In 2013, the Yankees retired his uniform number 42 that he wore in honor of Jackie Robinson. In 2016, he was awarded a plaque in Monument Park, and in 2019 the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Born on November 29, 1969, he was raised in the Panamanian fishing village of Peurto Caimito where as a youth he learned the fishing trade. He began practicing baseball using a mitt made from cardboard and bats fashioned from tree-branches. With the encouragement of his family and girlfriend Clara, who would become his wife, his persistence and practice led to
this page online
In 1995, as a young ballplayer, Rivera became friends with Joe Fosina whose company oversees the Yankees' uniforms. Their friendship led to New Rochelle becoming his adopted home. He lived here for nine years at both Harbor House and the Greencroft Apartments on Pelham Road. In 2014, he opened the doors to Refugio de Esperanza, "Refuge of Hope," a Pentacostal congregation where Clara Rivera is the Senior Pastor. The building was built in 1901 as the North Avenue Presbyterian Church an the Mariano Rivera Foundation paid over three million dollars to renovate the building.
On July 27, 2019, New Rochelle hosted a parade and rally on 'Mariano Rivera Day' that featured a special presentation of the Key to the City. In an interview before the ceremony, Rivera said "New Rochelle has been my hometown since I came here in '95, it reminds me of my hometown and has been amazing."
Erected by City of New Rochelle, NY; New Rochelle Downtown Business District.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • Immigration • Religion & Religious Structures
Location. 40° 54.613′ N, 73° 46.957′ W. Marker is in New Rochelle, New York, in Westchester County. It is on Lawton Street south of Huguenot Street (U.S. 1), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 41 Lawton St, New Rochelle NY 10801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Hudson Valley and in the New York City Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fritz Pollard (here, next to this marker); Claire Trevor (here, next to this marker); New Rochelle in the NFL (here, next to this marker); Reginald Marsh (here, next to this marker); Lillian & Dorothy Gish (here, next to this marker); Henry Heimlich (here, next to this marker); Jay Leno (here, next to this marker); Nell Brinkley (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Rochelle.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 120 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 20, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
