New York Yankees Breaking News: Mariano Rivera to Retire Following the 2013 Season

We all knew it was going to happen one day. We figured it might be happening this year. It might have happened last year if not for his torn acl. According to reports, New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera will be announcing his retirement following the 2013 season at a press conference Saturday morning, prior to their spring game against the Braves, and Rivera’s first appearance of the spring.

Feb 19, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera during spring training at Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: John Munson/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

Rivera has been my favorite Yankee since 1996. The way he just goes about his business and gets the job done, nearly flawlessly every single time is just a joy to watch and has been since that season.

Rivera is a sure fire first ballot hall of famer. He’s the greatest post-season reliever of all-time. He will no doubt have a retirement tour like Chipper Jones did last season with the Atlanta Braves.

Does this put extra pressure on the team to add pieces to help the Yankees make another title run? Maybe, maybe not. I think they already knew that this was something realistic and something that was probably going to happen. I think the Yankees also realize they need to add some additional depth to this team.

Even if the Yankees don’t make the playoffs this year, sit back and enjoy watching Rivera this season. He’s a once in a generation kind of closer and you may never see someone of his ilk again.