Mariano Rivera To Be Celebrated For Hall Of Fame Selection

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Queen City on the Sound is preparing to pull out all the stops to celebrate former resident and Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera's unanimous selection into baseball's Hall of Fame. "Mariano Rivera Day" will take place in New Rochelle Saturday, July 27.

The day will feature a pinstripe parade beginning at 10 a.m that will end with a celebration at the Hudson Park Bandshell.

Rivera, who is the first person in baseball history to be elected unanimously to the Hall of Fame, will receive a special proclamation and the Key to the City before the 1-1/2 mile parade route begins at City Hall, 515 North Avenue.

The route will go south on North Avenue, continue to Pelham Road and end at Hudson Park.

Nicknamed "Mo" and "Sandman," the Panamanian right-hander is Major League Baseball’s greatest closer of all-time, recording 652 career saves including 42 post-season saves, according to a spokesperson. In his 19-year celebrated career, all with the New York Yankees, Rivera was a 13-time All-Star, World Series MVP (1999) and five-time World Series Champion.

New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson said the city takes special pride in Rivera.

He "has been a selfless, generous contributor to our community, and who makes his spiritual home here at Refugio De Esperanza, where his wife Clara serves as pastor," Bramson said.

The parade will feature a float carrying Rivera and his family, classic cars and a Gray Line City Sightseeing New York Double Decker Tour Bus that was presented to Rivera as part of his induction into their Ride of Fame in 2013.

Also joining in the parade will be the following:

• Mariano’s “adoptive” New Rochelle family members Mickie and Joe Fosina;
• Mariano Rivera Foundation Executive Director Naomi Gandia;
• New Rochelle Youth Baseball and Little League players and coaches, along with high school baseball and softball teams;
• Local Marching Bands Iona Pipers, Portchester Brigade and Tappan Zee Bridgeman;
• New Rochelle Boys & Girls Club;
• New Rochelle Girl Scouts;
• Suburbia Roller Derby;
• Youth & Sports Organizations across Westchester County;
• Westchester County and state dignitaries and other honored guests.

The parade route is in close proximity to the New Rochelle Metro North Train Station, with convenient arrivals close to parade time.

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