Westchester's Mariano Rivera Elected To Baseball Hall Of Fame

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Westchester resident and New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera was unanimous elected — the first time ever that it's happened — to the Baseball Writers' Association of American Hall of Fame Class of 2019. It was Rivera's first year on the ballot, baseballhall.org said.

Rivera, 49, said he wasn't expecting to be a Hall of Famer when he was playing baseball.

"Being the first player to be unanimous is amazing," he said, according to baseballhall.org. "I was just happy to be in the big leagues and give the New York Yankees as many championships as I could."

Also elected to the Hall of Fame were Edgar Martinez, Mike Mussina and the late Roy Halladay.

New Rochelle City Manager Charles Strome III congratulated Rivera on the occasion.

"It is a well-deserved honor and tribute to his outstanding career," he said. "Not only is he a baseball Hall of Famer, but a 'Hall of Famer' in New Rochelle for his generosity and the volunteer service he continually provides to our community."

Westchester County Executive George Latimer added his congratulations to Rivera.

"Even this Met fan can admit that this unanimous vote is well deserved and solidifies his place in baseball history," he said.

"Rivera, our favorite Sandman, isn't just a tremendous athlete but he is also a humanitarian who has given back and helped those in need," Latimer said. "We are proud of him and proud to call him a Westchester resident."

Rivera is a known presence in New Rochelle and Westchester County with volunteer organizations.

He has helped the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library raise funds for a new bookstore, offered a scholarship to the College of New Rochelle and helped to distribute backpacks and school supplies to local children.

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Photo: Mariano Rivera. Photo credit: Fastpitch Photography.