Greatest Sports Failures And The BibleНамуна

Mariano Rivera Finds Solace in the Bible After Difficult Loss

World Series Game 7 (November 4, 2001): Arizona Diamondbacks 3, New York Yankees 2

Mariano Rivera had been there before—countless times. That year alone, more than 50 times, he had entered the ninth inning with a lead of three runs or less and shut down the opposition.

When Rivera stared down home plate at Bank One Ballpark in Game Seven of the 2001 World Series, no one, not even the most diehard of Arizona fans, expected anything different. 

With a 2-1 lead, it seemed fitting that the Yankees were about to clinch yet another MLB title—especially considering the emotionally wrenching seven weeks New York City and the rest of the nation had endured. 9/11 was still on everyone’s mind and took center stage again when President George W. Bush famously threw out the first pitch back in Yankee Stadium for Game Three of the series.

But then, things took an unexpected turn. Mark Grace led off with a single. Then Rivera inexplicably threw a bunted ball into centerfield while attempting to get the out at second base. Two batters later (with one out on the board), Tony Womack hit a game-tying double. Rivera had officially blown one of the biggest save opportunities.

As Luis Gonzalez walked to the plate with a pinch runner, Jay Bell, in scoring position, “Phil. 4:13,” a reference to a New Testament passage Rivera often recalled, could be found written on his glove and his cleats.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Rivera hurled his trademark cutter that had caused so many batters to swing and whiff. Only this time, Gonzalez connected on a broken bat single up the middle—just out of the reach of second baseman Derek Jeter’s glove.

It was a difficult flight back to New York. Not only was Rivera distraught following the loss, he was also notoriously afraid of flying. He later revealed that it was two things within arm’s reach that consoled him on that long trip home—his wife Clara and his Bible. 

“I have to believe that every pitch I throw is the right pitch and is a great pitch, and the next one will do the job. Always, always.” Rivera once told ESPN.com. “When I talk about the Lord, I'm not talking about praying to him for him to give you what you want. People always pray for something they want. He's going to give you what you need. That doesn't mean you're going to win the game. It really has nothing to do with baseball.

Rivera went on to complete his career in 2013 as the all-time saves leader with an astounding 652. He will undoubtedly be gracing the Baseball Hall of Fame soon enough.