The Closer: Young Readers Edition

The legendary, record-breaking Hall of Fame pitcher tells his inspiring story

Mariano Rivera never dreamed of becoming a professional athlete. He didn't grow up collecting baseball cards, playing Little League, or cheering on his home team at the World Series. He had never heard of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, or Mickey Mantle. One day, that all changed.

From a childhood playing pickup games in Panama to an epic career with the New York Yankees, Mariano's rise to greatness has been ...