MARIANO RIVERA QUOTES AND PHOTOS FROM VISIT TO SARATOGA RACE COURSE

RIVERA PHOTO 1: New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera receives a proclamation from Saratoga Springs Mayor Scott T. Johnson at Saratoga Race Course on Friday, August 10. Johnson declared the day Mariano Rivera Day in honor of the All-Star pitcher who spent the afternoon at the track.

 

RIVERA PHOTO 2: New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera presents the trophy to jockey Ramon Dominguez after Dominguez rode Regal Strike to victory in the third race at Saratoga Race Course on Friday, August 10. The race was named “The Spa Welcomes Mo!” in honor of the All-Star pitcher who spent the afternoon at the track.

 

Friday, August 10, 2012

 

MARIANO RIVERA QUOTES

FROM RIVERA PRESS CONFERENCE AT SARATOGA RACE COURSE:

About tenure with Albany-Colonie Yankees: “As I passed by the airport…it was a great memory for me. The time I was here playing I had a great time and the fans were the greatest.”

About backstretch tour with John Velazquez: “I did enjoy that. Johnny was tremendous with me this morning…it was wonderful. I had a tremendous morning. I didn’t know the nursing and care they do with these horses. It’s amazing. Today was like a school for me. I learned a lot. Next time I will know a little bit more about horses.”

About Hall of Fame Jockey John Velazquez: “It takes special players and special people to do that. And he is one of them.”

About pitching career: “I want to pitch now. But that doesn’t mean I will come back this year. It’s that one percent we have to hope and keep praying that the Lord will heal me as quick as possible. But at the same time you cannot push it. If you push it, you’ll make a mistake. Instead of pitching this year, you won’t pitch again next year. I have to be wise and make sure I do the right thing.”

FROM WINNER’S CIRCLE INTERVIEW WITH RICHARD “THE MIG” MIGLIORE:

About his visit to Saratoga Race Course: “I have had a tremendous time here, it’s a blessing. For me, it is my first time here, and I have enjoyed it tremendously.”

On his rehab from season-ending knee injury: “My rehab is going well, definitely. I’d rather be where the team is, but unfortunately I can’t. I’m trying to get ready as soon as possible.”

On the great jockeys and athletes from Panama: “There is something in the water down there, definitely. We have a lot of them, and one of the best – Pincay.”

About his backstretch tour with jockey John Velazquez prior to his induction into the Hall of Fame: “Johnny V was tremendous to me. He is a great human being and a great jockey. It was well deserved he got into the Hall of Fame.”

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