In this episode Paul will talk about the remarkable career of Mariano Rivera a former Panamanian American baseball pitcher who went from a poor background growing up in Panama to be recruited by the New York Yankees out of nowhere and go onto be a Yankees legend and an all-time great of the sport. Paul will talk about how he excelled in the MLB and thrived under the intense pressure, especially in postseason games and played a major role in five World Series Titles with the New York Yankees. Paul will also talk about how Rivera was the most dominant closer in baseball and the many records Rivera broke in his illustrious career such as the greatest number of saves and games finished, the best ERA (average earned runs), 13 time All-Star. Paul will also talk about the tremendous work Rivera does with his own foundation helping the disadvantaged around the world, building of churches and his ambition to get a professional baseball league set up in India, Pakistan and the Middle East and give those from poor backgrounds the same opportunities he had coming from Panama.
Paul will also talk about some well-known football players in recent years who have performed well under pressure in matches. eg, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Christiano Rinaldo, Tim Cahill, Mohammed Salah, Harry Kane, David Beckham, Diego Maradona.
References
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earned_run_average
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariano_Rivera
3. Pinstripesnation.com “Mariano rivera: MLB’s greatest closer”. By inna zeygar 24/5/23.
4. The stadiumreviews.com, ‘what is a cutter pitch?’ by admin, 17/6/21.
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Boone
6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Core_Four
7. https://academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Canyon_of_Heroes
8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outstanding_American_by_Choice
9. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enrique_Wilson
10. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President%27s_Council_on_Sports,_Fitness,_and_Nutrition
11. Nydailynews.com ‘mariano rivera hopes to revolutionize baseball with first professional league serving india, pakistan and the middle east’. By peter sblendorio. New york daily news, 25/7/22.
12. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cristiano_Ronaldo
13. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Messi
14. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Beckham
15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup_awards#Golden_Boot
16. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kylian_Mbapp%C3%A9
17. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Kane
18. Sportskeeda.com ‘5 players who always deliver under pressure’, by shambhu ajith, 30/9/21.
19. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Schwarzer
