Yankees Legend Mariano Rivera Suffers Achilles Injury

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The long-awaited return of the Yankees’ Old-Timers’ Day game to the Bronx brought nostalgia, star power, and, unfortunately, a serious injury to one of the franchise’s most celebrated figures.

Mariano Rivera, the Hall of Fame closer who defined an era of dominance for the New York Yankees, suffered an Achilles injury during Saturday’s event at Yankee Stadium. The game marked the first Old-Timers’ Day since 2019 and drew thousands of fans eager to see Yankee greats take the field once again.

Following the Yankees’ 5-4 victory over the Houston Astros later that day, a team spokesperson confirmed that Rivera had sustained an Achilles injury. The initial reports did not clarify the severity, but concern grew after former teammate Roger Clemens shared the details on the WFAN broadcast with Suzyn Waldman and Dave Sims.

In the live broadcast, Clemens said the injury appeared worse than initially believed. “We all thought it was a hamstring, but I think it is a little worse than that,” Clemens said. “I think he is at the hospital now. Unbelievable.”

The incident occurred when Rivera appeared to misread a pop-up from Willie Randolph. As the ball came down onto the infield grass near center field, Rivera collapsed awkwardly. Clemens suggested that Achilles may have “popped” on the play, a moment that immediately silenced the celebratory atmosphere.

Rivera, 55, had earlier spoken about his plans to offer advice to struggling Yankees reliever Devin Williams. His day on the field included a sharp base hit against Andy Pettitte, a solid connection to the left side that reminded the crowd of his competitive spirit and skill.

This injury is a painful reminder of a similar incident from Rivera’s career. In 2012, he tore his ACL while shagging fly balls in Kansas City during batting practice. That setback forced him to miss the rest of the season, although he made a full comeback for his farewell campaign in 2013. That final season closed out a remarkable 19-year career, one in which he became one of the most respected and successful players in Major League Baseball history.

Rivera is the only player ever to be unanimously voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. His record of 652 career saves remains unmatched, and he was a 13-time All-Star. Over nearly two decades, he was a key figure in bringing five World Series titles to New York, earning a reputation as a clutch performer who thrived under pressure.

Fans came to Yankee Stadium on Saturday to celebrate the heritage of the franchise and to see their heroes return to the field. While Rivera’s injury cast a shadow over the day, his track record of overcoming adversity leaves hope for recovery. His contributions to the Yankees are etched into baseball history, and his presence remains a source of pride for the team’s supporters.