Yankees' Rivera To Have Friday's 3rd Race Named For Him At Saratoga
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has insisted injured closer Mariano Rivera won't be back for the team's end-of-season run in 2012.
MLB's saves leader will participate in a different sort of race this week at historic Saratoga Race Course.
Rivera will visit the upstate New York thoroughbred track on Friday, where the third race will be named "The Spa Welcomes Mo!" He'll appear in the winner's circle to address the crowd and present the trophy to the winner.
"We're thrilled to welcome Mariano Rivera to Saratoga Race Course," NYRA president Ellen McClain said in a statement. "It's an honor to add one of the most celebrated athletes in the history of New York sports to the long list of legendary figures who've graced these grounds during the summer meet."
The 42-year-old Rivera, baseball's career saves leader, hasn't pitched since May 3 when he injured his right knee while running after fly balls in batting practice in Kansas City.
Rivera's visit will come one day after he hosts a fundraiser to benefit the Mariano Rivera Foundation, which addresses children's needs through programs on education, health and wellness.
It'll put a bow on a busy week for Rivera, who conducted the coin flip before Real Madrid's 5-1 exhibition win over AC Milan on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium.
Have you been to Saratoga this season? Plan on going Friday? Tell us about it in the comments below!
(TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
