New Rochelle, NY: Who knew that Mariano Rivera was such a devoted man of God? Helping find a better home for his wife Clara's house church to move into has brought to light this little reported side of the great Yankee relief picture.
"For years Rivera had been crediting God for his skills on the field, where he tallied a record 652 saves before retiring last season," said the LA Times (March 9).
"Now his foundation has poured about $3 million into restoring the 107 year-old [Presbyterian] church for Refugio de Esperanza, or Refuge of Hope, the Pentecostal congregation led by his wife, Clara."
Says the Yankee legend: "You don't do it to be recognized...you want to please the Lord."
Plans call for a learning center that will provide after school programs for inner city children.