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Create five rings of the World Series and a Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Legendary Yankees Closer Mariano Rivera Received the Nation's Award upper Civilian honored by President Trump during a ceremony Monday at the White House.
"His dominance over the mound mesmerized the fans, the teammates and, unfortunately for them, he hypnotized the opponents," said Trump, qualifying the Panama-born relief as, "possibly the biggest launcher of all time ".
In a brief speech before the medal was tied around his neck, Rivera recounted his struggle to learn English during his early years in minor leagues and how the experience had taught him perseverance before accepting it.
"I'm proud to be an American," said Rivera, who became a naturalized American citizen in 2015. "For that, I thank God."
Alongside Rivera's family, former Yankees manager Joe Torre – who led the team for three winning seasons in the World Series during Rivera's career – attended the opening ceremony of Metallica's heavy hit White House, the song to which Rivera has entered the game throughout his career.
Yankees chief of operations Lonn Trost was also present. Trump wished him good luck for the next series.
"We could use it in the office, maybe," joked Trump at Trost de Rivera, 49. "That would guarantee it.
"Do it in uniform, we're getting ready!" Trump cracked later in his speech. "Just sign it up, Lonn!"
This is the last honor for the leader of the Baseball Rescuer, who retired in 2013 after spending his entire 19-year career with the Bronx Bombers – and who became the first player to vote unanimously for the Game Hall of Fame in 2019.
Since his helpless childhood in Panama, Rivera has climbed to the heights of the world of baseball, totaling 13 appearances in the All-Star Game, leading the majors three times and helping to win five championships for the team with the greatest number in his history .
As co-chair of the President's Sports, Fitness and Nutrition Chair, Rivera participated in the White House Sport and Fitness Day in May 2018.
Rivera is the sixth athlete to receive the Trump Medal, joining basketball legends Bob Cousy and Jerry West, golfer Tiger Woods, quarterback footballer Roger Staubach and Yankees legend Babe Ruth, who received the posthumous award in November 2018.
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