Baseball legend Mariano Rivera sustains Achilles tendon tear during the Yankees Old-Timers' Day match
Mariano Rivera Suffers Torn Achilles During Yankees Old-Timers' Game
Mariano Rivera, the legendary closer and all-time saves leader in Major League Baseball (MLB), suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the New York Yankees' Old-Timers' Day game at Yankee Stadium on August 9, 2025. The alumni game marked a celebration of the Yankees' 2000 World Series championship 25th anniversary.
Rivera, aged 55, collapsed after hitting a single during the game. Following the injury, he is set to undergo surgery. This incident occurred long after Rivera's active career, which officially ended in 2013.
Background and Previous Injury
In May 2012, Rivera experienced a serious injury when he tore the ACL in his right knee while shagging fly balls before a road game. This injury ended his season. Despite this setback, he returned for the 2013 season, posting a strong performance before retiring at the end of that year.
Impact on Career and Legacy
Rivera's playing legacy remains intact, with him being MLB’s all-time saves leader (652 saves), a 13-time All-Star, five-time World Series champion, and the first unanimous Baseball Hall of Fame inductee in 2019. However, the injury during the celebratory alumni event has raised concerns about the risks of such games for retired athletes.
Recovery and Future Implications
Specific details about Rivera’s recovery timeline post-surgery have not been reported yet. Rehab for Achilles tendon tears generally involves several months of physical therapy. Given his age, recovery might be challenging but managed under expert medical supervision.
The incident has sparked discussions among former players about whether Old-Timers' games should continue due to injury risks, with Rivera’s injury cited as a notable example.
In the game, Mariano Rivera, Roger Clemens, and Joe Torre were among the important figures who participated. The Yankees won their game against the Houston Astros by a score of 5-4. Saturday's Old-Timers' game was the first since 2019. The exact date of the game and the specific defensive play or at-bat that might have caused Rivera's injury were not specified in the information provided.
- The injury Rivera sustained during the Old-Timers' Day game may prompt discussions about the risks associated with such events for retired athletes.
- Mariano Rivera, a renowned baseball player with a record-breaking 652 saves in MLB, is set to undergo surgery after sustaining a torn Achilles during a game.
- Despite the recent injury, Rivera's sports legacy remains impressive, with 13 All-Star appearances, five World Series titles, and a unanimous Baseball Hall of Fame induction in 2019.
- The alumni game at Yankee Stadium on August 9, 2025, marked a celebration of the Yankees' 2000 World Series championship 25th anniversary.
- In addition to Rivera, key figures such as Roger Clemens and Joe Torre also participated in the Old-Timers' game, which the Yankees won against the Houston Astros 5-4.
- Echoing his past struggles, Rivera's injury in 2025 recalls a previous injury he suffered in May 2012, when he tore the ACL in his right knee, ending his season.
