Emotional return of Rivera and Yankees to Panama

THE RESULT of the encounter between two Major League Baseball giants at the Rod Carew stadium in Panama was off less importance to the fans who filled every seat, than the emotional experience of being part of a local history making event.

Saturday, March 15 was the first MLB game to be played in the home of so many players who have performed in the far away northern arenas, since 1946, and wasthe opportunity to pay homage to Panamanian, Mariano Rivera who got his long awaited reunion with his national supporters alongside the team where he played a starring role for 19 seasons.

Rivera received the anticipated emotional standing ovation in recognition of his outstanding career with the New York Yankees where he became the greatest closer in history , setting a mark of 652 saves

For the Yankees, back in Panama after a 67 year hiatus, the night ended with a bittersweet taste to lose 5-0 in a no hitter against the Miami Marlins.
The crowd was arrived early at the stadium with over 1,000, at the gates three hours before play was scheduled to start. Hundreds trudged their way past the cars jamming approach roads with congestion occurring earlier than expected by the organizers.
Batting practice was a reward for the early birds especially when the Yankees, who enjoy massive local support, stepped up.
Yankees captain Derek Jeter, due to retire at the end of the season was the most applauded by the fans and some, who had never seen the star closer than a TV screen went home with an autograph
After the team introductions Rivera entered the field to a tumultuos reception from nearly  23,000 fans. It was a moving experience as the Chorrerano who moved from humble beginnings to super-star status center s expressed his gratitude for the support he has always received from the fans. It was a night that will be remembered long after the score is forgotten. And watching live, or on TV, were surely others destined to follow his path.