Mariano’s new mission, Alzolay’s debut, viva Los Reales

Mariano’s next save

Mariano Rivera will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in July. On Thursday he announced a higher calling, working to help kids have a brighter tomorrow.

Cervelli’s TBT

Rivera showed up in a Throwback Thursday post from Francisco Cervelli. Cervelli was a 23-year-old rookie backup catcher when the Yankees won the 2009 World Series.

Friday feels

José Berríos is ready for the weekend. How long until 5 o’clock?

Winning debut

Adbert Alzolaymade his big league debut on Thursday night in relief. The Cubs top pitching prospect threw four strong innings and tipped his cap to the fans at Wrigley Field when he departed in the ninth inning. Alzolay earned the win.

Viva Los Reales

Friday night when they host the Twins the Kansas City Royals will wear “Los Reales” jerseys as they celebrate Hispanic heritage. A few of the Royals players helped promote the event in style.

Pro Post of the Day

Our friend Ozzie Guillén shared this video of a young fan becoming emotional when meeting Cubs star Javier Báez.

Fan Post of the Day

Albert Pujols returns to St. Louis this weekend where he made memories like this for thousands of fans. He’s a legend on the field and an all-time great human being.

OTD

2002 – Marlins second baseman Luis Castillo extended his hit streak to 35 games, passing Benito Santiago‘s 1987 streak for the longest ever by a Latino player. His 35 game streak is also tied for the tenth-longest streak in major league history with Fred Clarke (1895), Ty Cobb (1917), and George Sisler (1924-1925).

2000 – Eric Chavez became the first Athletics player to hit for the cycle at home since the franchise moved to Oakland in 1968. The A’s beat the Orioles 10-3.

1999 – With his 2,178th career hit, Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Tony Fernández passed Julio Franco to become the career hits leader among Dominican-born players.

1970 – Cleveland’s César Gutiérrez has one of the most improbable games in big league history. In the second half of a doubleheader, Gutiérrez goes 7-for-7 with six singles and a double, tying a record set in 1892. Gutiérrez, who wore number seven for the Indians, had seven hits in the entire 1971 season and 128 in his entire career.

Happy birthday!

Jefry Marté (b. 1991)
Arnie Muñoz (b. 1982)
Sendy Rleal (b. 1980)
Luis Rivera (b. 1978)

Featured Image: Mariano Rivera Instagram