Hall of Fame Yankees closer Rivera tears Achilles during Old-Timers’ game

Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera returned to retirement after tearing his Achilles tendon while fielding a fly ball during the New York Yankees’ Old-Timers’ game on Saturday afternoon, according to multiple reports. 

The 55-year-old will need surgery to address the injury, his agent said. 

Saturday marked the Yankees’ first Old-Timers’ game since 2019. Rivera started his day with a single off Andy Pettitte but fell to the ground in center field while former second baseman and coach Willie Randolph took the batter’s box. 

“It was a fun day until we heard about Mariano. Mariano hurt his Achilles,” seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens told WFAN broadcaster Suzyn Waldman. “I don’t know what was going on. We all thought it was a hamstring, but I think it’s a little worse than that. I think he’s at the hospital now. Unbelievable.”

Saturday’s injury paralleled a similar issue Rivera faced during his career. MLB’s all-time saves leader tore his ACL in 2012 while fielding fly balls before a game against the Kansas City Royals. He returned for a final season in 2013, eventually joining the Hall of Fame as its first unanimous selection. 

Rivera isn’t the first former Yankee who learned the hard way that his playing days were behind him. Former outfielder Paul O’Neill suffered a calf strain running to first base during 2017’s Old-Timers’ event.

O’Neill, Rivera, Pettitte and others were on hand Saturday to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the 2000 World Series championship squad.

The current Yankees went on to win Saturday’s game against the Houston Astros 5-4. 

This article is based in part on wire service reports.