MLB Legend Endorses Trump for President in the 2024 Election

Legendary closer Mariano Rivera, renowned as one of the greatest pitchers in New York Yankees history, has made a significant endorsement in the 2024 election, backing former President Donald Trump, as reported by The Denver Gazette.

During an appearance on WABC’s “Sid & Friends in the Morning” radio show, Rivera highlighted his personal friendship with Trump, which predates the former president's political career. Rivera emphasized, “President Trump, he’s my friend. I can’t deny that. I will tell that to anyone. Before he was the president, he was my friend.” This longstanding friendship influenced Rivera's decision to support Trump in the election, as he explained, “Because he’s my friend, I’m going to vote for him.”

Rivera framed his endorsement as going beyond partisan divides, stating it is “the right thing for the country.”

Trump expressed gratitude to Rivera for the endorsement in a post on Truth Social. Trump had previously honored Rivera with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019, acknowledging his success in baseball and philanthropic contributions.

Rivera, known for his faith in Jesus Christ, shared openly about his beliefs throughout much of his adult life.

Despite this being his first formal endorsement, Rivera's relationship with Trump has been longstanding. A key figure in the Yankees’ successful era in the late 1990s, Rivera holds the record for the most saves in Major League Baseball history according to Baseball Reference. Originally from Panama, Rivera became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2015, concluding a career that included numerous All-Star Game appearances and multiple World Series victories.