Fox Sports recently released a documentary about Mariano Rivera's life and career entitled BEING: Mariano. Heartwarming is really the only word I have to describe it, and it is a must-see for every Yankee fan.
The documentary, aside from spinning the Mariano Rivera narrative- his early life in Panama, how he wound up in pinstripes, and the big league career that will no doubt be familiar to any Yankee fan, also showed him in a much more human light- an angle that wasn't about the game of baseball, but rather the man himself.
Priceless footage is sprinkled throughout the entirety of the show regarding Mariano's life behind the scenes of the game, showcasing his thoughts and interactions throughout his final season, and revealing to the audience that Mariano is indeed, a very mortal man, who while enjoying his final season, was also greatly relieved as it slowly came to an end, and how he made sure to give thanks to the game wherever he went, just as he received its thanks.
The life of Mariano Rivera, the family man is also showcased to us. We catch a glimpse into Mariano's next phase in life: the rebuilding of an old church near his home. Family drives everything that Mariano has done, and the viewer can seemingly put himself in Mariano's shoes and feel his relief to now be able to spend more time with them.
Humorous and intimate moments with his teammates are also presented, including a golden segment of a fishing trip in late August that Mariano and his family went on with a number of teammates, including Andy Pettite. Andy was revealed as having caught the biggest fish.
Overall the documentary is well worth watching and is a more intimate version of Yankeeography. It does its job of humanizing Mariano and baseball in general very well, and plenty of laughs can also be found. The folks at Fox really did a good job with this one, and I'm not one that usually praises that company.
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