Mariano Rivera
New York Yankees' Greatest Relief Pitcher of All Time and Author of The Closer
Biography
One of the best pitchers in the history of baseball, Mariano Rivera shares his inspiring story of perseverance and drive to explore how he overcame a humble upbringing and career obstacles to become a Yankees legend and a baseball Hall of Famer. The greatest relief pitcher of all time, Mariano Rivera personifies greatness with his extraordinary story of perseverance, drive, and building a legendary career from the ground up. The pitch that pulled him out of poverty in Panama and onto the greatest baseball fields of all time is not unlike the man himself – unassuming, yet powerfully effective. Honed by his natural ability and an unwavering dedication to improvement, Rivera’s legendary cutter bore in on the hands of hitters, making it nearly impossible to hit, and cementing the humble pitcher’s legacy in the long and storied history of the sport. In early 2019, Rivera, whose elegant efficiency helped the Yankees win five World Series, became the first player ever elected unanimously to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Even though he’s hung up his cleats, Rivera continues to share his powerful message of perseverance, focus, and calm. These elements, he believes, are the keys to success – whether you’re on the diamond or in the boardroom. “If I did it, anybody can do it,” Rivera says. “Some people believe they don’t have a chance to reach their goals, but that’s the message I want to bring across: Yes, you can fulfill your dreams.” Rivera’s road to success is captured in his bestselling autobiography, The Closer. With his trademark humility and humor, the thirteen-time All-Star discusses his drive to win, the secrets behind his legendary composure, and why the lowest moment of his career became one of his greatest blessings. Beyond the sport, faith and philanthropy also play a huge role in Rivera’s life. His Mariano Rivera Foundation aims to provide educational opportunities for low-income students, while he and his wife have also rescued and renovated the Refuge of Hope Church in New Rochelle, N.Y. To him, his success in baseball has simply provided him a platform for doing a larger good. As a speaker, Rivera brings audiences into the locker room of those legendary Yankees teams, sharing incredible stories from World Series games, from a unique perspective. He details the hard work it takes to succeed – whether it’s the highest level of the game or with any personal goal – offering actionable advice for overcoming obstacles. Explaining how the urge to excel, which lies dormant in so many of us, led him to achieve success and never let go, Rivera shares what it means to be on a constant quest to keep learning and moving forward.
Speech Topics
The Closer
The greatest relief pitcher of all time, Mariano Rivera personifies greatness with his extraordinary story of perseverance, drive, and building a legendary career from the ground up. During an intimate conversation with the legendary pitcher, your audience will be astonished with Mariano’s stories from the field – from the hard work and championships to the bosses and the rivalries. With candor and humility, he shares the struggles of being a Latino baseball player in the United States, while working to maintain Christian values in professional athletics. Sharing his remarkable path to the United States, the New York Yankees, and the Hall of Fame, Rivera discusses his drive to win – sharing the secrets behind his legendary composure and the development of his skills. He transports his audience with the untold, pitch-by-pitch account of the ninth inning of Game 7 in the 2001 World Series, and why the lowest moment of his career became one of his greatest blessings.
How Faith Carries You Forward
For Mariano Rivera, his Christian faith played a major role in his success on the baseball field and in his philosophy on life post-sports. During this discussion, Rivera talks about how he found strength in his faith later in life, how it became the foundation of his charity and educational efforts, and the ways it helped him get through one of the lowest points of his storied career. A devout Christian, Rivera believes that a higher power was the key to his success, and he is frank in discussing his relationship with God in concert with his career. An ideal speaker for faith-based groups, Rivera brings a warmth and humility to the discussion, befitting a man of his spiritual nature.
Videos
Books
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Mariano Rivera's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Mariano Rivera's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Mariano Rivera for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Mariano Rivera's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Mariano Rivera through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Mariano Rivera

Patrick Sweeney
•Wall Street Journal Best-Selling Author, Fear is Fuel.” • 4x Technology Entrepreneur • 3x World-Cup & Olympic-Level Athlete • World-Record Holder • Cancer Survivor • He teaches the the neuroscience of fear, courage, leadership and risk taking
Fee Range: $10,000–$25,000
Travels From: MA

Dara Torres
Dara Torres' inspiring story of competing in the Olympics at age 41 shows us all that no matter how big your dreams are, you're never too old to achieve them. Since her first international race at the age of 14, Dara Torres has proven that she is far from your average athlete. She is author of Age is Just a Number: Achieve Your Dreams at Any Stage in Your Life and Gold Medal Fitness: A Revolutionary Five Week Program, both of which made The New York Times best seller list.
Fee Range: $25,000–$32,000
Travels From: MA

Rocky Bleier
Legendary member of the four-time World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers, Rocky Bleier is one of America's most courageous sportsmen. Crippled by enemy fire during the Vietnam conflict, he fought overwhelming odds and demonstrated the courage and determination to overcome his injuries, becoming one of the NFL's premier running backs. His remarkable story became the subject of the book, Fighting Back, which was recreated in the 1980 ABC-TV movie of the same name. In his presentations, he motivates audiences to keep on striving for greater accomplishments, employing a dynamic style with real-life stories and an appropriate injection of humor.
Fee Range: $7,000–$11,000
Travels From: PA
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