This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/16/2013
This lot features a truly unique one-of-a-kind item in this pair of cleats issued by Nike to Yankees closer Mariano Rivera for as a birthday gift to commemorate his recorded breaking his 602nd career save on September 19th, 2011. This pair, along with 2 others, were given by Nike to Rivera in a large commemorative box. The cleats have a special "602" logo on the tongue of each cleat. Rivera's #42 have been stitched into the heel of each cleat along with a "PHIL. 4:13" inscription (I can do all this through him who gives me strength). Rivera is retiring at the end of the 2013 season and has one of the most amazing careers of any player in that he has been truly dominant from start to finish of his 19 year career throwing one pitch. Baseball will never see another player like Rivera who has personally signed each cleat "Mariano Rivera, Last to Wear #42". Baseball retired Jackie Robinson's #42 in 1997 and wouldn't issue that number to any new players while players who were already wearing the number would be allowed to finish their career doing so. Who would have thought a then 28 year old Rivera would go on to dominate for another 15 years. Truly a special and unique Mariano Rivera collectible originally acquired from Mariano Rivera himself. **100% of the proceeds from this auction will be going to going to charity**
(JSA/ James Spence Authentication)