Having something, anything in common with Mariano Rivera would be great; except a devastating injury. Last night Dustin Fowler went full speed into a short wall in Chicago during the bottom of the first inning as the Yankees played the White Sox. In a freak accident Fowler hit an electrical box which cut his patella tendon (knee). As he was carted off the field with his teammates around him I was immediately reminded of Mariano Rivera's 2012 season ending ACL/MCL tear while shagging fly balls prior to a game against the Royals in Kansas City. Enter Sandman. It was something Mo did all the time. Like, Dustin, Mo went down without warning, unable to stand on his own and required surgery that would derail the remainder of his season. That is not where the similarities end. Like Mo vowing to return the next season ready to pitch; Dustin has already made that same vow.
From his hospital room, post surgery Dustin told the media, his team and his manager he would work hard (as he has always done) and do everything required to get back on the field. He added that fighting for his chance to play the game he has loved his entire life, will make that first at bat "that much sweeter".
If I could say anything to Dustin Fowler it would be to remind him Mariano Rivera showed Yankees and baseball fans alike nothing is impossible. That no matter how bad the injury or how hard the rehabilitation is, it can be done. The other thing I would tell Fowler is that Mariano was 20 years older than he is when Mo went through this. Youth is a definite healing advantage. As you both said "I'll be back, count on it". We will Dustin, we will.
So, take heart young warrior, as I wrote just a little over 5 years ago:
Isaiah 41:10 "fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
As always, GO YANKEES!
