New Rochelle celebrates ‘Mariano Rivera Day'

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - New Rochelle has been the adopted hometown of New York Yankees legend and Baseball Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera for almost a quarter-century and on Saturday, the city decided to show a little extra love to one of its most famous residents.

The city marked ‘Mariano Rivera Day," with a Panamanian marching band, parade and key to the city for the baseball great.

"I am excited. It can't be better than this, especially in New Rochelle," Rivera said.

The festivities concluded at Hudson Park where Rivera was joined on stage by longtime Yankee tailor Joe Fosina, who helped brought him to New Rochelle 24 years ago when Rivera basely spoke any English.

"Joe is father figure, a friend, a brother. A lot of titles because he's a great person," Rivera said.

Rivera has said that New Rochelle is his home and that he has no plans to ever leave. Currently, he spends his retirement giving back to the community through his Mariano Rivera Foundation, which helps impoverished youth.