HALL OF FAMER TURNS HIS FOCUS TO CONGENITAL DISEASES AND UNDERSERVED YOUTH
NEW YORK, NY—He was the undisputed king of the ninth inning, the man who recorded 652 career saves with legendary precision. But today, Mariano Rivera is focused on what he calls “Save 653″—the mission to protect and empower the next generation. In a series of moving announcements throughout late 2025, the Yankees legend has officially expanded his foundation’s reach, specifically increasing support for children battling congenital diseases and those in impoverished communities lacking access to specialized healthcare.
While his Hall of Fame plaque celebrates his cut fastball, Rivera’s family is ensuring his true legacy is defined by love, hope, and life-changing impact.
“SAVE 653”: MORE THAN A NUMBER
The “Save 653” initiative has evolved from a clever branding of his foundation into a massive philanthropic engine. By partnering with organizations like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and NewYork-Presbyterian, the Rivera family is creating a safety net for families facing the overwhelming burden of congenital conditions.
- Healthcare Advocacy: Rivera has quietly funded programs that provide free screenings and early intervention for children born with heart and respiratory issues in both New York and his native Panama.
- The Learning Center Expansion: Beyond health, the Mariano Rivera Learning Center in New Rochelle is now incorporating “Wellness Wings”—areas dedicated to the mental and physical recovery of students who have survived major childhood illnesses.
- A Family Affair: Mariano and his wife, Clara, have made it a point to involve their children in the foundation’s daily operations, ensuring that the Rivera name remains synonymous with service for decades to come.
THE HEART OF THE FOUNDATION: MISSION AND VALUES
At its core, the Mariano Rivera Foundation operates on the belief that “hard work puts you where luck finds you,” but it recognizes that health is the foundation upon which that hard work is built.
| Key Initiative | Focus Area | 2025 Impact Goal |
| Congenital Care | Pediatric Health | Funding specialized surgeries for 100+ children annually. |
| Vocational Training | Career Readiness | Graduating “job-guaranteed” students in the print and tech industries. |
| STEM Scholarships | Education | Providing “full-ride” paths for high-achieving underserved youth. |
| Save 653 Golf Classic | Fundraising | Raised a record-breaking sum in Sept 2025 for New York youth programs. |
A LEGACY THAT NEVER EXPIRES
During his most recent fundraiser at the Metropolis Country Club, Rivera reflected on his journey from the fishing village of Puerto Caimito to the pinnacle of Cooperstown.
“I have 652 saves on the field, but those are just games,” Rivera told a crowded ballroom. “Save 653 is about saving lives. When we help a child who was born with a disadvantage find their health and their future, that is the only save that truly lasts forever.”
The baseball world continues to applaud the “Sandman,” not for putting hitters away, but for opening doors that once seemed permanently closed. In the hearts of the families he supports, Mariano Rivera isn’t just a legend—he’s a lifeline.
