Mariano Rivera: “I’m Not Going Out Like This”

Mariano Rivera told reporters today that his recent knee injury would not mark the end of his career, according to the Yankees’ official Twitter account.

“I’m coming back. Write it down in big letters. I’m not going out like this.” – Mariano Rivera to reporters today.

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) May 4, 2012

The legendary New York Yankees closer tore his ACL while shagging fly balls during batting practice prior to yesterday’s game. The injury is expected to end Rivera’s season, and many had previously speculated that it would bring an end to his historic 18-year-career.

In nine games this season Rivera had already recorded five saves while posting a 2.16 ERA. Over the course of his 18-year-career, he has recorded a Major League record 608 saves while posting a 2.21 ERA. He has represented the Yankees as an American League All-Star 12 times.