Mariano Rivera, Former New York Yankees Closer, Says He's Excited To Be First Season Ticket Holder In NYC FC History [INTERVIEW]

Mariano Rivera is no longer dominating baseball diamonds across Major League Baseball but the recently retired New York Yankees closer and future Hall of Famer is still very active with one of the teams that call Yankee Stadium home. Set to join Major League Soccer in 2015 where they’ll become the 20th member of the growing league, New York City FC are excited to join the Bronx Bombers as tenants to one of the most legendary venues in sports and due to the fact that Mariano Rivera -- who finished his 19-year playing career with 652 saves and over 1,100 strikeouts -- was announced as the club’s first season-ticket holder, fans of the sport and New York locals will surely want to be part of the action.

“I’ve always said that soccer was my number one passion. Baseball just got in the way” Rivera, who hails from Panama City, said with a smile at a press conference officially announcing Yankee Stadium as the home for NYC FC. “I’ll be a big supporter of this team and I’m very happy to be the first-ever season ticket holder for New York City FC. Hopefully this team will be able to find continued success and I am happy to be involved as a big fan of the club. There are a lot of people that love soccer in New York City.”

A 13-time All-Star, five-time World Series champion and three-time MLB saves leader, Mariano Rivera will undoubtedly bring another level of legitimacy to a brand new soccer team not short on big-name figures. Former Rutgers University athletic director Tim Pernetti was put in place as the Chief Business Officer of NYC FC while former Manchester City and New York Red Bulls talent Claudio Reyna joins the team as NYC FC Sporting Director. Add in coach Jason Kreis -- who has found previous success as an MLS coach and player -- and this club becomes one capable of succeeding right away due to strong leadership and high soccer IQ.

“We are thrilled to call Yankee Stadium our first home for New York City FC,” Pernetti said from the Press Room at Yankee Stadium. “Yankee Stadium is one of the world’s most legendary sports venues and a great and accessible location for fans. There is no better place for New York City FC to kick off our historic first season in MLS and we look forward to hosting soccer fans across all five boroughs, and beyond at Yankee Stadium next year. We are excited to announce that 2015 will be the first MLS season to be played in New York City.”

Yankee Stadium has previously hosted soccer events featuring some of the top clubs around the world and the venue will also welcome a July 30 showdown featuring NYC FC sister-club Manchester City and Liverpool.

With past success in the game of soccer already passing through Yankee Stadium, Mariano Rivera, Tim Pernetti and the remainder of New York City FC officials look forward to bringing professional soccer to New York City on a more consistent basis.