Andy Pettit described Mariano Rivera’s injury during the Yankees’ Old-Timers’ Day game as an “abnormal accident.” He mentioned this during a Saturday appearance on WFAN, where he recounted the situation surrounding Rivera’s injury.
Initially, the details were unclear, but Pettit indicated it occurred while dealing with a fly ball. Reports later confirmed that Rivera sustained an Achilles tear during the alumni game, and he will be undergoing surgery next week.
“It was just an extraordinary accident,” Pettit explained. “It was a fly ball, and he, well, he kind of went after it in a way that seemed risky. When he reached for it, he felt it pop. It was just awful. I really felt a rush of anxiety in that moment.”
Pettit reassured listeners, saying, “But he was fine. He was fine.”
Videos circulating on social media appeared to capture Pettit discussing Rivera’s injury while Rivera was in center field.
This marks Rivera’s second significant leg injury while playing in the outfield; he previously tore his ACL while attempting to catch a fly ball in May 2012, which sidelined him for the remainder of that season.
During the same radio broadcast, fellow Yankees legend Roger Clemens addressed the injury, sharing, “It was a fun day, but then I heard about Mariano’s injury.” He speculated that it might initially seem like a hamstring issue but suggested it could be worse.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed excitement about bringing back the old-timers game, stating, “It makes our past unique. Seeing these guys out there, even beyond their prime, is really cool.”
This event was the first of its kind since 2019, adding to the day’s special atmosphere.
