[ad_1]
When former Yankees closer Mariano Rivera visited a Washington Heights nursing home to spread some holiday cheer this week, the residents threw him some curveballs.
We hear the ace, who retired in 2013, was originally going to surprise residents inside the Isabella Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care, but stayed outside and visited via FaceTime, due to safety precautions, along with Dr. Ramon Tallaj of SOMOS Community Care.
A source told us that when Rivera popped up onscreen, “One of the older gentlemen said in Spanish, ’Mariano? Mariano who?’”
When Rivera responded, “It’s Mariano Rivera from the Yankees!” the senior citizen told him, “I don’t recognize you. You’re bald! What the hell happened to you? Is that really you?,” our source reported. Being a good sport, the reliever laughingly replied, “Yes, I had to shave my head because I’m going bald. This is the way I wear my hair now.”
Another resident who also didn’t recognize the star at first, said, “Wait a second, let me get my glasses!”
Rivera joked to his elderly fans that he may have to rejoin the Yankees to help them out.
On a serious note, a source said, “It was an emotional moment when Mariano and Dr. Tallaj waved to the frontline healthcare workers and residents who were in front of their windows. Over FaceTime, Mariano got emotional talking about his grandparents — and how important of a role they played in his family, and in life.”
Rivera also recorded a Facebook video urging folks to give to the Isabella Center’s “Gifts for Grandparents” wish list on Amazon.
[ad_2]
Source link
