Update: Morris Plains Woman Meets Yankee Hero

Morris Plains resident Lisa Piernot described her long-term wish to meet her favorite sports figure, pitcher Mariano "The Closer" Rivera. That dream was realized Monday night, when she attended a 90-minute "meet and greet" with her idol. 

Rivera did not disappoint, Piernot said. "He is everything I thought he would be and more. Kind, gentle, generous, giving and open." 

She had a chance to ask Rivera several questions.

"I asked, 'How many different pitches do you throw?' His answer– 'One! A fast ball.  I tried three times, when asked by Derek Jeter, to throw a slider. All three times, home runs got hit so hard they nearly broke walls. Derek said, 'Let's not do that anymore.'" 

When Piernot asked how Rivera stays so grounded and humble, his answer was " I do not do it for the fans, I do not do it all for money, I do what is right in my heart." She said that the Yankee was "humble" and "constantly giving thanks to God for all that he has." 

Summing up the experience, Piernot said, "Tonight I had the honor of meeting one of the greatest athletes and human beings I have ever met."