What do you guys think? Is this something we should watch?
So what’s it like, being Mariano Rivera?
Scott Halleran
New York -- Baseball debates are as old as the game itself: Ruth or Aaron? Feller or Ryan? Brock or Henderson? However, there is one position where debate is pointless: Who is the game’s best closer? On this, fans, players, coaches, historians and media all agree: Mariano Rivera, and as most know, the 2013 regular season was his last as an active player. Granted unprecedented and exclusive access to many of Rivera’s most private moments since before spring training, BEING: MARIANO RIVERA, the definitive 90-minute television documentary from FOX Sports Originals, Relativity Television and Major League Baseball Productions on the reticent superstar’s final season in pinstripes, premieres Sunday, Oct. 20 on FOX (2:30 or 4:30 PM ET; check local listings), with an encore presentation on Tuesday, Oct. 22 on FOX Sports 1 (9:30 PM ET).
I must admit to a bit of trepidation about this project. For one thing, I don’t recall ever seeing anything produced by FOX SPORTS that I actually liked. Well, Caliendo’s John Madden impression was funny, the first few dozen times. But otherwise, no. And I don’t think anybody except HBO does sports documentaries well.
Also ... Being: Mariano Rivera? I suppose this might work for him, but what happens if this one’s successful? Being: Brian Wilson? Being: Brian Wilson’s Beard Lice? There’s a potential here for something highly unattractive.
One of the highlights of the Rivera version:
A private lunch in Boston with Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, a momentary detente between rivals who talked about the game, their mutual respect for each other and the storied rivalry between their teams.
Um, guys? If there’s a camera there and you’re showing it on television, it’s not private. That’s actually the opposite of private.
But yes, I’ll be recording and eventually watching. Mariano Rivera’s such a different sort of person that even FOX shouldn’t be able to screw this one up too badly. That’s what I’m hoping, anyway.
Update: Good news! I’ve learned that this was a Major League Baseball Productions show, through and through; FOX’s only role is airing the thing. Which is almost certainly a good thing. Now I’ll really be recording and eventually watching.
See More:
