Mariano Rivera Gets REAL About Big Papi, Pedro Martinez & Latino Baseball Culture

Summary

Stay Tranquilo Podcast
Episode: Mariano Rivera Gets REAL About Big Papi, Pedro Martinez & Latino Baseball Culture
Host: Andres (Stay Tranquilo Network)
Guest: Mariano Rivera
Date: July 23, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode spotlights Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera as he shares heartfelt reflections on Latino baseball culture, the historic rivalries with the Boston Red Sox, the evolution of Latino representation in the sport, and his new entrepreneurial venture, Mo’s Heat Hot Sauce. The conversation is set at the Latinos in Sports event in Miami, infusing passion, pride, and personal stories about identity, community, and the flavors (both literal and metaphorical) Latino athletes bring to the game.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Latino Impact on Baseball

[00:53–03:25]

• Mariano Rivera expresses deep pride in Latino contributions to baseball, referencing his experiences among legends like Pedro Martinez, Manny Ramirez, and David Ortiz (Big Papi).
• He emphasizes the unstoppable energy and pioneering spirit brought by Latino players:
  • "It's hard to shut us down as a race, as a community, as people. You know, being Latino, you can deny what we have done and what we continue doing in the game, in the sport. You know, we are pioneers." (Mariano Rivera, 00:53)
• Discusses the importance of the Latinos in Sports organization in elevating awareness and celebration of Latino athletes.

2. The Special Flavor of Latino Sporting Events

[03:25–04:49]

• The World Baseball Classic’s heightened emotion and cultural flair are celebrated, with Venezuela’s win highlighted as a moment of joy for the country.
  • "I saw the Latino passion... Our rules, our seasoning, our flavor... I was so happy with the results." (Mariano Rivera, 03:41)
• Contrasts between Latino teams’ exuberant celebrations and the different energy of teams like Team USA:
  • "Energy like no other. Passion like no other. And that's why it's hard to deny that... we bring that passion, all that love of the Latino flavor into the sport." (Mariano Rivera, 04:49)

3. Latino Evolution in Major League Baseball

[05:23–06:43]

• Rivera looks back on his era alongside Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, Luis Sojo, and many others, noting Latinos’ growing presence.
• He predicts Latinos will eventually become the majority in MLB:
  • "In future years, we will be the majority in the big leagues... That's how passionate we are for the game and how good we are." (Mariano Rivera, 06:19)

4. The Rivalry with Big Papi & the Red Sox

[06:54–08:26]

• Andres reminisces about the legendary Yankees-Red Sox rivalry; Mariano recalls battling Big Papi, Pedro Martinez, and Manny Ramirez.
• Rivera acknowledges those who paved the way and those carrying the torch now:
  • "The Cepeda, the Carus, the Clementes... that did it before us, that opened the door for us, and then it was our time, and then the ones that are doing it now and the future generation to come—it's just amazing." (Mariano Rivera, 07:37)
• On Latino passion: "It's in our blood. You can't take that away from us. It's in our Blood, you know, we don't know how to play different... We had to play with that passion, with that emotion, you know, and we have to show it." (Mariano Rivera, 08:26)

5. Life After Baseball: Mo’s Heat Hot Sauce

[08:39–11:23]

• Rivera discusses channeling his on-field “heat” into a new culinary venture, Mo's Heat Hot Sauce, inspired by his Panamanian heritage:
  • "For many years, 19 seasons, I brought the heat into the mound. Now I wanted to bring it with love and passion to people's kitchens, people's homes..." (Mariano Rivera, 09:01)
• The hot sauce project is thoughtfully crafted to showcase authentic Panamanian flavors, not just as a business but a celebration of Latino culinary identity.
  • "Mo’s Heat was a specific thought about it, really thinking the process... bringing some flavors and seasoning and passion that we have in Panama to the world." (Mariano Rivera, 09:43)
• The sauces have playful nods to his pitching:
  • "The orange is the cutter, you know, which is... the deadly cutter." (Mariano Rivera, 10:54)
• Product launch details: "May 15th. Yeah. A Major League Baseball store, New York City. For the first time, Mo's Heat is going to appear with love and passion that Mo brings to your house." (Mariano Rivera, 11:28)
• Mariano’s humor and pride shine through as he insists:
  • "You gotta get half these sauce in your house." (Mariano Rivera, 10:26)
  • "Don't take my word for it. Just taste." (Mariano Rivera, 11:18)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "It's hard to shut us down as a race, as a community, as people... We are pioneers."
  — Mariano Rivera, [00:53]
• "Energy like no other. Passion like no other. And that's why it's hard to deny that... we bring all that passion, all that love of the Latino flavor into the sport."
  — Mariano Rivera, [04:49]
• "In a future generation, future years, we will be the majority in the big leagues. I won’t be surprised."
  — Mariano Rivera, [06:19]
• "It's in our blood. You can't take that away from us."
  — Mariano Rivera, [08:26]
• "For many years, 19 seasons, I brought the heat into the mound. Now I wanted to bring it with love and passion to people's kitchens, people's homes."
  — Mariano Rivera, [09:01]
• "You gotta get half these sauce in your house."
  — Mariano Rivera, [10:26]

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Key Timestamps

• 00:53–03:25 — Mariano on the Latino impact in baseball
• 03:25–04:49 — The energy of the World Baseball Classic and Latino fan culture
• 05:23–06:43 — Changes in MLB’s Latino landscape
• 06:54–08:26 — Rivalries with Big Papi, Pedro Martinez, and the Red Sox; heritage of Latino legends
• 08:39–11:23 — Post-baseball life: Mo’s Heat Hot Sauce and bringing Latino flavor to the world

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Tone & Takeaway

Warm, passionate, and uplifting, Mariano’s narrative is full of gratitude—for those who came before him, for his roots, and for the opportunity to now share his culture through food. The episode radiates pride in Latino identity and culture, honors the sport’s history, and highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating diverse contributions—on the field and beyond.

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"Don't take my word for it. Just taste."
— Mariano Rivera, [11:18]

Transcript

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[Interviewer (Andres)]

Talk to me a little bit about the times playing Big Poppy.

[Mariano Rivera]

Oh, Andreas, I mean, oh, that. Me growing up and Pedro and all the guys, Ramirez and all those guys that play for Boston Rexos and us being the Yankees, I mean, it was, it was amazing. It was, it was great. You know, again, you know, it's hard to shut us down as race, as community, as people. You know, being Latino, you can, you can, you can deny what we have done and what we continue doing in the game, in the sport. You know, we are pioneers.

[Interviewer (Andres)]

We are here at Latinos in Sports in Miami, Florida. And today we have the privilege of being joined by Mariano Rivera, a Hall of Famer, a World Series champ, and now here with Mo's Heat Hot Sauce. Mariano, thank you so much for taking the time.

[Mariano Rivera]

Just thank you for having me.

[Interviewer (Andres)]

It's a pleasure to be here with you. And before we talk about the hot sauce, we're very excited to hear about that. But I want to get your perspective on this event. Right? Latinos in Sports now has been around for a little bit over three years, right. Hosting events across major sporting events. This week was F1 here in Miami. But there's so much Latinos here in Miami. Right? You know that. And we've seen the representation grow over the years. So I'm curious to get your thoughts right of what the impact is for an event like this and why Latinos so are so important to sports.

[Mariano Rivera]

Well, I mean, first of all, Latino sport is an organization that has done an amazing job, you know, in, in, you know, elevating and celebrating us as a Latino in Sport, you know, organization that take that in consideration. It's special, you know. So, I mean, because Latinos in general, you know, sport in anywhere that we are, we bring that passion, we bring absolutely. That Caribbean, you know, we bring that heat, you know, to whatever we do, you know. And for me, I'm proud. I'm proud to be a Latino. I'm proud to bring and done everything that we did for the Latino to be consideration. And that's where Latinos sport takes place.

[Interviewer (Andres)]

Absolutely.

[Mariano Rivera]

No, so I'm grateful for this organization and thankful for being recognized, you know. But above all things, I mean, just being a Latino in general. Absolutely. I'm proud.

[Interviewer (Andres)]

Yeah. World Baseball Classic was here a few months ago.

[Mariano Rivera]

Amazing.

[Interviewer (Andres)]

Amazing. Right.

[Mariano Rivera]

Address. Amazing.

[Interviewer (Andres)]

It's my. It's arguably one of my favorite sporting events I've ever attended. Two years in or two times now in a row, five in the row where I've been there. And the. It's unbeatable.

[Mariano Rivera]

But, you know, but this year was different because this year, I mean, I saw the. The Latino passion see into the game, you know, I mean, our. Our rules are our seasoning, our flavor, you know. Amazing. I was so happy with the results. And then at the end, Venezuela being the champions, you know, I mean. Yeah. So happy for them, you know, I mean, they needed something positive.

[Interviewer (Andres)]

Absolutely.

[Mariano Rivera]

And they got it. You know, I was proud of that.

[Interviewer (Andres)]

Yes, you could. You could see the emotion, right? Especially from the head coach, from the team. Right. Everybody, you know, tears, right. Hugs, everything from a base hit. They're jumping out of the dugout, right. And I'm a baseball fan, right. I've been watching baseball my whole life. Seeing kind of the difference between Team USA in a championship game and Team Venezuela tells you a big difference between a Latino, you know, and not to knock, you know, Team USA at all. It's just. It's just a different dynamic and a different energy.

[Mariano Rivera]

Different. Totally different energy. That's what we bring to the team that we play.

[Interviewer (Andres)]

Absolutely.

[Mariano Rivera]

Energy like no other. Passion like no other. And that's why it's hard to deny that, you know, that we bringing all that passion, all that love of the Latino flavor into the sport, you know, for me. And again, I have to say it again, you know, the Latino in Sport organization had done a tremendous job that I'm glad that they formed this organization, bring more Latino and put us where we belong. Right.

[Interviewer (Andres)]

And from your point in your career. Right. Obviously, it feels a little bit different now than before. Right. The noise around Latinos, not just in sports Right across every industry. What was it like being a Latino in your era playing baseball?

[Mariano Rivera]

We're talking about the Bernie Williams, we talk about the Jorge Bozada, we talk about the Luis Sojo. We talk about so many players that we have, you know, obviously myself, represented the Latino in all those years. You know, I mean, you can keep that quiet. No, you know, it's impossible. That's what we bring to the game. That was. We bring to the organization that we play, you know, especially now, you know, all these young guys, youngsters, the great players, they're doing so much, you know, I mean, and our representation in the big leagues is huge. So I won't be surprised, in a future generation, future years, we will be the majority in the big leagues. I won't be surprised. Yeah, because, I mean, that's the type of. That's how passionate we are for the game and how good we are in the game.

[Interviewer (Andres)]

And the fans rally behind that. Right. Oh, that's what gets us to show up. That's what brings the energy, too, because we feed off of the energy.

[Mariano Rivera]

Yes. The fans will be there supporting all along.

[Interviewer (Andres)]

Talk to me a little bit about the times playing big Papi.

[Mariano Rivera]

Oh, Andres. I mean. Oh, that.

[Interviewer (Andres)]

Because me growing up, that was in

[Mariano Rivera]

Pedro and all the guys, the money Ramirez and all those guys that play for Boston Rexos and us being the Yankees, I mean, it was. It was amazing. It was. It was great. You know, again, you know, it's hard to shut us down as race, as community, as people. You know, being Latino, you can deny what we have done and what we continue doing in the game, in the sport. You know, we are pioneers. You know, the Cepeda, you know, the Carus, the Clementes, the. All these guys, you know, that did it before us, that opened the door for us, and then it was our time, and then the ones that are doing it now and the future generation to come, it's just amazing, you know, So, I mean, again, if you don't see that because you're blind. 100.

[Interviewer (Andres)]

Yeah, it's the truth. The proof is in the visual, right? You see it every day. And the more you're in it, the people can feel it, right? And I think, to me, that's. That's the biggest. That's the biggest part, especially being a Latino, right? You. You feel the passion, you feel the purpose, because it's in. It's in our sangre, right?

[Mariano Rivera]

It's in our blood. Yeah, you can. You can't take that away from us. It's in our Blood, you know, we don't know how to play different. Yeah, you have. We had to play with that passion, with that emotion, you know, and. And we have to show it.

[Interviewer (Andres)]

And so see. Oh, well, I want to talk now. You know, post career, right. You had a great legacy, but now you're here starting a new venture, right? A lot of inspiration around the heat that you brought on the mound, right. The cutter and the sinker combo, one of the deadliest combos. And now maybe not a deadly hot sauce, but caliente, right?

[Mariano Rivera]

Caliente and great. You know, you say that, you know, for many years, 19 season to be a sack, I brought the heat into the mound, you know, now I wanted to bring it with the love and passion to people's kitchen, people's home, you know, representing us as Caribbean or as Latino. You know, the flavor, the authentic fantasy of Panamanian sauce cuisine, you know, it's something special. And that's where most he was born. You know, the authenticity of our people. And I wanted to do something special, you know, I mean, I didn't want to do. Yes. Something random or something. Oh, I just don't know what to have in my time and when I do the. No, no, no. Most, he was. Was specific thought about it, really thinking the process and all that stuff and bringing some flavors and seasoning and passion that we have in Panama to the world. And. And that's why most heat has been created. And by the way, it's amazing. It's not because I say it. Andres is amazing. This size is. Again, you must have it at your home. You have to. There's no other choices. There's no choice.

[Interviewer (Andres)]

No choice. You hear that?

[Mariano Rivera]

You gotta get half these sauce in your house.

[Interviewer (Andres)]

I'm. I'm just an envisioning Saturday night. Tacos on the table. Maybe some.

[Mariano Rivera]

Some ceviche or some. Some love there on this. Oh, come on.

[Interviewer (Andres)]

And just a little Most heat there. A perfect Saturday night right there. Little baseball on the tv.

[Mariano Rivera]

Saturday night, you know, with Mo, he.

[Interviewer (Andres)]

I love it. I love it. I got to try the orange hot sauce. It is delicious. The green tambien.

[Mariano Rivera]

Well, the quarter, you know, the orange is the quarter, you know, which is, you know, you know, everybody knows about the quarter.

[Interviewer (Andres)]

The deadly cutter.

[Mariano Rivera]

Come on, Andres. But it's combination of these two. Okay. Okay. That's what this was for. But these two don't fall behind. These things are gray. So again, it's something that we thought about, something that we're proud of.

[Interviewer (Andres)]

Absolutely.

[Mariano Rivera]

And we want the world to taste it. Don't take my word for it. Just taste.

[Interviewer (Andres)]

You hear that? Just taste it. It's going to be released very soon, right? May 15th.

[Mariano Rivera]

May 15th. Yeah. A major League baseball store, New York City. For the first time, Most Heat is going to appear with love and passion that Most bring to your house.

[Interviewer (Andres)]

I love it. Well, Mariano, a pleasure to have you. Thank you so much for. For taking the time to do this. And as he said, take your time. Try some mo. You know, you got plenty of options to choose from. Mix and match it however you want, whether that's with the pasta, ceviche, tacos, whatever it may be. You got something for everybody. Mariano, thank you so much.