October 31, 200322 yr http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/news/mlb...t=.jsp&c_id=mlb MIAMI -- Hey Marlins fans, think you've had a whirlwind couple of days since the Fish came back to town? Just listen to what has transpired in the lives of Jimmy Rivera and his wife, Yanisee. Rivera, who for the last six months has been serving in active duty in the United States Army in Iraq, is on leave for two weeks before he has to go back for another six months. He flew from Iraq to Kuwait to Germany, and yesterday arrived in Baltimore, where he hopped on a flight to his hometown of Miami. There, he was greeted by Yanisee and his son, Jimmy Jr., who was born two months ago and meeting his dad for the very first time. Rivera was hoping to catch a World Series game while he was in town, and thanks to a couple of good connections and a few phone calls, the Riveras were on the field for batting practice prior to Game 5 Thursday night at Pro Player Stadium. The Marlins also treated them to two lower level seats for that night's game. "Being here is so exciting," Yanisee gushed. "I was hoping to get an autograph, but they told me I probably wouldn't be able to," Jimmy added. Don't be so sure about that. A few minutes later, a Marlins employee introduced the Riveras to Hall of Famer Joe Morgan, who signed a ball and posed for a picture with the beaming couple. The Riveras certainly caught an eyeful during their time on the field for batting practice. Who said all the famous people were only in New York? This place was crawling with celebs. Usual suspect Billy Crystal hung out around the cage with Yankees manager Joe Torre. Biff Henderson from "The Late Show with David Letterman" tooled around the field, along with the World Series mayors -- Alex Penelas of Miami and Michael Bloomberg of New York, each wearing the cap of their home team. Who was that lurking in the seats behind home plate? Why, none other than "American Pie" star Jason Biggs. There was a special electricity in the air Thursday night, which marked the final game that would be played at Pro Player Stadium during the 2003 season. The crowd seemed especially fired up, especially after another thrilling pregame ceremony that included a beautiful instrumental rendition of the national anthem by internationally known recording artist Yanni. Two former big-league stars who are now Marlins executives threw out the ceremonial first pitches. Andre Dawson and Hall of Famer Tony Perez, special assistants to the president of the Marlins, were the honorees in this ceremony. Twelve-year-old Ryan Weems of the Boys & Girls Club of Miami, delivered the balls for the first pitches.
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