Mariano Rivera Vows, "I'm Coming Back"

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Published May 4, 2012

Modified May 4, 2012

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A day after tearing his right ACL while shagging balls during batting practice, the Yankees' legendary closer Mariano Rivera told reporters, "I'm coming back. Write it down in big letters. I'm not going down like this."

Rivera's doctor, David Altchek, told him he should be ready for spring training by February. The 42-year-old said, "God willing and given the strength, I'm coming back... I love to play the game. I don't think, to me, going out like this is the right way. ... I don't think like that. With the strength of the Lord, I have to continue."

And his teammates are hoping for the best. Alex Rodriguez said, "Super, super, super news. Mo's all about endings. I'm sure he wanted to end things the right way."