Retired New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera gave his endorsement for the 2024 presidential race, and it went to former President Donald Trump. The two have a history of friendship, and the former reliever said it is that relationship that led him to back the 45th president.

Rivera spoke to radio host Sid Rosenberg recently about his thoughts on this year’s election. He said he was not targeting right-wing or left-wing politics but was in favor of the person who would do “the right thing for the country.”

And that person, Rivera proudly declared, is Donald Trump. 

Hall of Fame pitcher Mariano Rivera: "President Trump, he's my friend. I can't deny that. Before he was the president, he was my friend. Because of that, I'm going to vote for him." https://t.co/divqNm15NY

— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) April 8, 2024

Rivera told the host, “President Trump, he’s my friend. I can’t deny that. I will tell that to anyone. Before he was president, he was my friend. Because of that, I’m going to vote for him.”

This news of course was warmly welcomed by the presumptive Republican nominee. Trump on Sunday posted audio of the interview with the baseball legend on his Truth Social platform.

Rivera was a Yankee through 2013, and during Trump’s time in the White House he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. That honor was obviously not lost on the former athlete.

During the last full year of his presidency, Trump and Rivera celebrated the opening of baseball season by playing catch with a group of Little Leaguers. The 2020 opening was delayed for months by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This came one year after the Medal of Freedom award. Trump that day referred to late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner when he told the Hall of Famer, “I watched many sitting with George, good old George who is watching you right now, who is very proud of you.” 

Despite dozens of charges brought by vengeful Democratic prosecutors, Trump leads the incumbent in virtually every national poll. His support from both icons like Rivera and average Americans continues to frustrate the left, which seeks any path to derail his run for another White House term. 

Trump’s aggressive presidential campaign also targeted the sports community. On Sunday he and son Eric visited an LIV golf event held at the Trump National Doral Miami hotel.

He raised over $50 million in Palm Beach last weekend after raking in nearly $66 million in March. On the strength of wealthy moguls and corporations, however, Biden took a $90 million haul last month.