WATCH: Trump’s Awesome Entrance With the Newest Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient

President Donald J. Trump knows a winner when he sees one. So, for the president’s choice for the 2019 Medal of Freedom recipient, it was a no brainer. . .

Mariano Rivera, former Major League Baseball New York Yankees closer, five-time World Series champion, and the first person unanimously elected to the MLB Hall of Fame, was awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor on Monday. . .

Rivera was born in Panama City, Panama. He became a United States citizen in October 2015. Baseball fans across America recognize Metallica’s song, Enter Sandman, as Rivera’s walkout song that played each time he took the mound. On Monday, the president incorporated this iconic anthem into the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony.

Rivera is a devout Christian. In his 2019 Hall of Fame acceptance speech, he professed his faith and thanked Jesus Christ for talent.

“I want to start this by thanking my good Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” Rivera said in January, “for giving me the talent and the blessing, and opening doors I could never close, that no man could close. He has given us a beautiful day today, and it’s amazing. So thank You Lord for everything You have done in my life.” (Read more from “Trump’s Awesome Entrance With the Newest Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient” HERE)

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