With smiles on their faces and cups of sparkling apple cider in their hands, Yankees fans toasted one of their all-time favorites, Mariano Rivera.

“We want everyone to know that the Bronx loves Mariano. The Bronx wants to be a part of this fantastic support that he’s getting,” said Cary Goodman. He’s the executive director of the 161st Business Improvement District who organized the event.

Students from several schools and members of a senior center in Concourse Village stood outside Yankee Stadium to celebrate Rivera’s unanimous selection to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Rivera is the first player in history to achieve the distinction.

Artist Andre Trenier, who painted this mural of Rivera years ago, says he’s proud of the pitcher.

“He’s the closer. He’s the Yankee legend. I was just happy to be chosen to do it. I’ve always loved Mariano even his demeanor the way he comes in and does his job. He’s just a standup guy,” said Trenier.

Number 42 donned the pinstripes for 19 seasons and notched a record 652 saves to become the greatest closer of all time. He was also number one with many Yankees fans.

Beyond the baseball field, Rivera is a humanitarian who donates to scholarships. Though he was born in Panama, these Bronx residents consider him one of their own. Chris Connolly, says he brought his softball team here to honor what sportsmanship can and should be.

“Mariano Rivera is a great athlete for students. For us who play right next to the stadium every day, it’s great to come out an honor somebody who embodies what we want in our students in the Bronx and what we want to do in the Bronx,” said Connolly.

More than four years ago, the corner of East 161 Street and River Avenue was re-named Rivera Avenue, to honor Mariano.