Baseball Great Mariano Rivera Visits 'Amazing' Israel

Major League baseball great and former New York Yankee Mariano Rivera came to Israel along with his family for their first visit to the Jewish state.

Rivera joined Israel's Tourism Minister Yariv Leven for a firsthand look at Jerusalem's Tower of David Museum in the heart of the old city.

"The reason why I'm here is I wanted to know I read so much in the Bible, I wanted to know the history of Israel. You know, I read in the Bible, I wanted to see it with my own eyes. I couldn't come when I was playing baseball. So this is the time to come and thank God for the opportunity," Rivera said.

The Tower of David houses a section of Herod's palace, built 2,000 years ago. Part of the museum is also likely the site of the trial of Jesus.

The future hall of famer, who saved more games than anyone else in Major League history, is also a strong Christian. He told CBN News what it means for him to be in the Holy Land.

"Amazing. Amazing. The impression has been something that is breathtaking. Amazing," he said. "Read about, again reading in the Bible and walking and seeing and being able to touch it -- can't describe it. Can't describe it. Have no words for it."

Rivera will be attending Israel's baseball association summer tournament. The association hopes to build state of the art baseball and softball fields throughout Israel.