Paul Hagen: 1993 Phillies veterans say this World Series looks familiar

Said Rivera, who is almost certain to be voted into Cooperstown on the first ballot: "Panama [has been] split in two, I think, between Carlos and myself. I know him, but not well. I have seen his work and I think he's great. Is he big there? I think so. I hope so, because he's done a tremendous job for himself and for Panama."

Ruiz said he idolized Rivera while growing up in David Chiriqui, the city in which he still lives. "In Panama, everybody likes the Phillies and the Yankees with Mariano. So it [is special] for me. It's very special," he said.

Phillies Central American scout Allan Lewis is also a native of the country. In fact, he was known as "The Panamanian Express" when he was a pinch-running specialist for Charlie Finley's Oakland A's in the 1970s. And he said that even though Rivera has accomplished far more in his career to this point, Ruiz has broader support in his homeland.

"Most are rooting for Ruiz, because he still lives in Panama and Mariano doesn't," Lewis said in a brief phone interview, also noting that Ruiz twice represented Panama in the World Baseball Classic, while Rivera has declined to participate.

Miscellany

 

This is the first time a World Series has gone past five games since the Marlins clinched their second world championship at the old Yankee Stadium in Game 6 in 2003. *

Send e-mail to hagenp@phillynews.com.