"In Puerto Caimito, where the Pacific Ocean washes up on the western coast of Panama, it is understood among all the fishermen that the best time to catch sardines is in the morning. Which is why Mariano Rivera Sr., the captain of his own fishing boat, made it his mission years ago to teach his son patience, restraint and discipline.

Be up at 2 a.m., ready for work at 3 a.m., back at home by 1 p.m., in bed by 8 p.m; be obedient, always listen, never make him repeat an order more than once — follow the rules, Mariano Sr. taught his son — and good things might happen.

"Disciplina," he said today in his native Spanish, over and over again, shortly after watching his son achieve greatness."