NORTH BERGEN — New York Yankees fans started lining up at 4:30 a.m. on Friday to meet former pitcher Mariano Rivera at the new Big Lots in North Bergen.
David Gonzalez, 28, of Union City, arrived at the store at 4:30 in the morning and was one of the first people in line. He called Mariano the greatest pitcher of all time and said it would be the first time he ever met the player.
"I wanted to be first in line, and knowing how big he is, I expected a bigger crowd than this at 4:30," he said while waiting outside the store.
Mariano was a relief pitcher for the Yankees for 17 seasons, and many of the fans who lined up outside Big Lots described him as a legendary closer. Roughly 200 people were given tickets to meet Mariano for a few minutes.
"When you're out with the fans, it's always good," Rivera told NJ Advance Media. "We want to make sure we put a smile on their face."
Some young fans even skipped school for a chance to meet the "Sandman."
"My favorite team is the Yankees," said Kristopher Salinas, 13, of Hoboken. "Mariano's my idol because he never gives up and no matter what, he's focused."
Mariano's autograph session was part of a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Big Lots in the Columbia Park shopping center at 3129 Kennedy Boulevard in North Bergen. The new location joins nearly 1,500 other Big Lots stores throughout the country.
As part of the grand opening, store representatives donated $2,500 to McKinley Elementary School, which is located behind the store. Principal Janet Sandstrom said the money would be used to buy new uniforms for the basketball team and cheerleaders, as well as new technology for the school.
"They showed themselves to be good neighbors," Mayor Nick Sacco said after the check was presented to the school. "This is a win for the town and a win for the school system."
Kathryn Brenzel may be reached at kbrenzel@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @katiebrenzel. Find NJ.com on Facebook.