Hall of Fame pitcher Mariano Rivera spent 19 seasons with the New York Yankees making opposing batters chase balls in and around the strike zone. Now he’s helping youth right here in Gainesville chase their dreams. Rivera was at the Ignite Life Center, 404 NW 14th Ave., in Gainesville Wednesday to announce his foundation’s new Youth Mentorship Program. “This is our future. If we don’t invest in our future, then who will?” Rivera said, motioning to the group of six young men that will make up the program’s inaugural class. “I believe in these youngsters. I believe they are capable of doing something special. I want them to be seen as the future of Gainesville.”