Mariano Rivera Final All-Star Appearance an Emotional Departure for One of Baseball's Greatest (VIDEO)
Baseball legend and sure-fire first ballot Hall of Famer, Mariano Rivera, took the mound as an All-Star for the final time last night, and the reaction the crowd and ballplayers gave him in reverence to his greatness was breathtaking.
Rivera symbolizes everything that is great and pure about baseball. He has always played the game with grace and class, and his work ethic is impeccable. He has never been the subject of negative press, he has never had an ill thought about a fellow ballplayer, and he goes out and does his job night after night.
"Mo," is the greatest closer who ever lived, who perhaps throws one of the greatest pitches ever, his cut fastball. The batter knows it is coming, and yet they can't hit it.
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He is what young kids and up-and-coming stars idolize to be like, and everyday man, an icon, and an ambassador to a game that began his legacy. He has done it all in New York Yankees pinstripes since 1995.
That's why, during the eighth inning of the All-Star game with the score 3-0 American League, Rivera entered the game alone as spectators and teammates watched in awe. The full capacity crowd rose to their feat for a thunderous ovation, as both the American and National League players stood on the dugout steps to applaud and congratulate Rivera for his contributions and impact on the game of baseball.
The scenario was a little different than usual as he came into the game in the eighth to his signature closing song, "Enter Sandman," by Metallica, but in retrospect, no time seemed better.
Throwing 16 pitches, all cut fastballs, and three quick outs, he walked off the mound with the tip of a cap and left his last All-Star game to the same ovation he entered the game in.
"Nothing is better than this," Rivera said according to USA Today. "I appreciate all of it. From the fans. From the peers."
AL manager Jim Leyland wanted Rivera in the game while they had the lead, and feared another pitcher might chalk up some runs not allowing Rivera to have his moment.
"I wanted to pitch," Rivera said. "Anything can happen. Leyland wanted to make sure I pitch, so it was a great idea. I appreciate him giving me the opportunity, here in New York. I think it was perfect."
At the end of the game, a 3-0 victory by the American League, MLB commissioner Bud Selig presented Rivera with the games MVP award, and even though he technically may or may not have contributed in a way that decided who won the game, there was no doubt his mere presence inspired the solid play of his teammates who felt the same way.
"There was no other MVP in this stadium than Rivera," said Chicago White Sox pitcher Chris Sale, who ultimately got the win on the night, reports USA Today.
Rivera gave a pre-game speech to his teammates FOX showed part of on television.
Rivera talked about how being an All-Star was an honor and privilege, and for ballplayers to enjoy every second and not take it lightly.
Throughout the season as Rivera makes his way from ballpark to ballpark, teams are honoring him with gifts to take with him when he retires at seasons end. He has received everything from rocking chairs, broken bats, and plaques, but all gifts no matter how funny or genuine, he appreciates.
Rivera got to say goodbye on the national stage in front of a New York crowd in signature style to which he responded in his signature style, humble and with a smile.
Up until this point of the season, Rivera has 638 saves all time. He has pitched in 1089 games, and has a career ERA of 2.20. He has the most regular season, playoff, and All-Star saves of all time, and was the most dominant pitcher during an era of steroid and performance enhancing drugs.
This was Rivera's 13th All-Star game, and he has been part of 5 World Series Championships, and he has done it all as a man of integrity and faith.
