Bud Selig to present Mariano Rivera with Historic Achievement Award before Game 2

Recently retired New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera will receive the Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award before Game 2 of the World Series between the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals, Major League Baseball announced.

All season long opposing teams paid tribute to the future Hall of Famer with gifts and ceremonies. Now MLB commissioner Bud Selig will hand Rivera this honor before Thursday night's game at Fenway Park.

The 43-year-old Rivera, who retired this year after 19 seasons, will get the award at a 7 p.m. press conference. Rivera, who will be accompanied by his wife, Clara, and three sons will then be honored on the field as part of the pregame ceremonies.

Rivera, baseball's all-time saves leader with 652, recorded 44 saves with a 2.11 ERA in 64 games in his final season. Thursday night will mark the first time MLB has given the award, which was created to recognize contributions of historical significance in MLB, since Ken Griffey Jr. received it in 2011.

Past recipients are Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Ichiro Suzuki, Roberto Clemente, Rickey Henderson, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, Tony Gwynn, Cal Ripken Jr. and Rachel Robinson.

Even die-hard Sox fans will be glad to see the deserving Mo get this award during their World Series.