Mariano thinking he could play centerfield was all 'in his mind' says Jeter (VIDEO)

The Yankees’ five-time World Series champion “Core Four” — Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte — were all on hand for a celebration Monday night at Manhattan's Cipriani Wall Street, where 600 high rollers paid up to $4,000 for VIP packages to meet their heroes.

At one point, Rivera was asked about never completing his quest to play centerfield and The Sandman admitted turning down an offer from manager Joe Girardi to fulfill that dream in his final series in pinstripes against the Astros.

Jeter said that Mo's longtime quixotic pursuit might have been impossible anyway.

"In his mind, he thinks he could play centerfield," joked the captain.

It was all in good fun and even Rivera zinged his old teammate Bernie Williams, whom the four Yankees thought should be included in their exclusive club.

"Not the sleepy Bernie," grinned Rivera. "But the wide-awake Bernie who got so many big hits on four championship teams!" 

The mellow Williams was well-known in the Bombers clubhouse for taking a snooze almost up to game time.

Champions from the 1977-78 World Series team were also in attendance, including Reggie Jackson, Lou Piniella, Goose Gossage, Mike Torrez, Sparky Lyle, Willie Randolph, Bucky Dent and Roy White.