Mariano Rivera made his last All-Star Game appearance more than just a memorable one. It was a downright love-fest.
Even though the New York Yankees brilliant closer wasn't entering the game in a save situation at Yankee Stadium, the opening chords of "Enter Sandman" still filled Citi Field as players from both sides emptied the diamond to pay a touching tribute to the future Hall of Famer in the bottom of the eighth.
With all of the All-Star players in their respective dugouts, there wasn't one person in the stadium not on their feet when No. 42 made his slow jog to the mound and emotionally tipped his cap to the cheering crowd. The ovation lasted through his warm-up tosses.
Rivera pitched a 1-2-3 inning and kept the ball from his final out — another souvenir from his 18 seasons in the majors.
The American League went on to a
3-0 victory and, when Rivera was awarded the Chevrolet MVP Award at the end of the game, the always humble Mo admitted he almost cried at the outpouring of adulation.
"I took everything in because it was priceless," he said. "I will never see this again."
Exit Sandman.
