MLB All-Star Game 2013: Mariano Rivera’s Farewell Party Still Memorable Despite Not Pitching in 9th

By Lou Aguila (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Jul 17, 2013 01:20 PM EDT

Tags Mariano Rivera, MLB All-Star Game, Citi Field, Robinson Cano, New York Yankees, mlb all-star game 2013

The 2013 MLB All-Star Game reclaimed a piece of its long lost glory following a spectacular and heart-warming tribute to arguably the greatest relief pitcher of all time, retiring New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, on the mound of Citi Field on Tuesday night in Queens, New York.

Rivera, the all-time leader in saves, became the first closer in history to win the All-Star Game MVP. He also joined Derek Jeter as the only Yankees members to bag the coveted award, winning it in the 13^th and final All-Star Game appearance.

However, the award was just the icing on the cake for Rivera in what would surely go down as one of the most memorable nights in baseball.

Warming up at the bullpen, Rivera heard something unusual. It was his theme song, "Enter Sandman," and it was being played at Citi Field. Moreover, it was just the bottom of the 8^th, still an inning before closing time.

Detroit Tigers' Jim Leyland, who served as the manager for the American League, said he had no choice but to bring the star of the show onto the field in the 8^th inning, saying he didn't want 'something freaky' to mess up Rivera's big night.

And there he went. Rivera walked gently towards the mound and was greeted by thousands of spectators at a rival stadium. American League and National League All-Stars made their standing tribute to the man who struck fear in the hearts of many batters for almost two decades.

"It was amazing," Rivera told reporters following the breathtaking moment, according to ESPN. "It almost made me cry, too. I was close. It was amazing, a scene that I will never forget that."

As expected, Rivera demolished the opposing lineup, as easy as 1-2-3. Joe Nathan, who has been virtually unhittable this season, capped the night with another solid closing performance to get the American League's 3-0 victory over the National League All-Stars.

"it didn't hurt the moment," Nathan said. "It didn't matter, the inning. It could have been the first inning. It still would have been really, really special."