There were so many touching elements during the ceremony. It was especially poignant to see Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti, the Yankees' former saves leader, come out to greet him. I'm not sure if they picked the Giants because it was a Sunday or so Righetti could be there, but it was a nice touch nonetheless. Mariano's relationship with Rachel Robinson is also a beautiful thing. He fully appreciates being the final player in Major League history to wear No. 42 and has always been mindful of its significance. For her part, Rachel Robinson respects Mariano Rivera as a person and everything he represents. It's a fitting connection, and it just felt right to have her be a part of the ceremony.
And of course, he was given some more gifts. I really don't know where he's going to put all this stuff he's been given by all of the different teams the Yankees have played this season. One of the best coming into Sunday was the "Chair of Broken Dreams" made of broken bats that the Twins gave him. Well, the Yankees stole that idea and gave him a broken-bat rocking chair of their own. Their best gift, though, had to be the Waterford crystal replica of his glove, down to every last detail. That thing was absolutely beautiful. It ranks right up there with the coolest things he's received on this retirement tour.
As for that retirement tour, Cleveland set the bar pretty early with the "Enter Sandman" gold record (and Metallica giving him a personalized speaker case was pretty freakin' awesome too). Minnesota topped it with the broken bat rocking chair, and I also though what he was given in Texas was pretty cool. Not so much that they gave him a Stetson hat and personalized cowboy boots, but more that it was John Wetteland, the Yankees' closer before Mariano and now a Rangers executive, and Texas closer Joe Nathan, who pitched the ninth in the All-Star Game, who made the presentation. Same thing in San Diego, which has no significance, where the presentation was made by their future Hall of Fame closer Trevor Hoffman. I was also a pretty cool touch that the Giants gave him something, even though they were the road team, and San Francisco's gifts included a guitar signed by Willie Mays. Willie Freakin' Mays. The greatest living ballplayer.
But the cake goes to Boston. As much as the fans (and teams) dislike each other, there's a mutual respect between the Yankees and the Red Sox. Mariano Rivera is Exhibit A. His relationship with the Boston fans is unique to say the least, and he forever endeared himself to Red Sox Nation on Opening Day in 2005. It was so perfect that they gave him a painting of that moment. However, the coolest and classiest gift that he received during this entire farewell tour was the 42 placard from the Green Monster. They're never going to need it again, so he might as well have it. It was perfect. And Mariano expressed his appreciation by writing a goodbye message in the Fenway bullpen.
This year also featured an unexpected going-away present. Everyone knew that with the All-Star Game being held in Citi Field, Mariano was going to make one last All-Star appearance...in his home city. It was the only place other than Yankee Stadium where you could envision "Enter Sandman" blaring on the stadium speakers and the crowd going absolutely nuts! Then there was that standing ovation when he alone on the field. It didn't even matter that he came in an inning early. What was the only way to cap the night? Giving him the crystal bat as All-Star Game MVP.
That ranks as my favorite Mo-ment of the year, and one of the best of all-time. They've had a booth set up in the Great Hall of Yankee Stadium for the last few months where fans can record a goodbye message to Mariano. In my video, the All-Star Game was one of the two favorite Mo-ments I mentioned. The other, ironically, also took place at Citi Field. It was the night he picked up his 500th save, but that's not why. He came in during the eighth inning, and when the Yankees rallied in the top of the ninth he ended up having to bat. And he drew a bases loaded walk for his first career RBI!
Sure, there have been plenty of other Mo-ments that we were privileged to watch over the years. The sheer relief/ecstasy he showed while collapsing next to the mound after Aaron Boone's homer in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS. The ovation he received during the 2008 All-Star Game at the Old Stadium. Making the final pitch at the Old Stadium. The four World Series-clinching outs, none sweeter than 2009. The all-time record save, of course.
All this and so much more are why his ticket to Cooperstown is already punched, and why I'll be there right beside those thousands of other Yankees fans five years from now. I have to admit, it'll be weird to go into the ninth inning without knowing the outcome is already determined. Or seeing that bullpen gate swing open to the sound of "Enter Sandman." Just like hearing "Enter Sandman" will always make me think of Mariano Rivera.
I went to the game on Friday night. All I wanted was one last opportunity to see Mariano pitch live. To see the all-time greatest do his thing one more time. It's rare that you know you're watching a legend at work. Fifty years from now, I'll be able to tell my grandchildren stories of the great Mariano Rivera the same way my grandpa told me stories about Mickey Mantle. It's been more than a privilege to watch Mariano pitch all these years. It's been an absolute honor.
We've got a week left to enjoy and appreciate that greatness. Then it's Exit Sandman. And, as the song says, "Off to Never Neverland."
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