New York Yankees Memories: 2013 MLB All-Star Game: Enter The Sandman

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Robinson Cano Left The Game

Mariano was joined by Robinson Cano as Yankee representatives.  Call it intervention or just chance, but the stage was devoted to Rivera when Cano exited the game early, after getting hit by a pitch from the Mets’ Matt Harvey. Understandably, Cano was disappointed.

“You’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time,”  Cano said according to MLB.com. “I mean, that’s like any kid’s dream come true. You’re in front of the home crowd, second pitch of the game. It’s disappointing, but at the same time, you know that’s part of the game. What else can you say?”

While taking a lead off of first base, Cano knew that the smart decision was to get out of the game and not take a chance on suffering a serious injury. There was a big series looming with the Red Sox at Fenway Park after the break, and there simply was no reason to take the risk.

But looking back on the entire plot, the tragedy bestowed in the second leading man left the stage open for the headliner. With Cano out of the picture, Mariano had the limelight all to himself.

Next: Enter Sandman

Sep 26, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera (42) is interviewed after his final home game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Enter The Sandman

The accolades for Mariano began even before the game got started. In the clubhouse, American League Manager Jim Leyland made it clear what his priority would be on the night. That priority? Not to beat up on the National League. Not even to win the game. His motivation was simply to ensure that the greatest closer of all-time made it into the game.

As always, Mariano was appreciative and gracious. “I told them (his American League teammates) it was a privilege to play with all of them,” he said according to ESPN. “For so many years, this is my 13^th year as an All-Star. For many of them, it was their first one. I told them to make sure they enjoy it because it goes by quick.”

Mike Trout was so inspired  by Mariano’s words that he led the game off with a double. Although he did not eventually come around to score, the tone was set. This was not just another exhibition game. It was the last All-Star game for a legend, and, to a man, the American League was determined to make it a memorable one. But none of them knew, at the time, just how special the night would eventually become.

Next: The Last Inning Of An All-Star career

Jul 16, 2013; Flushing, NY, USA; American League pitcher Mariano Rivera (42) of the New York Yankees throws against the National League during the ninth inning of the 2013 All Star Game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

One, two, three. Now That’s An MVP.

True to his word, Leyland called upon Mariano for the eighth inning. As Mo entered the game to the tune of his beloved “Enter Sandman” by Metallica, he entered to a standing ovation of the most special kind. As he tipped his cap to show his gratitude, he shared the field with no one. His teammates stood and cheered from the American League dugout. His opponents stood and cheered from the National League dugout. And the 45,186 fans in attendance joined along.

Some of the players stepped out of the dugout just to be closer to him. Undoubtedly, the climax of his entrance came when Mariano kissed the insignia on his Yankee cap before returning it to his head. Although he belonged to all of baseball on this unforgettable night, he showed the world where his heart was. That belonged to only one franchise: The New York Yankees!

And when it was time to get down to business, Mariano did not disappoint. It was a one, two, three inning. Up they came, and down they went. It took him just 16 pitches to preserve the American League’s  3-0 lead. The Sandman had done it again. And Leyland had made good on his vow to give him the chance to put the National League to sleep.

Next: M-V-P! M-V-P!

Jul 16, 2013; Flushing, NY, USA; American League pitcher Mariano Rivera (42) of the New York Yankees poses with his family after he is awarded the MVP trophy for the 2013 All Star Game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Thank you, Mariano

After that, the MVP selection was a mere formality. It had been 14 years since a pitcher had earned the honors. And it was 13 years since the last Yankee claimed the award, when Derek Jeter won it in 2000. In 1975, the Mets’ John Matlock was the only other reliever to earn the All-Star MVP honor, when he was the co-winner along with Bill Madlock. So that leaves only one reliever who has earned the honor all to himself- Mariano Rivera.

Mariano finished his All-Star career by allowing zero earned runs in nine total innings. He notched four All Star saves. In all, he made the All Star team 13 times in his 19 seasons. He admitted that his final appearance may have been his most memorable. “It almost made me cry,” he said according to ESPN. “It was amazing. I will never forget that.”

Still, he did not attribute this as the greatest moment of his career.  There was one achievement he considered as more special. That distinction would go to winning his five World Series rings. All of those, of course, as a member of the New York Yankees.

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