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

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.

More from Yanks Go Yard

• Michael Kay’s Anthony Volpe story will get Yankees fans amped for Opening Day
• No, Yankees should not acquire Trevor Bauer for 2023
• Yankees’ Marwin González replaces Red Sox LF in Japan in logical next step
• Blue Jays overpaying for Yankees trade target shows they’re trying too hard
• Aaron Judge’s influence on Carlos Rodón shows he’s more powerful than Yankees