Enter Sandman. That was the song you heard when the greatest closer of all time was about to come into the game. Unfortunately, we have all heard for the last time as Yankees closer Mariano Rivera has retired. After pitching for 19 seasons in the Bronx, Rivera finally decided it was his time to step away from the game he loved.
It was not just the Yankees fans that gave him a proper send off. As he went to different stadiums, he was presented with a gift from the organization, including bitter rival Boston. However, it was his last pitch at Yankee Stadium that will stay with fans forever. In the ninth inning of their last home stand against the Tampa Bay Rays, Joe Girardi sent Andy Pettitte and Derek Jeter to relieve Rivera and that was when it all became real. Rivera could not hold back tears any longer and wept into Jeter’s shoulder as he handed him the ball.
Rivera will always be remembered for his wicked cutter that struck out countless batters, but it is his respect for the game that will always be admired. Despite being one of the best players of all time, he always appeared humble and caring. He never lashed out at teammates and always took responsibility for mistakes, the few that he did make. As the last player to wear Jackie Robinson’s iconic number 42, “he brought something special to it,” according to Robinson’s widow Rachel.
