One Last Time

             It is an experience like no other at Yankee Stadium. It is the end of the eight inning and you hear “Enter Sandman.” Chills run down your spine, as you know as a Yankee fan, in the famous words of Derek Jeter, “game over.” That is the feeling when the greatest closer of all-time exits the bullpen and enters the meca of baseball.  50,000 screaming fans jump out of their seats and applaud number 42, Mariano Rivera. No matter how old or young, no matter how many Yankee games you have been too, the moment Mariano enters the field you feel the hair on your arms stand. It is a scene like no other in sports. The Yankees know it, the opposing team knows it, and Mariano knows it, the games over when he crosses the warning track and finally steps foot on the mound.

    “It has been a privilege and honor to wear the pinstriped uniform that I have proudly worn for so many years,” said Mariano today at his press conference announcing his retirement. “It’s official now. After this year, I will be retired.” These are the words every Yankee fan feared to hear. There was no way their closer was going to retire. He is too good. He is immortal. Yet Mariano showed everyone something today. He is happy and is going to be happy that he is retiring. There were no tears, just smiles from the 20-year veteran. The Yankees and their fans, however, will certainly miss Mo. He has been the anchor at the end for this team since 1997. No one has done it better than Rivera.

     Just knowing that Mariano was warming up in the bullpen, there was a sense of comfort for Yankee fans. His 0.70 earned run average in the postseason will be missed. His 2.21 career ERA will be missed. His all-time leading 608 saves will be missed. This guy has done so much for the Yankee organization. He brings class, and pride to the game. He gives it everything he has and he has finally admitted to himself that there is not much left. He will certainly be missed because everyone knows there will never be another Mariano Rivera.

     The Yankees will savor this last season with Mariano. They will do everything in their power to have Mariano’s last ever pitch be the last out of the World Series. After this season, however, is a different story. The Yankees will never again be able to replace the greatest closer of all-time. They will have to hope that they can find a replacement to fill some pretty big shoes. No matter who it is, if it is David Robertson, Joba Chamberlain, or someone they bring in, they will have the toughest job to do in baseball. They will have to follow Mariano’s footsteps.

     No matter what happens this season or beyond, there is one thing that is certain. Mariano Rivera is the greatest closer to ever play this wonderful game. He is one of the greatest pitchers to ever sport the pinstripes. Mariano Rivera will forever be in the hearts of every Yankee fan and anybody that has been given the privilege to marvel at this once in a lifetime pitcher.