On July 16, 2013, the Midsummer Classic was held at Citi Field in Queens. Mariano Rivera, in his final season, was named an All Star and went out in style.
Mo started the season by converting his first 10 saves in as many opportunities through April. He converted his first 18 attempts before blowing a save against the Mets on May 28, it was the first time in his career that he blew a save and lost a game without recording an out. He went into the break with 30 saves in 32 opportunities and a 1.83 ERA, being named an All Star for the 13th time. This is the second most All Star selections for a pitcher behind Warren Spahn’s 17.
Mo came in to pitch the eighth inning to protect a 3-0 AL lead. Enter Sandman started to play and Mo trotted onto an empty field. Players from both leagues remained near their dugouts and joined fans in giving him a standing ovation. He tipped his cap to the fans and went to work. He retired all three batters he faced, preserving his 0.00 career ERA in the Midsummer Classic. He was named the MVP of the game becoming: the first reliever ever to receive the award, the first pitcher since Pedro Martínez in 1999, and the second Yankee ever (Derek Jeter being the first in 2000.) He became the first player to be named the MVP of a World Series, League Championship Series, and All Star Game.
The greatest closer of all time finished his final season with a 2.11 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 44 saves in 51 opportunities, earning him the AL Comeback Player of the Year Award. During the World Series, he was honored as the 13th recipient of the Commissioner’s Historic Achievement Award for his career accomplishments and for being a great ambassador of the game.
