Rivera named All-Star MVP
NEW YORK -- New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, appearing in his final All-Star Game, was named the Most Valuable Player after he worked a perfect eighth inning in the American League's 3-0 win on Tuesday night at Citi Field.
Players from both teams stayed in the dugouts, stood up and cheered on the top step as Rivera, 43, begain his warm-up tosses before the eighth inning. Rivera, who has four All-Star saves in his illustrious career, then proceeded to post his first hold in his eighth appearance.
He also became the first reliever to receive the MVP award and the last pitcher to win it since Padro Martinez in 1999.
"It was tough. It was special," Rivera said, according to MLB.com. "To see the fans sharing and both teams standing out in the dugout, managers, coaches, players -- priceless. ... I've never been in a situation like this. The only difference is the World Series. Besides that, this has been right there."
Rivera retired the side quickly, throwing 16 cutters and getting two grounders and a lineout. He left to a standing ovation.
"There was no other MVP in this stadium than Rivera," said Chicago White Sox left-hander Chris Sale, who got the win with two scoreless innings.
AL manager Jim Leyland was forced to use Rivera in the eighth rather than the ninth to ensure that the career saves leader would get into the game. Leyland reasoned that if the National League had gone ahead in the bottom of the eighth and shut down the AL in the top of the ninth, the game would be over.
Joe Nathan of the Texas Rangers worked the ninth and closed out the victory for the American League.
"I wanted to pitch. You know the game of baseball," Rivera said. "Anything can happen. Leyland wanted to make sure that I pitch. It was a great idea. I appreciate him giving me the opportunity to do this, in New York, for the fans here. I think the plan was perfect."
Rivera, who is retiring at the end of the season, kept his perfect 0.00 All-Star Game ERA intact.
Yankees teammate Robinson Cano, who was forced to leave the game in the first inning after being hit by a pitch, hung around to watch Rivera do what he does best -- get people out.
"To be with a guy like Mariano, not only as a player but a person is an honor," Cano said.
