The Yankees again pulled out all the stops to show they do the best job in honoring history. Sunday was Mariano Rivera Day, as the greatest reliever ever was honored by his former teammates, club officials, and Metallica -- whose "Enter Sandman" has signaled Mariano's entrance from the bullpen.
For the ceremonial first pitch, Mo and longtime catcher Jorge Posada switched place -- Jorge threw the ball while Mariano went into the traditional catcher's crouch,
Mariano saluted by his fellow Panamanians -- who arrived well before the ceremony began.
Mariano and Metallica meet at home plate during the ceremony.
And Yankee Stadium souvenir stands were ready with special merchandise
Rivera's teammates gave him a rocking chair -- he looked quite comfortable trying it out.
Add on a heartfelt speech where this humble son of Panama thanked fans, past and present teammates, guests such as Rachel and Sharon Robinson -- and remembered the late owner George Steinbrenner -- it was an emotional day in the Bronx, as the last player to wear number-42, felt the love from a packed house.
Only one thing held the day back from being perfection -- the anemic Yankee offense could only muster one run, a Mark Reynolds home run. Later, after San Francisco broke through with two runs, the Yanks wasted men-on-2nd-and-3rd opportunities in the 7th and 8th innings and lost 2 - 1.
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