The Boston Red Sox eliminated the New York Yankees from the AL East after Sunday’s 9-2 win. In the pre-game, the Sox also got a another victory when they said their goodbyes to the Yankees longtime closer, Mariana Rivera.
The Sox honored Rivera before the game by giving him gifts— a painting of Rivera, the green “42” placard used on the Fenway Park scoreboard whenever he pitched, an original seat from the ballpark and a pitching rubber from the bullpen. The ceremony started with the Sox thanking Rivera for blowing a save opportunity in Game 4 of the 2004 American League Championship Series, which eventually led to the Yankees collapse and the Sox first World Series victory in 86-years.
Rivera, who obviously left his mark in Boston and the MLB, wrote this in the bullpen for what likely is his final appearance in Boston: “Mariano Rivera. Last to wear #42. Thanks for everything.”
This what Rivera wrote in the bullpen. pic.twitter.com/dgQzS02bM6
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) September 16, 2013
