The End of Era; Exit Sandman, Dandy Andy's Last Stand

How do you even use words to describe the magic that went on on the corner of East 161st Street and River(a) Avenue yesterday?

You just don't.

The bottom line is the New York Yankees are a World Class Organization, and Sunday afternoon they showed why. They just do things right, and there's no other way to put it.

As Mariano Rivera raised his arms in triumph in front of a sell out Yankee crowd, he acknowledged the rhythmic chanting of his first name pouring down into Monument Park.

M-A-R-I-A-N-O, M-A-R-I-A-N-O, M-A-R-I-A-N-O

#42's place with the legends is officially secure.

As he peeled away a navy blue-cloth, Mariano said he "felt an adrenaline rush", as he unveiled perhaps the greatest achievement any Yankee player can ever receive; a pinstriped No. 42 plaque that will forever be on display in recognition of his illustrious 19 year career in Monument Park.

While it did feel like a final goodbye, let's not forget Mo' has six games remaining in a Yankee uniform, three of which will be played in Yankee Stadium. But as the Sandman prepares for his final exit, the New York Yankees nailed their tribute to the all-time leader in saves, giving him a sendoff that will be remembered forever.

 As we've seen all season, Mariano Rivera was his normal self, full of smiles and completely humble, as he was moved and appreciative of all the gifts and gratitude he received. In what he said "were unscripted, spontaneous remarks," Rivera was given the opportunity to grasp a microphone and address a packed Yankee Stadium. 

"To you fans, thank you for 19 years of support. It has been a great run guys. You guys have been amazing, you always have been here for me and for the organization. I will never forget that." Mariano said. "You guys will have part of my heart here in New York. You have taken me in like one of you guys and I do appreciate that."

'Clueless' Joe Torre, Hideki 'Godzilla' Matsui, fellow Core Four member Jose Posada, Bernie Williams, Constantino Martines, Paul O'Neill, Jeff Nelson, Gene Michael, David Cone, John Wetteland, Gene Monahan, the Jackie Robinson family, and the Rivera family were all on hand for the ceremony, lauding the magnificent career of a man who holds the all time saves record with 652, has five world series rings, and 13 all-star appearances - all with the New York Yankees. 

"There is nobody," Torre said, "that is ever going to do what he did out of the bullpen."

Following a captivating YES Network video of Rivera's career milestones, the members of Metallica took to the stage in center field and played a live version of Rivera's entry song, "Enter Sandman," in an unannounced surprise planned by the Steinbrenner family. 

Dressed in none other than pinstriped jerseys with "Metallica" written in script across the chest, legendary lead singer James Hetfield announced loud into the microphone, "This is for you, Mariano!"

As the bullpen gate opened, Mo' stepped out onto warning track, but Rivera opted not to break into his usual graceful jog; instead, he walked slowly, appearing to take in every step towards the mound whole heartedly. 

As Rivera finally reached the infield, he was greeted by some of his ex-teammates and other decorated Yankee icons. Among his old teammates, was Bernie Williams, who later stated that the ceremony showed that the Yankees organization really "knows how to reward its heroes." 

Yankees captain Derek Jeter also said "I thought it was great. It was well deserved. I thought it was wonderful, it was emotional and I'm glad I had the opportunity to be here. Mo deserves it." 

On behalf of the NY Yankees Foundation, Randy Levine presented a $100,000 check to Mariano and his wife towards the Mariano Rivera Foundation.

Hal Steinbrenner also gave Mariano a replica of his retired number in Monument Park and a Waterford crystal replica of his glove. 

Perhaps the most memorable message of them all from Mo';

"To my teammates, past and present, I appreciate you guys. The lord has blessed me with a big family, and all of these men have been part of this family." 

As for Andy Pettitte. 

Well, following the 50- minute celebration honoring Mariano Rivera's Hall of Fame career, Andy Pettitte, who announced Friday he would join Mariano in retirement at the conclusion of the season, took the mounds for his 216th and final regular start in the Bronx. 

The 41- year old retired the first 14 batters he faced, while the Yankees were leading 1-0. Fans were clearly thinking about Pettitte producing a Billy Chapel-esque performance, and while the southpaw knew that was happening, He didn't get caught up in potential history. 

"I hate to even say it, but at this point, at this stage, I don't know if my body would allow me to pitch nine innings," Andy said. "It was good to dream and think about it, but it helped me mentally just, just saying, 'Keep making your pitches, go as hard as you can for as long as you can.'"

Non the less, Dandy Andy lost his perfect game in the fifth with a two-out walk to Pablo Sandoval, but it wasn't until the sixth that San Francisco had their first hit.

With the game still tied at one, Pettitte gave up a leadoff double to lead off the home half of the eighth inning. It was just his second hit given up on the day, and eventually the last hit he'll ever give up in Yankees Stadium.

Girardi came out of the dugout and signaled for the bullpen, and Andy finally got his wish.

He walked off the mound to a standing ovation from the 49,197 in attendance, tipping his hat twice as he approached the dugout. A roaring Yankee crowd chanted the name of icon one last time.

"ANDY PETTITTE, ANDY PETTITE, ANDY PETTITE"

"It was a great moment for me and I really enjoyed it," said Pettite. "I was glad I got the opportunity to do that and the fans were awesome, just like they've always been to me." 

And than the waterworks began for me, as Derek Jeter waited for Andy at the top step of the Yankee dugout and greeted him with a big hug, than Pettite disappeared into the dugout before returning to a still roaring standing ovation for what appears his last curtain call in Yankees Stadium. 

The captain later spoke, saying "I thought it was special that Andy got a chance to pitch; he did a great job. Those guys [42,46] are like brothers to me, so it's pretty emotional at times knowing I'm not playing anymore this year, I've played my last game with those two, but it was great. I thought what the fans did for him just as good as what they did for Mo."

Though he didn't earn a win in his final start, he did what he did best, and brought it. A big game pitcher, with a big game performance. I'll miss Andy wearing those pinstripes more than anybody else. 

Years from now, Sunday September 22, 2013 will be remembered as the unforgettable ceremony honoring the greatest closer of all-time and the  final start at Yankees Stadium for one of the winningest pitchers in Yankees franchise history. 

It's moment's like Sunday that me proud to have such a storied Organization represent the Bronx, a place I'm proud to call home.

I'd like to certainly thank the good Lord for making Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera a Yankee.

Thank you.

-46

-42