Nineteen seasons, 1,423 innings and 652 saves later, it all came down this this: Mariano Rivera, indisputably Major League Baseball's greatest closer of all time, taking the mound at Yankee Stadium for the final time on Thursday night.
Rivera pitched 1 1/3 perfect innings in his last home outing, a fitting cap to a legendary baseball career. A sellout crowd sent Rivera off with a standing ovation following his final pitch.
Online, too, his teammates and fans paid tribute to Rivera with memories and appreciations.
The Yankees used the hashtag #ExitSandman — a reference to Mariano's entrance song, "Enter Sandman" by Metallica — to generate conversation with fans. According to MLB, the hashtag was tweeted more than 87,000 times on Thursday night alone.
We'll get to some of the best tweets in a minute, but first, take a look at this clip of Rivera's tearful final exit to chants of "Mar-i-ano":
Below, we've rounded up some of the baseball world's last words to Rivera.
A picture says 1,042 words. pic.twitter.com/V59iTqbtoz
— MLB (@MLB) September 27, 2013
Chants of "Mariano" echo around Yankee Stadium as Mo tips his cap to the crowd once more. Thank you, Mo, for everything.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 27, 2013
You said it. Goodbye, Mo. And thanks. #ExitSandman RT @HarveyAraton: There is crying in baseball!
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) September 27, 2013
I may be a Red Sox fan but I have the up most respect for Mariano Rivera. He left a mark on baseball that won't be forgotten. #ExitSandman
— Storm Wolter (@Realstormwolter) September 27, 2013
So lucky to have been able to watch a sports legend like Mariano Rivera growing up #exitsandman
— Blake James Nielson (@MasterBlaker21) September 27, 2013
Watching Mariano Rivera be escorted and taken off that field last night was one of the most incredible things ive ever seen #inspiration
— Derek (@ddudek08) September 27, 2013
— Thomas Colomb (@TColombTomTom) September 27, 2013
The moment Mariano left the game yesterday was probably 1 of the most emotional moments I've experienced during a game. #respect
— Evan Longoria (@Evan3Longoria) September 27, 2013
How will you remember Mariano Rivera? Share with us in the comments.
Image: Mike Stobe/Getty Images
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