MLB fraternity reacts to legendary Yankees closer Mariano Rivera checking into Brooklyn Nets game
Mariano Rivera, aka The Sandman, was photographed courtside at the Barclays Center on Saturday. He watched the Nets face the Knicks in an all-New York matchup.
Usually, the loudest ovations at Brooklyn Nets games are saved for the likes of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. But not on Saturday night. The cheers were reserved for the legendary New York Yankees closer.
Enter Sandman. https://t.co/mWVWN09sfk
"Enter Sandman" - Brooklyn Nets, Twitter
The Brooklyn Nets outlasted the New York Knicks, winning 122-115 in a tightly contested battle that saw Kyrie Irving rise to the occasion. In the absence of Kevin Durant, Irving went off for 32 points, nine assists and six rebounds.
Rivera, who still looks like he is in game shape, hasn't made a lot of public appearances lately. He's mostly kept a low profile since his retirement in 2013. While it remains unknown which New York team he was supporting, one thing seems very clear: Mo is enjoying retirement.
Fans on Twitter were ecstatic to see Rivera at the game. Many paid tribute to the baseball legend. Others were speculating which team he supports.
This Nets fan is clearly glad that Mo's supporting the "superior" NY team:
@BrooklynNets @MarianoRivera @Yankees @MLB Of course the goat is a fan of the superior NY team
Another described him as the "unaniMOus HOF."
@BrooklynNets @TalkinNets @MarianoRivera @Yankees @MLB unaniMOus HOF 🐐
The official Yankees page had no words, just a couple of goat emojis in tribute to the legend:
@BrooklynNets @MarianoRivera @MLB 🐐🐐🐐
This fan believes Mo hasn't aged one bit, or rather he's aged like a fine wine.
@BrooklynNets @MarianoRivera @Yankees @MLB Guy looks the same as when he was playing. Hasn’t aged one bit. https://t.co/daO8RbZDWs
@BrooklynNets @MarianoRivera @Yankees @MLB At least 10 random baseball bats just broke at the mere sight of the great #MarianoRivera
@BrooklynNets @MarianoRivera @Yankees @MLB After seeing both Judge and now Mo wearing the New York or Nowhere hoodie I have to buy one
@BrooklynNets @MarianoRivera @Yankees @MLB Oh this game is as good as closed
@BrooklynNets @MarianoRivera @Yankees @MLB ⚾️👑
@BrooklynNets @MarianoRivera @Yankees @MLB Jeff blackoz
@BrooklynNets @MarianoRivera @Yankees @MLB Mo’s a real one, so he’s gotta be rooting for the Knicks..
Mariano Rivera is the only player to be unanimously voted into the Hall of Fame
Mariano Rivera was arguably the most feared pitcher of his generation. He is the only player in MLB history to be unanimously voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Derek Jeter, Rivera's former teammate, came the closest, receiving 99.74% of votes.
Rivera amassed 652 saves during his 19-year MLB career. He also holds the all-time record for games finished (952) and ERA+ (205).
Mariano Rivera went from 19-year-old position player in Panama to collecting the most saves in MLB history.
Today, he'll officially become the first unanimous National Baseball Hall of Fame selection by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. (via @E60) https://t.co/zDsI4jiRvt
"Mariano Rivera went from 19-year-old position player in Panama to collecting the most saves in MLB history. Today, he'll officially become the first unanimous National Baseball Hall of Fame selection by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. (via @E60)" - ESPN, Twitter
Rivers was a 13-time MLB All-Star and won five World Series titles with the Yankees. He was named the World Series MVP in 1999 after an incredible performance against the Atlanta Braves.
A true artist and renaissance man, there will never be another Mo!