Fansided

Rivera Wants to Close All-Star Game

By JJ Keller

Jun 21, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera (42) pitches during the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Yankees won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 21, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera (42) pitches during the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Yankees won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 21, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera (42) pitches during the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Yankees won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 21, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera (42) pitches during the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Yankees won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Mariano Rivera, the man who will go down as the best closer in MLB history, said that he would rather close his final All-Star game than make the start.

There has been talk that AL manager Jim Leyland may decide to start Rivera, most likely out of respect, or to heighten the spectacle. Many fans seem to like the idea, and have taken to the internet to express that.

But Rivera himself, who knows that there is a chance he will start, has expressed his opinion on the matter, and it isn’t one of agreement. He would much rather close the game, like he always has. He spoke about the situation, and said, per ESPN:

"I’ve been told about it, but I don’t like it,” Rivera told ESPN NewYork.com prior to Sunday’s Old Timers’ Day festivities at Yankee Stadium. “And the reason why I say that is it’s not what I do. What I do is close the games, I don’t start the games. It’s a privilege and honor, but I’m not contemplating it.”"

He is clearly not a fan of the idea, and would much rather stick to what he has always done, and what he does best: closing out games.

And why wouldn’t he? That is what he is known for. Being the best closer of all time. Defying age, and almost getting better with it. I personally do not see why people would want him to start. Let him do what he does best, and pitch in the 9th like he always has.

This is one I would love to hear more opinions on. Do you like the idea of seeing Mariano start the game for the AL, or do you want to see him in his natural habitat?