Is it postseason already? Yes, that question makes no sense in June but then the atmosphere around the Yankee Stadium can confuse anyone. After all, where else do we see superstars and a huge number of reporters covering a game during the regular season? But then that is a testament to the brand power of the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, while the teams are engaged in a battle, past legends too have found a moment in the sun. Especially Alex Rodriguez and the Hall-of-Famer Mariano Rivera.

When Rodriguez revealed recently that he’d be there at BP with Derek Jeter and “Big Papi” David Ortiz, one knew something memorable was about to happen. The fans eagerly waited to see these legends engage with the players. However, few, if anyone, expected the great Mariano Rivera too to be there. That created a huge reunion between the World Series-winning teammates. A reunion that Rivera quickly turned into his masterclass. 

Social media was filled with videos of Alex Rodriguez and others interacting with each other. However, there was one particular video that caught the eye of nearly everyone. It was when Rivera began teaching Rodriguez how to throw different types of pitches. From sliders to cutters, Rivera showed nearly everything to A-Rod who listened like a devoted student. 

“The best to ever do it!” declared Rodriguez after Rivera’s lessons were over. The two shared a hug and right then came David Ortiz. The biggest of rivals turned into the biggest of friends as Big Papi couldn’t help but give a massive hug to Rivera. It isn’t surprising to see the Sandman getting so much love from his peers. After all, he’s the only one to have entered Cooperstown unanimously. 

However, on the day when the Yankees pitching staff was systematically picked apart by the Dodgers, seeing their legendary pitcher must have been a surreal experience.

The Yankees taste defeat as Alex Rodriguez and Mariano Rivera steal the show

A-Rod and Rivera had entered the Yankee Stadium with hopes of witnessing a feisty competition. However, what they were forced to see was a total capitulation of the Bronx Bombers’ hitting and pitching staff. From the get-go, the Dodgers looked in far better shape than the Pinstripes. Inning after inning, the Yankees slipped behind. In the end, despite two homers by Aaron Judge, the Dodgers won the game 11-3.

That’s a surreal situation. After all, first, the fans witnessed perhaps one of the greatest pitchers of all time. The mere sight of Rivera sent them down memory lane. But then they saw a display that wasn’t fitting of that image that they had built in their mind. However, there’s another game to follow and the New York Yankees still have a chance. Can they avoid the embarrassment of losing the series to the Blue Crew?