A journey started together, transformed into synchronized chemistry on the field, moved into a close family-like bond, and ultimately, ended in a goodbye hug. Pitcher Mariano Rivera and shortstop Derek Jeter made their MLB debut together in 1995. And 19 years down the line, after playing together through thick and thin, Jeter hugged the Sandman a tight goodbye hug after the righty pitcher played his last MLB game.

Nine years ago, on September 26, 2013, Mariano Rivera played his ultimate game. Moreover, a few days before his retirement, then-Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg announced the 22nd day of September as “Mariano Rivera Day.”

Mariano Rivera leaves the field in tears after his ultimate MLB game

Rivera spent his entire 19-year MLB career with the New York Yankees. Throughout his career, he appeared on 13 All-Star teams. In addition to that, he won five World Championships, five AL Rolaids Relief Man, and three Delivery Man of the Year awards. He played his last game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

And owing to a fantastic career, captain Jeter and teammate Andy Pettitte reached the mound to receive him. Watching the Sandman fall in Jeter’s arms shows the world why Jeter is truly “everyone’s captain.”

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And this is how fans reacted as they remembered the Sandman and his last MLB game:

Markedly, Rivera was the first ever player that the Baseball Writers’ Association of America elected unanimously into the MLB Hall of Fame with a 100% vote in 2019.

The Core Four – the Yankee dynasty from 1996 to 2000

The Core Four included Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera, and Jorge Posada. The four teammates turned friends directly contributed to four Yankee World Championship rings from 1996 to 2000. Pettitte left the Pinstripes for the Houston Astros for three seasons. However, Posada, Rivera, and Jeter spent 17 seasons together.

Can anyone ever match the camaraderie shared by the Core Four, and eventually the Key Three?

Watch This Story: Throwback : New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter scripted the perfect end to his career with this iconic walk-off single

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