Heavy-metal and baseball fans alike united for one final entrance from an All-Star Game bullpen by legendary closer Mariano Rivera on Tuesday night.
The New York Yankees relief pitcher, who retires after this season, came in to his usual "Enter Sandman" song for the eighth inning — not his regular ninth inning — just in case this would be his last opportunity.
Since the American League was up 3-0, some could question the move — but not how moving the moment was.
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As the opening chords of the Metallica song began, fans jumped to their feet, and all players left the field of play out of respect, standing at the edge of their dugouts to celebrate the future Hall-of-Famer.
And Rivera did his job: three batters up, three batters down. His American League won the game, and he was named Most Valuable Player.
Later, he copped up to nearly crying during the tribute.
Watch the video:
