Mariano Rivera Named MVP of 2013 All-Star Game

Mariano Rivera was named the MVP of the 2013 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday, becoming the first reliever to do so, according to Major League Baseball.

MLB.com tweeted:

According to ESPN Stats & Info, Rivera's feat has only been done once before in Yankees history:

They added:

With the American League holding a 3-0 lead over the National League on Tuesday, Rivera—a 13-time All-Star and baseball's record-holder in career saves—pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning to set things up for closer Joe Nathan.

In the inning, Rivera got Jean Segura to ground out, Allen Craig to line out and Carlos Gomez to ground out.

The 43-year-old continues to earn accolades  in the twilight of his career. This season with the New York Yankees, the right-hander has posted a 1.83 ERA while converting 30 of 32 save opportunities. He's notched 32 strikeouts in 34.1 innings, proving that age is but a number.

Rivera's list of records stretches far and wide. Beyond his record of most saves in the regular season, he also holds the MLB record for most saves in the postseason. He's posted a 0.70 ERA in the playoffs for his career.

On top of that, he's a five-time champion and he was the 1999 World Series MVP.

As we watch Rivera finish out his career, appreciate what he has meant to the game of baseball. He's been a class act throughout his career and will go down as perhaps the greatest closer the game has ever seen. 

It was only fitting that Rivera would add another accomplishment to his resume as the clock winds down. 

One thing's for sure: Opposing hitters are going to breathe a long sigh of relief once Mariano Rivera finally hangs up his cleats.