Daily Madden: Rivera's All-Star Farewell
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - Yankees reliever Mariano Rivera was named the All-Star Game's MVP in his farewell season as he helped the American League players shut out the National League squad 3-0.
"I think everyone was thinking the same thing," John Madden told the KCBS Radio morning crew. "One inning, three up and three down. And you start thinking, 'Tell me why again you're not going to play anymore?' I think he's made a real commitment that this is it, and I don't think there's anything that's going to change his mind."
Rivera's flawless eighth inning highlighted what has so far been another stellar year for the 43 year old.
"Managers, umpires, players on his team, players on other teams, they all respect him," Madden said. "In addition to all his other numbers and saves and Hall of Fame career... he has to be truly a good guy to get the reception he got from everyone."
Rivera has been honored in opposing team's ballparks throughout the season.
"I was one of the guys that didn't think that you should say 'this is my last year,'" John said. "But he's made it work for him. He's made it work for the Yankees. And he made it work for baseball."
Madden said there was one awkward moment between innings when Neil Diamond sang 'Sweet Caroline,' the Red Sox theme song, in the Yankees' home town.
"It didn't go over very well," Madden said. "It just kind of plopped. It was a plopper." (7:00)
Daily Madden
Listen to the John Madden segment live weekday mornings at 8:15 on KCBS All News 740 AM/106.9 FM.
(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
