America's Pastime - The 84th Annual All Star Game

On Tuesday night, my dad, sister and I headed back to Citi Field for the 84th Annual Major League All Star Game. Armed with my Mariano Rivera t-shirt and All Star Game hat I was ready to cheer for the AL and one of the greatest Yankees and the greatest closer to ever play the game in his final all star game appearance.

Another perfect sunset from our seats.

We got to the game early again ready to take in all the pre-game festivities and I am really glad that we did. We might have missed this sweet giveaway outside the stadium courtesy of the MLB Network. Who cannot love a mini foam finger. It's still in my purse and every time I put it on I get a good chuckle. Also, way less obnoxious than the giant fingers or thunder sticks that just block the view of people behind you.

Greatest giveaway ever.

Thanks MLB Network!

Dominique, Dad and I ready for the game!

The pomp and circumstance of an All Star Game is very similar to a playoff game with the armed forces present and the overhead flyby salute to start the game. I always tear up when the National Anthem plays and the giant flag is unfurled. Major League Baseball also had veterans from each of the armed services and multiple wars present to be honored by their favorite Major League Baseball team.

Beautiful pre-game ceremonies.

The game was quickly underway but unfortunately it was quite uneventful for most of the game. Luckily we had our same seats as the Homerun Derby so we were able to witness another beautiful sunset and even sneak a peak of the snipers sitting under the lights on the rooftop with their binoculars checking out the game.

Good to know we are safe with snipers on the roof.

The big apple etched into the outfield grass.

Some of the games biggest action came from the Mascot Race in the third inning. Mascots from the Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Mets, Washington Nationals and Milwaukee Brewers all competed in a head to head race around the warning track for major league supremacy. Babe, the Blue Ox, of Minnesota emerged victorious. Although I have to wonder if that has something to do with the All Star Game being hosted at Target Field next year?

All the Mascots are here to play!

Randy Johnson and George Washington are bringing up the rear.

Prior to the 8th inning, Neil Diamond appeared on the field to lead the stands in a sing-a-long of Sweet Caroline as a show of support for the Boston Marathon Bombings earlier this year. For those not aware, the Fenway faithful, like the Mets, sing Sweet Caroline at every home game. It was fun to watch Neil pump the crowd up and stroll around behind home plate belting it out.

Neil Diamond live to lead us all in a sing-a-long of Sweet Caroline.

Then came the bottom of the 8th inning and the entrance of the greatest closer Major League Baseball has ever known. Mariano Rivera was brought into the game an inning early to pitch in an effort to allow the fans and players maximum time to honor him. It was my highlight of the night and if you ask other fans who were there I am sure they would say the same. My Aunt and Uncle, who are Mets fans, were sitting nearby and both said Mariano and the ovation he received was what baseball is all about.

The man, the legend, Mariano Rivera getting a standing ovation.

It was inspiring to see both dugouts empty, as well as both bullpens as every single person in the stadium was on their feet to pay homage to Mariano, the last man to ever wear the number 42. He had not even taken a warm up pitch and the crowd was forever on their feet. Citi Field even played Enter Sandman, Rivera's traditional entrance music at Yankee Stadium, during his trot to the mound from the bullpen. I honestly got choked up watching all the players refuse to sit until they felt Mariano had gotten the respect he deserved.

The AL dugout giving Mo a standing ovation. 

And of course in true Rivera fashion, after quick work of the NL, the AL went on to win the game and Mariano Rivera was named the 2013 All Star Game MVP. You could just see from the smile on his face how touched he was that night.

Mo, the 2013 All Star Game MVP.

As we left the stadium that night, my dad turned to Dominique and I and said, so I guess we better enter the lottery for Minnesota next year huh? Fingers crossed, Dad! Fingers crossed.