ONE MO TIME: Mariano Rivera takes in the scene before last night’s Home Run Derby on the eve of his 13th and final All-Star Game — 16 years after he celebrated the save with Sandy Alomar Jr. at his first All-Star game. (
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Mariano Rivera has grown accustomed to receiving knickknacks pretty much everywhere he goes on his farewell tour. Tonight, the legendary Yankees closer is looking for one more parting gift in his final All-Star appearance.
“It would be nice if I had the opportunity to save the game,” the 13-time All-Star said yesterday at Citi Field. “That’s why I’m here. That’s what I love to do.”
American League manager Jim Leyland assured Rivera he would get the chance if the AL has the lead in the ninth and that he would find a way to get him into the game, regardless of the score.
“You will see him pitch,” the regular Tigers manager said. “Whether it be to a hitter [or for] an inning, it depends how the game goes. You will see No. 42 pitch.’’
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Rivera, who has announced he will retire after the season, would like to take the mound in Queens one more time.
“It would be great,” Rivera said. “This is home, even though this is the Mets’ stadium. This is New York City. It’s home for us. It would be a beautiful thing.”
His teammates for the evening will watch him closely.
“They should give a standing O, hugs, shake his hands, because this is greatness leaving this game,” veteran Tigers outfielder Torii Hunter said. “As a competitor, you want to face him. You want to get that big hit off of him. But eight times of 10, he’s going to get you.”
Hunter may have been being conservative with his math. Though Red Sox slugger David Ortiz has had some success off Rivera, he too spoke reverentially of his rival.
“Something that I would like to say: The bat companies are going to be super-happy,” Ortiz said of Rivera’s departure. “I think 100 years will go by before another Mariano comes by.”
That would be fine with the Cardinals’ Carlos Beltran, who was asked for his favorite memory of the closer.
“I don’t think I have a lot of favorite,” said the ex-Met, who will start in right field. “I have so many broken bats.”
That sentiment was echoed by reigning Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera.
“I think he’s [broken] like three bats on me,” the Tigers third baseman said. “No hits. … I don’t have good memories.”
In addition to trying to shatter a few more bats, the 43-year-old Rivera will attempt to help the AL secure home-field advantage in the World Series. Despite the finality of the event, Rivera’s attitude hasn’t changed toward the Midsummer Classic — yet.
“So far, it feels the same,” Rivera said. “It’s not emotional yet. [Tonight], that might change.”
No matter what happens, the all-time saves leader already is looking forward to the Yankees’ second half.
“I feel strong,” said Rivera, who was an easy selection for Leyland thanks to owning 30 saves in 32 opportunities — including 18 straight to open the season — and a miniscule 1.83 ERA. “I feel good. I can’t wait to continue the season.”
— Additional reporting by Fred Kerber and Ken Davidoff
dan.martin@nypost.com