MLB Network Opts Not To Cut Live To Coverage Of Rivera Farewell

When Yankees P Mariano Rivera was throwing his last pitches at Yankee Stadium Thursday night, MLB Network decided to stay with two close games that had playoff implications – Angels-Rangers and Indians-Twins – rather than provide a cut-in from the Bronx. The network showed video of the emotional scene afterwards, including an essay by Tom Verducci (John Ourand, Staff Writer).

ESPN's Chris McKendry said to YES Network's Michael Kay of his coverage of Rivera's final home game, "Wonderful job last night. Thank you for allowing all of us simply to watch and take in that moment." Kay said, "There wasn't much to say. The pictures said it all. It was an extraordinarily emotional night just watching it. Even if we would have talked a lot in the booth, we probably would have been crying. Both Ken Singleton and I were both choked up as well" ("SportsCenter," ESPN, 9/27).