Mets invite Mariano Rivera to throw out first pitch

The Mets are celebrating Mariano Rivera's final MLB series at Citi Field. (Elsa/Getty Images)

The Mets have asked Yankees closer Mariano Rivera to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Tuesday night's second game of the Subway Series. The Yankees legend, who is pitching his last major league season, has accepted.

The Mets haven't forgotten their own club's all-time saves leader, recruiting John Franco to catch Mariano's pitch.

Mariano may finally give Mets fans reason to cheer. He hurled the final pitch of the 2000 World Series at Shea Stadium and later recorded his 500th career save at Citi Field in 2009.

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Mets COO Jeff Wilpon and FDNY commissioner Salvatore Cassano presented Rivera with a hose and a firebox to commemorate 19 seasons of saves as “the greatest fireman of all time.”

From MLB.com:

“That’s the real stuff, guys,” Rivera said, grinning as he hoisted the heavy metal nozzle. “I just want to say thank you very much for all this. I don’t expect this, but thank you. I definitely really appreciate it. This will be in a good place in my house.

“It will be my last game here. It has been a great career and I have enjoyed every game that I have played here. It has been great games; I’ve saved some games and blown some games here. Overall, it has been wonderful.”