Metallica Performs 'Enter Sandman' for Mariano Rivera [PHOTOS & VIDEO]: Yankees Pitcher Honored at Final New York Home Game in MLB

Before his last game with the New York Yankees, Mariano "Sandman" Rivera was honored with a 50-minute-long pregame ceremony. The famed closer even had his introduction song, "Enter Sandman," performed live by Metallica.

Check out a video clip of Metallica performing "Enter Sandman" for Mariano Rivera right here:

"It is a great pleasure and honor for me to be the last player to ever wear number 42," Rivera said during the ceremonies before the last regular-season day home game of his 19-season career.

"He was the greatest pitcher I ever caught, he was the easiest pitcher I ever caught," Yankees manager Joe Girardi, who was also one of Rivera's first catchers, said. "The numbers speak for themselves but the way he has gone about his business is something you wish everyone could do."

"It's a credit to not just his talent but who he is," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said of the adulation Rivera received from opponents. "He's one of the greatest people in the game as far as how he handles himself, how humble he is, how well respected and revered he is by all the other clubs."

"The New York Yankees are a great organization and you fans are the best," Rivera said as he finished his speech. "So let's play ball. We've got to go. I love you guys. Thank you very much."

Check out some more photos from Rivera's send-off:

The greatest entrance in sports. #ExitSandman pic.twitter.com/96DkYDMPni

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 22, 2013

Mo thanks the fans. #ExitSandman pic.twitter.com/MRkU2xJaO1 — New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 22, 2013

Beautiful photos of Mariano Rivera during his retirement ceremony at #Yankee Stadium. #Rivera pic.twitter.com/ib58hfLTPF

— Sloths Widow (@Harpers1Niter) September 22, 2013