After 20 years in professional baseball alongside Rivera and Jorge Posada as members of the "Core Four" that were the key to so much Yankee success, Pettitte and Jeter both stressed how odd and empty it will be to see the Yankees without Rivera.

WSJ: Yankees' Rivera Announces Retirement

He has never been accepted by Yankees' fans the same way they adored Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada.

WSJ: Latest A-Rod troubles have team frustrated

Former Yankees catcher Jorge Posada said there is only one Mariano Rivera.

WSJ: Yankees closer Rivera says this is final season