But that may have happened Thursday to Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees after tearing up his knee Thursday in Kansas City. Here he is shown after becoming the all-time leader in saves after defeating the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on September 19. (Getty Images)

If this is it, Rivera will depart with five World Series rings and 12 All-Star Game appearances. Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Robinson Cano celebrate with the trophy after their 7-3 win against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Six of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009. (Getty Images)

In this image taken from video, New York Yankees' Mariano Rivera lies on the field after twisting his right knee shagging fly balls during batting practice. (Associated Press/Yes Network)

(Associated Press/Yes Network)

(Associated Press/Yes Network)

Manager Joe Girardi, center right, helps Mariano Rivera, center, into a cart. (Associated Press/Yes Network)

(Associated Press/Yes Network)

(Associated Press/Yes Network)

In this image taken from video, New York Yankees' Mariano Rivera is carted off the field after twisting his right knee shagging fly balls during batting practice before a baseball game with the Kansas City Royals, Thursday, May 3, 2012, in Kansas City, Mo. The Yankees closer was sent for further tests. (AP Photo/YES Network) MANDATORY CREDIT (Associated Press/Yes Network)

But that night in Kansas City will not be the lasting image if indeed this is the end. (Getty Images)

From the kid who pitched in Albany for a couple of years with the A-C Yankees to the set-up man on the 1996 NEw York championship team before becoming closer in 1997, Rivera's place is secured among the all-time great Yankees. (Associated Press)

(Associated Press)