Mariano Rivera given commissioner’s award before World Series Game 2

BOSTON -- Mariano Rivera was given the Commissioner’s Historic Achievement Award before Game 2 of the World Series on Thursday night at Fenway Park.

Rivera, the legendary New York Yankees closer who retired after the regular season, was honored on the field during pregame ceremonies.

The award, which recognizes achievements and contributions of historical significance, was last presented in 2011 to Ken Griffey Jr.

Here’s a few quotes that were given Thursday regarding Rivera and other World Series matters.

“He became the face of baseball for this generation.”

-- Commissioner Bud Selig, presenting Rivera with the Commissioner’s Historic Achievement Award.

::

“It doesn’t take anything to be nice, you know. It doesn’t take much to say, ‘Thank you,’ ‘Hello,’ ‘How are you doing?’ ”

-- Rivera, on embracing the concept of the professional athlete as role model.

::

“My numbers now look like they took steroids.”

-- Pedro Martinez, the three-time Cy Young Award winner, on his dominance in a past era.

::

“I don’t know what that word is. Arizona State education, bro.”

-- Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia, dodging a question about the “validity” of allegations that Boston pitcher Jon Lester doctored the ball.

::

“It looks like a giant booger.”

-- Lester, on a picture that showed green spots on his glove. Lester said rosin was the only substance on his glove and said he was baffled by the color shown in the image.

ALSO:

UCLA offensive line has had makeover in two seasons

Cal athletes rank among lowest in Pac-12 graduation rates

Clippers’ Matt Barnes to practice, hopes to play against Kings