Another player... Another retiring. It happens all the time.
Actually, no. Not one like this. There has simply never been anything like it.
2,745 games played... And it all came down to this ONE.
3,461 hits... And it all came down to this LAST one.
And if you cried during this last game, trust me, you were not alone.
Derek Jeter represented what baseball has always been about. He represents what the entire world of sports is about. There is simply none like him and to call this era of Jeter beautiful would be an understatement.
May the legend live on forever.
It all started in 1992 when the New York Yankees decided to take the plunge and draft this young man, out of high school, number six in the first round. Jeter's Minor League career went from 1992-95 and his Major League Baseball debut came on the 29th of May in 1995. We must take a moment to give a special thanks to Joe Torre. He is the first one who gave Jeter a chance at the shortstop position. Newly hired in 1995, he insisted that Jeter take that Yankee duty.
Over the last 20 years, and what beautiful years those have been, Derek Jeter has become the Yankees all-time career leader in total hits (3,461), games played (2,744) stolen bases (358), and total at-bats (11,186). Given the Yankee franchise and what it means to the world of sports, it is legendary to take the top in such categories. A few of Jeter's honors include Rookie Of The Year, 14 All Star selections, five Gold Gloves and two Hank Aaron awards. Oh, and a minor five World Series championships. Yes, 'minor' was used in a sarcastic manor. There is absolutely nothing minor about this man's career.
With over 10k at-bats, Jeter hit 260 out of the park and ran 1,310 batters in... Yeah, we're going to come back to that.
His batting average is at a solid .309. A .351 batting average in the World Series. I guess that's why he has earned the nickname "Mr. November" for all of his post-season show-ups.
You all are aware of that rivalry, right? Do I even need to say it? The Yankees and Red Sox rivalry has, and will always be, one of the greatest in sports. Throughout the years of this respectable rivalry, Jeter has had the most games by a visitor at Fenway Park. Boston is where the Yankees are playing their last stretch of games for this 2014 season. Jeter may have sat out for tonight's game at Fenway, but no worries, he will be designated hitting on Saturday and Sunday 'out of respect.' It is safe to assume that if this last series would be against ANY other team, we would not be seeing Jeter. There's just something special about it.
We refer to Derek Jeter as 'Captain,' and rightfully so. He has been the Captain of the New York Yankees since 2003. What shoes that is to fill. Don't worry, Jeter, we can all attest that you did a bang-up job.
Thank you for a solid 20 years.
So, I ask the question, did you all catch the game last night? If not, I really don't know what to say to you, but you did miss one of the most monumental moments in sports. Ever. To those who did watch it, congratulations. You witnessed history and something that you will be telling your grandkids about. You know, exactly how your grandpa told you stories of Babe Ruth.
Let me give you a recap, if your social media timelines haven't already done so. Derek takes the field at Yankee Stadium for the last time, hold back the tears. Yankee Stadium begins the final roll call. "DER-EK JE-TER!" Home run from Nick Markakis. Eh, kind of awkward. Next batter up... Home run. No, I am not kidding. Fast forwarding to the top of the ninth inning, the score 5-2 Yankees. All eyes on Jeter thinking that the game is about over and so is his career at Yankee Stadium. Psych. Two-run home from Baltimore... And then another home run. TIE GAME. So, Jeter will be batting again. Remember when I told you we would be coming back to that whole RBI thing... Runner on base, Jeter up to bat. Tears are flowing. Chants are going. "THANK YOU, DEREK!" First pitch, fastball, Derek wasn't letting that one get away. Rips it right in to center field. Game over, Yankees win! Cheers roar. Teammates mob the field. *Close book*
You could not have written a better ending. Everyone dreams about going out of their career with one of the best moments as an athlete. Derek Jeter did just that. We shouldn't have been surprised; that was very Jeter-esque.
I mean, come on. What a capture.
For some us, watching Derek Jeter has been our childhood. I don't know about you, but it has been a privilege. He's a rare breed, I hope you embraced this era of sports as it has been a true blessing.
In a post-game interview Jeter stated that he heard the "THANK YOU, DEREK!" chants. He said, "I'm just thinking, 'for what?'" For giving SO much to those who love, not only the game of baseball, but sports. What sports bring, it's truly indescribable. Ever since he was a little guy, Jeter had said that he wanted to play shortstop for the New York Yankees. Well done, Derek. WELL done.
Joe Dimaggio said it perfectly, but let me tweek it... WE want to thank the Good Lord for making YOU a New York Yankee. I salute you.
#FarewellCaptain
This speaks volumes, doesn't it?
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