Photo Credit: Yankees official Instagram (@ Yankees)
by: Dana P. (E.I.C.)
A star studded event it was, indeed. On Sunday September 7th, 2014, Yankee Stadium held a pregame ceremony for the captain, dedicating the day to him for "Derek Jeter Day."
Derek Jeter was joined by his entire family; both his actual family, and his Yankee family. He was also joined by some of his closest friends, as the ceremony took place prior to the game, with everyone in attendance from his parents, to his former teammates, taking the field to show their #Re2pect to the captain. Some of Jeters former teammates included; David Cone, Tino Martinez, Paul O'Neill, Bernie Williams, Hideki Matsui, Mariano and Jorge Posada. Bernie, Mariano, Jorgie, and of course Matsui, seemed to have gotten the biggest ovations, before the man of the hour himself, Derek Jeter took over the field.
Also at the ceremony were Joe Torre, Reggie Jackson, Tim Raines, Gerald Williams, Gene Monahan, Harold Reynolds and commissioner-elect Rob Manfred.
But here's the big question; where was Andy Pettitte? Did anyone else notice this, as he was the ONLY Core Four member missing from Derek's big day?
Other "surprise appearances" included another all time great major league shortstop, Cal Ripken Jr., as well as one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history; 6 time NBA champion, 5 time MVP, 14 time All Star, 3 time All Star MVP, & Olympic Gold Medalist, number 23, Michael Jordan!
After acknowledging every person on the field individually from his close friends, to his family and former teammates, Derek took the mic for a short speech, because well, " We got a game to play," said the Captain before handing the mic back over to take the field for their 1:05pm game.
“In my opinion, I’ve had the greatest job in the world; I’ve had the chance to be the shortstop for the New York Yankees — and there’s only one of those,” Jeter said. “I always felt as though my job was to try to provide joy and entertainment for you guys. But it can’t compare to what you’ve brought me, so for that, thank you very much.”
“I think my hand was shaking a little bit,” Jeter said. “I wanted to take this opportunity to thank them. The fans are the ones that made this fun. It’s been an extremely fun 20 seasons. When you’re out there playing, you’re out there trying to do your best. You’re playing as hard as you can and you’re doing it for the fans.” Jeter said.
The Yankees were very generous with gifts to their current shortstop. A 10 day trip to Tuscany Italy, and a donation to Derek's Turn 2 Foundation, with a HUGE check in the amount of $222,222.22, were given to the Captain as well.
Derek Jeter took the field solo at the top of the 1st inning of his game against the Kansas City Royals. His current teammates stood in the dugout, while Jeter unexpectedly ran on the field to take shortstop, as they wanted him to get one last ovation on his big day.
“My first thought was that I had run out there too early,” Jeter said. “I appreciate my teammates doing that for me.” Jeter said in his post game interview.
Incase you missed Derek Jeter Day, footage of the ceremony can be seen here as well as some post game interviews with Derek, his former teammates, and close friends here.
