New York Yankees: Thank you for everything, Mr. Jeter

New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter will have his number retired this Sunday. Jeter will forever go down as one of the best to dawn the pinstripes.

Respect. A two syllable word, simple, yet it means so much more to the fans of the New York Yankees.

For the majority of my young life few things have been a guarantee, but for my first 18 years, one thing was for certain. Every Yankee game, the man wearing number two would take the field at short stop.

Derek Jeter, a name synonymous with success, will finally put the cap on what was a legendary career this Sunday. Jeter will have his number retired prior to Sunday’s game against the Astros, but nothing can ever encompass what he did for the fans of New York.

Regardless of your age or gender, Jeter made a dreamer out of each and every one of us Yankees fans.

Quite simply put, he made us believe.

He made us believe in the magic of chasing a dream, and for that, we are forever thankful.

Jeter grew up a Yankee fan, was drafted a Yankee, and became one of the best players in the history of the storied franchise.

A Hollywood writer couldn’t script a story any better. Jeter’s career was nothing short of a symphony. Moments like “The Flip” against Oakland, and “The Dive” against the Red Sox are etched into the minds of Yankee fans, and it all ended in the crescendo of his game winning hit against the Orioles.

There have been 15 captains in New York Yankees history, but Jeter was our captain. He was the fan’s captain.

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For 18 seasons we were lucky enough to witness greatness. Greatness that proved that New York is the greatest city in the world.

To the Captain. We won with you, and we lost with you. We relished in your triumphs, and cried with you in defeat, but most of all we lived the dream with you Derek.

You deserve this honor of having your number retired. Thank you for making us believe, and thank you for being our captain.