New York Yankees: The meaning of Jeter’s number retirement
The New York Yankees honored Derek Jeter last night by retiring his number. After a remarkable career, Jeter is now etched into Yankees history forever.
New York Yankees fans everywhere tuned in last night to watch a Yankee hero get enshrined into the team’s folklore forever.
Derek Jeter, “The Kalamazoo Kid”, “Mr. November”, and most of all, “The Captain” had his number retired in front of a capacity crowd.
The ceremony was a special moment for all Yankee fans, but specifically for my generation.
As Jeter unveiled his number two on the circular plaque in Monument Park, my childhood ended.
A childhood that watched more iconic moments than one kid can imagine. A childhood that saw a bevy of championships, and it all came to an end last night.
As Bob Shepard’s voice came over the PA, and Jeter gave his speech, a tear swelled in my eye.
The players of my youth, old and grey, looked on as the last of their generation officially was retired from the game.
It was beautiful, it was poetic, it was Derek.
Short and simple, yet something about so perfect, but you couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was. Every fan sees players come and go in their lifetime, but none will ever see what a man did for a city, like Jeter did for New York.
We can talk about his records, his titles, and his accomplishments, but that wouldn’t give him the respect he deserves.
Jeter played the game with passion, he played it with conviction, and most of all he played it with honor.
In a generation where it is so typical to take the easy road, Jeter never did, and that’s what made him a hero.
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One day when I’m old, I’ll take my children to Monument Park. They will look at the numbers and ask me, “Dad, who is Derek Jeter?”
I’ll have the privilege to say I watched him, I grew up with him, and he taught me how to win with pride. I’ll be able to say that there will never be another player like Derek Jeter, and that isn’t hyperbole, that is just a fact.
Thank you Derek, for making us believers. Thank you for being our Captain. Most of all, thank you for sharing your dream with the city of New York.