Derek Jeter will see his number officially retired this Sunday, while a new commercial envisions fans joining in the tradition. In the era of big money contracts and unfettered player movement, many baseball players do not stay in one place. Yet, when they do, legions of supporters will celebrate at every chance and lionize the athlete.
When that talent hangs up the cleats/shoes, the fan base gathers to celebrate the career and accomplishments. For those years, the fandom bonded with the player, cheering every win and commiserating together about losses. More often than not, players come and go. Yet, the ones that stay earn a special spot in team folklore.
Derek Jeter Enjoys Two Separate Jersey Retirements Thanks to New Ad
On Sunday, the New York Yankees legend will see his No. 2 retired to Monument Park when the Yankees and Mets renew annual hostilities. For 20 seasons and 2,747 games, Jeter wore a Yankee jersey. Teammates entered the clubhouse and departed with frequency, yet the one constant remained.
When Jeter won the starting job in 1996, the team began the march back to dominance. After enduring the entire decade of the 1980s without a World Series, owner George Steinbrenner pressed for change. That started when the franchise selected the thin infielder with the sixth pick of the 1992 MLB Draft.
In less than five years, he would become one of the faces of the sport. Playing in the largest market did not hurt, as the shortstop’s face became synonymous with the city.
Now, he gets to see his jersey resting among the immortals, those who left the game better than they found it, helping the Yankees reclaim former glory. Along those lines, Budweiser released this ad that shows New Yorkers uniting for a similar purpose.
After winning five World Series and five Silver Slugger awards, Jeter takes his rightful place. For the cornerstone franchise of baseball to be considered the best shortstop in team history speaks volumes. Jeter hit for solid power, but it was the ability to provide key hits that made him stand out. Hitting .308 in 158 postseason games provides proof that his regular-season approach translated.
Part of what made Jeter great is how he led the clubhouse. Never one to yell or scream, he spoke with clarity and purpose. The strong dislike of the Yankees franchise comes with a respect for their ability to win in every era, changing with the times, and dominating. With Jeter batting high in the order, teams knew that he’d find a way on.
What else do you call a player, according to Baseball Reference, who hits the ball to center or right field 78% of the time?
Like Mark Messier and Lawrence Taylor, Jeter represents the New York sports elite. Their play, like Ruth, Mantle, Dimaggio, Jackson, and Berra before them, will outlive all of us. Championships happened before him and will go on without him. However, when your presence leaves an indelible mark that extends beyond the five boroughs, you matter. With a tear in their collective eye, the fans will celebrate their captain one more time.