By Kimaya Cole, Staff writer
Derek Jeter’s last home game of his career will always be one to remember. With a man on 2nd, the game tied, he came up to bat at the bottom of the 9th inning and hit a walk-off RBI single, beating the Baltimore Orioles 6-5. This sent the Yankee fans into a frenzy, chanting, “Thank you, Derek.” He could only react by holding back his tears and saying, “For what? I’m just trying to do my job.” With this fairytale ending there couldn’t have been any better way to celebrate “The Captain’s” stellar twenty season baseball career.
In his post-game interview, Derek Jeter revealed to the world that he is retiring not because he is physically unable, but because he feels it is the right time. Many are wondering how he will be remembered. He was a five time World Series champion, fourteen time All Star, a World Series MVP, and he won five Gold Gloves for being the best shortstop in league. He was a practically perfect role model and example for how all professional athletes should behave. In a sport known for arguing with the umpire, controversial calls, and players that don’t get along, Derek Jeter was not once thrown out of a game. He was never involved in any outside issues like drugs, violence, or disobeying the law. Especially during the steroid era, he stayed clean and stuck to his natural talent to help him play.
Derek Jeter is praised so often that everyone expects and assumes that he will be a first ballot hall of famer. Being the team captain for twelve years with a .310 batting average, 3,465 hits, and 11,195 at bats, he can easily walk away knowing he fulfilled his dream of being a great baseball player. His famous jersey, number 2, is the only single-digit number not retired by the Yankees. His manager, Joe Girardi, could only say about him, “It’s been a blessing. To manage a guy like that is what you want in every player.” Even though Derek Jeter’s career is coming to an end, he will always be remembered as one of the greatest Yankees of all time.
“There may be people who have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do — and I believe that.” – Derek Jeter