Celebrating a Legend From the Stands

Yesterday afternoon was no ordinary day in the Bronx.

Fans lined up for blocks, waiting for hours to pour into Yankee Stadium to witness a ceremony unlike any other. It was Derek Jeter Day, as those in the stands could show their appreciation for one of the modern day legends of baseball.

The ceremony began with the voice of Yankees baseball, John Sterling, whose echoing and energetic tone filled the Stadium with anticipation. Jeter’s family was the first ones introduced by Sterling and YES broadcaster Michael Kay. They were presented with a roaring ovation from the fans; Jeter’s nephew Jalen stole the show by tipping his cap to the crowd.

Then it was time for teammates, coaches and trainers to take their stroll onto the field.  Yankee greats in attendance included Hideki Matsui, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, Joe Torre, Reggie Jackson, Mariano Rivera and so many more.   Then, to everyone’s surprise, we were later greeted by some of the greatest athletes to play professional sports, as Michael Jordan and Cal Ripken Jr. arrived up to show their support and admiration for Jeter.

Jeter was presented with a few gifts from the team as well, including a vacation to Tuscany, Italy, a frame containing all of the patches he wore at his 14 All-Star games, and the most amusing gift was a massage machine presented by head athletic trainer Steve Donahue.

Then it finally came time for the captain to take the mic and address those on hand.  Jeter’s speech was short and sweet, but powerful, meaningful, and lasting for those in attendance. The “DE-REK JE-TER” chant engulfed the stadium before the speech, and then Jeter started.  He thanked the Steinbrenner’s, his family, teammates and coaches, and then he addressed the fans.

I want to thank you guys [fans] for making me feel like a kid again, these last 20 years

Jeter said:

I’ve had the greatest job in the world.  I got a chance to be the shortstop for the New York Yankees.  And there’s only one of those.

 Jeter went on to close by embracing the fans once more, leaving perhaps the lasting quote from his speech, when he said, “I’ve loved what I’ve done, I love what I do, and more importantly I love doing it for you.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much.”

The ending of his speech was followed by a very long and loud Derek Jeter chant from the fans.  Perhaps the loudest I’ve ever heard in Yankee Stadium.

Afterwards, it was easy to tell that Jeter was focused on the game.  He was given one more salute as he entered the field from the dugout, his teammates let him run onto the field and take his position at shortstop and receive another ovation from the fans.

When the game started the bleacher creatures gave Jeter his long awaited roll call, and after that it was just a game.  Jeter fielded a groundball up the middle in the first and gunned down the runner to the delight of the crowd.  He then followed up the play in the field with the first hit of the game, by hitting a ball in the hole between shortstop and third base and legging it out for an infield single.

The Yankees went on to lose the game, 2-0, but to many fans, the game was an afterthought.  Everyone was here to see Derek Jeter.  And he gave us another memory we won’t soon forget.