The captain has returned, which is good for the Yanks.  But for baseball, it is even better.  Ratings are down, as is attendance, and the Yanks didn't have a face for the lovers and haters of the team to relate to or for those same people to go to the ballpark and see.  Now they do.See, fans relate to a team because of a player, a face of the franchise.  Ruth-Gehrig-Mantle-DiMaggio-Jeter for the Yanks.  Ernie Banks with the Cubs.  Stan Musial with the Cardinals.  Duke Snider with the Dodgers.  Cal Ripken Jr. with the Orioles.

Well, most people had no idea who they were watching this season with Jeter out.  Mariano Rivera doesn't get a guaranteed appearance as the team's closer.  Robinson Cano is a star but not a face.  CC Sabathia pitches every fifth day.

So now, Yankee fans can return to normalcy with Derek Jeter back, the 3,000-hit man and future Hall of Famer.

And when the Yanks are on the road, the fans will have someone to boo again, especially at Fenway Park.

Derek Jeter is what's right about baseball.  And certainly what is normal about it as well.

By:  Mike Lindsley, "Mid-Day with Mike, "M-F 1-4, Yankees pre/post game host on 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio.  Follow him on Twitter at Twitter.com/MikeLSports.

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