If you haven’t heard, some guy named Derek Jeter announced via Facebook that 2014 will be his last in Major League Baseball.
In the lengthy statement, Jeter explained why he is walking away from the game after what will be his 20th season. He has accomplished nearly every goal he set for himself in Baseball, including realizing his lifelong dream of playing shortstop for the New York Yankees. He said that last season’s injuries really took a toll on him and that he knew once baseball became “work,” that it was time to hang it up. Jeter thanked his teammates, coaches, family and friends. And then he thanked the fans:
“I also couldn’t have done it without the people of New York. NY fans have always pushed me to be my best. They have embraced me, loved me, respected me and have ALWAYS been there for me…”
And in the last paragraph of his statement, Derek revealed why he is announcing his retirement now instead of later. “I want to soak in every moment of every day this year, so I can remember it for the rest of my life…” Jeter said. He stood behind this statement in his press conference on Wednesday, adding that in the past he may not have stopped to enjoy the ride as much as he wished.
After seeing the fanfare Rivera received last year I was unsure if Jeter, when the time came, would announce his retirement in advance. Jeter’s whole career has been marked by unselfishness. Whether he went 0-for-4 or won the World Series he put the team first. But for the first time in his career Jeter is being a little selfish, and I for one, am perfectly OK with it.
If anyone deserves a year-long farewell tour it is Derek Jeter. For 20 years he has been the face of his sport, maintaining a spotless record in the biggest media market during the darkest and most scandalous era of Major League Baseball. Every superstar around him has a blemish of some sort: Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Mark McGwire – all, at one point in time, were just as popular as Derek but unable to maintain the same class, dignity, and respect Jeter has. In an era with the internet and social media, Derek has somehow managed to stay “clean” – not only as it relates to performance enhancing drugs but also social scandal.
The Derek Jeter criticizers say it is wrong to compare him to Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, and Mickey Mantle – guys who were larger than life figures. While I understand that Jeter does have the same statistical prowess and off-field status those Yankees did, you also have to realize that times are different now. Sports figures are not admired in the same way they were 50, 60, or even 100 years ago. With the media today, athletes and celebrities are more accessible than ever. There are thousands of media sources all reporting varying opinions, some positive and even more negative. Jeter has not had the same impact on the history of Baseball as Ruth did (who has?), but he did help progress the game. Jeter has been the captain (something Ruth, DiMaggio, and Mantle cannot claim) of the most successful sports franchise for two decades. He has led the Yankees to five World Series Championships and helped allow the Steinbrenner’s to build a new stadium. During his time Major League Baseball has had a more global presence than ever and he is helping fade the stain steroids have left on the game. He will transcend generations much like The Babe, Joltin’ Joe, and The Mick have – just give it time. In 30 years Jeter will be remembered for what he did on the field and what he didn’t do off the field, and that is something that most players today cannot say.
So when the Yankees play this season everyone around Baseball will stand and cheer for Derek Jeter. Not because the Yankees won or lost, or because he scored a run or got a hit, but because he has treated the game and its fans with utter respect and left an entire generation with a lifetime of Baseball memories. At least that is why I will be cheering.
