This week marks the start of a fresh MLB season: the smell of fresh cut grass, sights of thousands entering various ballparks throughout the country, and a resounding echo of "Play ball!" in the air. Yet something is missing. Throughout my childhood, the chants of Derek Jeter ringing through Yankee stadium have been a fixture of the spring and summer months. Mr. November, the nickname given to him for his postseason heroics, won't be taking the diamond on April 6th as he decided to hang up the cleats after his final season. It truly won't be the same without the man formerly known as “The Captain" putting on the pinstripes anymore. As a kid from Connecticut, I grew up in the crossroads of the Yanks-Sox rivalry that has so much history I'd consider it in a rivalry unlike any other. From Ruth, to Teddy Williams, to Dimaggio, Gehrig, Pesky, Bill Buckner, to the Nomar and Jeter era, it's a rivalry in a class with Bears-Packers and Purdue-IU. Yet my allegiance was with the Yankees from birth, a tradition bestowed on me by my father and one that I take passionately. To me and the rest of the Yankee faithful, Jeter stands as a god amongst mere mortals.
Jeter has 5 golden glove and silver slugger awards, 13 time all-star appearances, and 3,316 hits to his name marking him 10th all time. When Derek Jeter has been healthy the Yankees have missed the playoffs only once and he's led them to the World Series 7 times, winning it 5. What makes Jeter all the more special is how he carries himself. With unparalleled class, Derek ran out to his familiar spot between second and third, which he made his home 180 games a year for 17 seasons. He found a way to be the face of the Yankee's so called “Evil Empire" which is hated by most fans out there while still being respected by players and fans alike. His meticulous preparation and discipline, letting his playing do the talking, all while staying out of the media's spotlight is frankly a lost art these days. On arguably the most famous team in all of sports, playing the most popularized position, Derek made a living dominating the game while simultaneously staying out of the tabloids.
The New York Yankees will indeed take the field on April 6th against the Toronto Blue Jays and a new era of Yankee baseball will be underway without the Captain. However, the legend of Derek Jeter will long live in the stadium in South Bronx.
