Dear Derek Sanderson Jeter,

You are one of the best baseball players Major League Baseball has ever seen. Your career was one that was so incredibly historic and it impacted so many lives. Throughout your 20 seasons playing for the New York Yankees, you played in 2,747 games. You went to the plate 11,195 times and acquired 3,465 hits, the sixth most of all time. You broke so many Yankees' records throughout your career in pinstripes, it's hard to keep track of all of them.

When you played your final game in pinstripes, I know that I cried. I cried because that would be the last time I would see my idol on the baseball field. You have done so much for Major League Baseball. Now, it is time that we thank you.

Thank you for being my hero and my inspiration throughout my entire life. I have watched you play baseball ever since I was a little kid and I have looked up to you as my idol. Thank you for teaching me to never give up on my dreams because if you work hard and give it everything you've got, you can accomplish anything. Thank you for teaching me what a leader is. Being the Captain of the New York Yankees, you showed class, poise and strength in your leadership role. You were honest, confident, creative and 100 percent committed to the New York Yankees.

Thank you for loving your fans as much as we love you. Thank you for teaching me that hard work pays off. If you can't get something the first time, then just try again. Thank you for teaching me how important it is to give back. Through your Turn 2 Foundation, you have given back to so many communities and people all across the nation. Service to my community and to others is one of my strongest passions because I love helping those who are in need.

Thank you for all the laughs and for all of the memories on the field. Even though I have never met you in person, I one day hope to meet the person that changed my life. I can never thank you enough for everything you have done for me. I will always look up to you, Derek Jeter.