THE CAPTAIN’S BOW - JETER’S LAST SEASON

 

Picture taken by The NYY Writer

It was no shock, for me, to have heard Derek Jeter announcing his retirement after this one last season; however, I was shocked that he announced it before the season as opposed to the end.  He has continuously averted the spotlight from himself and solely concentrated on the bottom line of a win versus a loss.

By announcing his retirement prior to the first game of the season, it definitely draws more-than-usual personal attention directly to him.  His genuine love for his family, the NY Yankees, the game, and the fans may be the collective primary reasons why he’s chosen this early-announcement route:

- His father has stated to the media several times that he’s told Derek to enjoy the moments and the journey. 

- Derek continually spoke of his gratefulness for the Yankees’ organization, especially George.
- His respect for the game of baseball, no matter what team, has been portrayed with class throughout his career, even his respect for the Mets & Red Sox.
- Derek has an unbelievable genuine respect for the fans and we all feel it when we’re sitting there rooting for the Yankees.

Again, I believe these collective attributes of Derek contributed to his thought process.  Anybody who believes that Derek did this early announcement to get any accolades really hasn’t been watching the last 19 years of leadership and aura this “Captain” has demonstrated each day we’ve see him.

I will write another blog/article when his last season ends, along with the unbelievable numbers Derek has collected; but, like Mo, there’s a lot more to him than the baseball numbers we’re so accustomed to weighing.  For Derek, it’s never been about him, but for once, it really is.