As a born and raised Yankees fan, there was no doubt I followed Derek Jeter's career up until his retirement in 2014. Just this past week, they announced his number 2 will be retired. With this, all single-digit Yankee numbers will be retired, and that's a pretty big deal. I believe he is one of the most influential figures in baseball.
You may remember a Nike commercial which aired during the 2014 All-Star Game entitled, "Re2pect." The ad showed several fans and players, including the Red Sox, tipping their caps as he comes up to bat. Let's face it, you have to have a huge impact to do that.
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Over 3,300 hits. 5 World Series. More than 2,700 games. He's able to make his most important milestones unbelievable. His 3,000th hit was a home run. His last at-bat ever won the game. But there's something even more incredible than all of his accomplishments combined.
It's his ability to inspire everyone to follow their dreams.
He said himself that he wanted to play for the Yankees after seeing them as a little kid. And he has absolutely no regrets. This proves that you can do anything you set your mind to. He has inspired us to become all we can be. You have to get out there and make your dream a reality.
It was fun watching you, Captain. I can't imagine what the Yankees or the MLB would be like if you hadn't played.
