Future Hall of Famer Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees authored an incredible end to his 20-year run at Yankee Stadium on Thursday night, winning the game with a fitting, walk-off hit. The 14-time All-Star never played for any other Major League Baseball team and exits the stage as a bonafide Big Apple hero.
Send-off scenario
It was as sublime as it was storybook. Playing at Yankee Stadium for the final time, and with the score tied in the bottom of the ninth inning against the first-place Baltimore Orioles, Jeter delivered the game-winning single in a 6-5 win that sent the crowd and his teammates into a reverie. “Sort of an out-of-body experience,” Jeter said.
Brings down the house
Jeter announced months ago that he would retire at season’s end. Just in case anybody had forgotten the circumstances as he stepped to the plate in the ninth, the team broadcast outlet painted a crystalline picture. “Well, the script is there,” broadcaster Michael Kay told viewers as fans in the stadium chanted Jeter’s name. “The last page is in Derek’s hands.”
Captain delivers yet again
Jeter, the team captain, poked the ball through the right side of the infield to drive home the runner from second and was mobbed by Yankee players. “Derek Jeter, where fantasy becomes reality. Did you have any doubt?” Kay said as the crowd reached a delirium. See video clip below.
Taken by surprise
Jeter was met moments later by the surprise appearance of several notable former teammates, who each gave him a hug. The ex-Yankees on hand included stars Bernie Williams, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera, who along with Jeter, were rocks of the New York lineup for over a decade.
Overwhelming goodbye
Jeter has been saluted all season at various stadiums during his retirement tour, but this game touched his heart. He stopped to take deep breaths many times as the stadium applause washed over him. “I almost started crying driving here today,” Jeter said. “I think I’ve done a pretty good job of controlling my emotions throughout the course of my career. Today, I wasn’t able to do it.”
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