You could not write a script any better. Derek Jeter’s career was better than any movie. Prior to the 2014 season starting, Jeter made the announcement that this would be his last season as he Yankees shortstop. It was sad to hear that one of the all-time great Yankees was hanging up his cleats. The Yankees season was even sadder.
The Yankees had a tough season with injuries and were not in playoff contention. However, that could not take away the shine of the captain’s final season. There were gifts presented at every stadium and commercials made, including the R2SPECT campaign that had everyone tipping their cap for the captain.
Not to be outdone, Jeter’s greatest moment in his final season came during his final at-bat during his final game at Yankee Stadium. After the Baltimore Orioles had tied the game in the top of the ninth inning, Yankees designated hitter Jose Pirela hit a single to lead off the bottom of the ninth, who was then replaced by pinch runner Antoan Richardson. Brett Gardner bunted Pirela over to second base which brought Derek “Captain Clutch” Jeter. As you can imagine, Yankee Stadium roared as Jeter could play hero one final time, and that he did. You are lying if you said you didn’t tear up watching Jeter’s incredible career end in the most perfect way possible. Was it scripted? No, that is just the magic of Derek Jeter.
