Derek Jeter Day

A beautiful day, an impressive ceremony and some impressive guests. Derek Jeter Day was held Sunday at Yankee Stadium. From Joe Torre to Michael Jordan and Cal Ripken, it was A-listers all the way. What else would you expect for the best shortshop in Yankee history -- the Captain of the dynasty that's included 5 World Series champions?
A beautiful day, an impressive ceremony and some impressive guests. Derek Jeter Day was held Sunday at Yankee Stadium. From Joe Torre to Michael Jordan and Cal Ripken, it was A-listers all the way. What else would you expect for the best shortshop in Yankee history -- the Captain of the dynasty that's included 5 World Series champions?
How many of the folks in the photo below can you name?
The present day Yankees paid attention -- and sported special patches on their uniforms and caps.
The visiting Royals were also watching intently.
In a speech that was typical Jeter, concise and measured, he began thanking George Steinbrenner "for giving me the opportunity to play my entire career for the only organization I ever wanted to play for." Friends, family and teammates were thanked without going into a laundry list of names. And he then addressed the fans: "You guys have all watched me grow up over the last 20 years; I’ve watched you, too. Some of you guys are getting old, too. But I want to thank you for helping me feel like a kid of the last 20 years. In my opinion, I’ve had the greatest job in the world. I’ve had the chance to be the shortstop for the New York Yankees – and there’s only one of those. I always felt as though my job was to try to provide joy and entertainment for you guys. But it can’t compare to what you’ve brought me, so for that, thank you very much." Then the shortstop who was always all-business on the field wrapped it up crisply, noting “We’ve got a game to play.”
The flags atop the Stadium were replaced by special ones bearing the Jeter 2 logo.
OK. Here are those baseball guests: Incoming commissioner Rob Manfred, Harold Reynolds, Reggie Jackson, Gene Monahan, Hideki Matsui, Joe Torre, David Cone, Bernie Williams, Paul O'Neill, Tino Martinez, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada, Tim Rains and Gerald Williams.

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