On Sept. 25, Derek Jeter, New York Yankees shortstop, walked towards the dugout for his last time playing as a shortstop in the Bronx. Greeting his teammates with tears of joy (he played out his last three games as a hitter against the Boston Red Soxs at Fenway Park). His stellar performance against the Baltimore Orioles gave the Yankees his last game-winning hit with a 6-5 score. It was reported by USA Today Sports, Jeter said, “it was sort of an out of body experience,” which was how the crowd felt when this win came right after the Yankees missed the a 3-run lead.
Forty-year-old Jeter, was drafted by the Yankees in 1992. Yet it wasn’t until 1996 when he played his first full season, which scored the World Series, win against the Braves. He continued to earn the World Series title in 1998, 1999, and 2001 with the Yankees. Although, he’s received two Gold Glove Awards, he also stands out off the field. Awarding young teens entering high school with tools that will ensure they successfully finish high school and attend college through the Jeter’s Leaders program.
Through friends that were former ambassadors for Derek Jeter, I’ve seen the enthusiasm they had for the program, and its activities. It kept them positive about their future, and accelerated in the academics. It’s always a good day for the Bronx to be representing in a inspiring way. The borough is fortunate to have positive influencers give back to its young future leaders such as the Jeter's Leaders. While his picture hangs outside the Yankee Stadium as a legendary player his efforts still lives on. Jeter currently has 3,465 career hits, ranking him sixth all-time with a career .310 average.
