Yankees Honor Derek Jeter, Fall to Kansas City Royals - East Idaho News
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Yankees Honor Derek Jeter, Fall to Kansas City Royals

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Thinkstock 090714 YankeeStadium?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1410137582707iStock Editorial/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — The Yankees held Derek Jeter Day on Sunday, honoring their retiring shortstop for his contribution to the team’s success over the last 20 years, with star athletes ranging from Michael Jordan to Cal Ripken Jr. in attendance.

Jeter announced before the season that 2014 would be his last year in baseball. On Sunday, the Yankees honored the star with a 45-minute ceremony featuring many of his former teammates, as well as video messages from athletes, celebrities and astronauts.

In a pregame speech, Jeter said that he felt his was, “the greatest job in the world.” He noted that he, “got a chance to be the shortstop of the New York Yankees. And there’s only one of those.”

Basketball star Michael Jordan called Jeter “a complete champion” and an “idol,” in praising the Yankee captain’s career. “He’s a very classy guy, very straightforward, very friendly. I don’t think anyone could say one bad thing about Derek,” Jordan said.

Former Yankee outfielder Dave Winfield said that the team was “blessed” to have drafted Jeter, and that the star was equally blessed to have ended up in New York. “He is going to leave a legacy that every other athlete is going to try to emulate,” Winfield said.

Still, the visiting Kansas City Royals spoiled the fun by defeating the Yankees 2-0. The shortstop went one for three with a walk in the losing effort.


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