Jeter’s Retirement Presser

Feb 19, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees infielder Derek Jeter (2) speaks to the media during an media availability at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Derek Jeter fielded questions from the media for about half an hour Wednesday, regarding his post on Facebook last week, in which he revealed his intentions to retire following the upcoming season. In truth, not much more was said by Jeter, than what he had written in his post. He gave his reason for retiring in four short words: “The time is now.” He also reiterated that this decision had absolutely nothing to do with his health, stating that his body “felt great,” and that his ankle “was back to 100 percent healthy by the end of last year.”

He explained that he wanted to do other things in life besides playing baseball, such as settling down and starting a family. “I don’t know how you guys do it,” Jeter (referring to the ability to play baseball and maintaining a family) remarked to his teammates, who were all standing in a corner of the room.”As much as I would like to, you can’t do this forever,” he said.

Jeter also at one point showed the humility that we’ve all come to know and love, telling his teammates “If you guys have work to do, go do it. You don’t have to stay here for me.” Of course, no one budged. Derek remarked that he didn’t want this season to be all about him, that he wanted it to be about the team, and their quest to win another championship. He also provided moments of sarcasm. At one point when asked whether he could see himself in the future being a guest instructor at training camp, Jeter responded with a smile “Can I see myself? No, I can’t.” Jeter also noticeably showed a lot less emotion than Mariano Rivera did at his retirement presser, one year ago. He acknowledged that he makes an effort not to show his emotions, but he did say, “Yeah, I have feelings. I’m not emotionally stunted.”

When asked what advice he would give to his younger teammates, Jeter said, “Enjoy it. It goes by quickly. You almost blink and it’s 20 years later.” Jeter shot down the suggestion that he might reconsider his decision if he has another year like 2012, when he batted .316, lead the league with 216 hits, and belted 15 homers. “No, the time is now,” he said. “It’s not wait-and-see if I have a good year. I plan on having a good year.” When asked if there was any definitive moment in his career that stood out to him, Jeter replied “Every win.” Asked how he would like to be remembered, Jeter said, “Just being remembered as a Yankee. Being a Yankee is good enough for me.” Classic Jeter.

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