Jeter Satisfied With Spring Session

Mar 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter (2) laughs with a teammate before the start of the spring training exhibition game against the Miami Marlins at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

At the conclusion of his final spring training as an active player, Derek Jeter was happy to be able to accomplish everything he had set out to do entering his 20th and final season in pinstripes. Last season, he missed all but 17 games while trying to force his way back from not one, but two ankle surgeries that helped contribute to the nightmare of a 2013 that the Yankees franchise suffered. It culminated with their missing the postseason for only the second time since 1995, which just happens to be the year that Jeter debuted with the Yankees.

Jeter finished his final spring training hitting a lowly .137 (7-for-51), but was able to run pain-free, field his position with ease, and know the next day he could wake up and do the same thing all over again. The soon-to-be 40-year-old shortstop will have an early test of his fitness, as the Yankees play 13 straight games without a day off, though manager Joe Girardi stated he highly doubts that any of his stars play in all 13 contests.

As Jeter prepared to leave George M. Steinbrenner Field for the last time to hop a plane en route to Houston for Opening Day, he recalled his former ritual of visiting “The Boss” prior to departing Tampa each spring:

"I did it to be respectful, initially, and then it grew into more of a routine…It’s just something I always did…He’d wish me luck for the season, and [tell me to] make sure you keep the guys focused."

These conversations began prior to Steinbrenner naming Jeter the Captain of his franchise at the beginning of the 2003 season. Jeter added “I miss those times.”

Jeter is looking forward to the start of what will be his final regular season: “I don’t want to say getting it over with, but getting into the flow of the season – I’m looking forward to that.”