Derek Jeter Turns 40
By Jason Evans
Jun 24, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees shortstop
Derek Jeter(2) at batting practice before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
That was a weird headline to write. I guess because when he made his major league debut I was eight years old. Maybe it’s because I remember this in his first season:
Maybe it’s because I remember jumping out of my chair in the living room when this happened:
Or maybe because this was just full of awesomeness:
Anyway, Derek Jeter turns the big 4-0 today, and as you can guess, it’s a little unusual having a 40-year-old shortstop. But it’s more than that.
At best, we only have four more months of watching one of the greatest Yankees of all time, He’s the last link to the generation of the dynasty years with guys like Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada. He may be one of the last guys ever to play his entire career with just one squad.
The exit of Jeter sets into motion a big transition without answers, as to who the face of the franchise will be next year. Can it be Masahiro Tanaka in just his second season? Is it Jacoby Ellsbury? Alex Rodriguez? (just kidding)
Jeter’s not having the best of years (just a .267 average) but at 40 years of age, he isn’t exactly falling on his face either. We knew he didn’t want to go out on a bad note because of injury.
Every Yankee fan has their favorite moment of his, but for now let’s all sit back and enjoy the final ride.
Happy Birthday Derek!