It's a strange feeling for a writer to be left speechless. We spend so much of our time being able to so eloquently put into words our innermost thoughts and feelings about things, moments... people. Feelings that could keep most completely speechless. Sometimes, believe it or not, I feel that way about Derek Jeter... after all, I'm a fan too.
I've thought back recently on the career of Derek Jeter. It is littered with so many wonderful moments, it seems nearly impossible to pick one that shines above all others. I think it is the collection of all these moments that make Jeter the icon we see him as. Two moments have been coming back to me more and more. Moments that are so minuscule, they may only be important to me.
Early in his career, and in a season when I was still too young to care too much about what was happening, Jeter struck out. It wasn't gracefully, either. It was obvious that he did something wrong by his reaction, and by Joe Torre's reaction. Torre, who usually was quite stone faced, was obviously annoyed by his young shortstop.
When Jeter made it to the dugout, where other players would pitch fits by themselves over their mistakes, Jeter sat next to Torre, and welcomed the reprimand. He took in what Torre told him, and made the adjustments he needed to make. He didn't expect to be forgiven, or for his mistake to be overlooked. He took the criticism, and worked to change.
When Jeter made it to the dugout, where other players would pitch fits by themselves over their mistakes, Jeter sat next to Torre, and welcomed the reprimand. He took in what Torre told him, and made the adjustments he needed to make. He didn't expect to be forgiven, or for his mistake to be overlooked. He took the criticism, and worked to change.
Everything since that moment has been a result of hard work. Jeter has literally put blood, sweat and tears into his career. Never satisfied with settling. The wins and losses were always part of the bigger picture. His ultimate goal was always the World Series.
The second moment was more recently. A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to sit behind the Yankees dugout. I was in awe, to say the least. But the thing that stayed with me the most was Jeter's presence on the field. When it came time for the team to get out there, he didn't yell "GO."
He became the complete embodiment of a leader and said "Let's Go," being the first one out onto the field every time!
He became the complete embodiment of a leader and said "Let's Go," being the first one out onto the field every time!
We live in a society where many have such a sense of entitlement, it's a little bit disheartening. It seems like the people who value hard work, and leadership are few and far in-between. Jeter has always been an incredible example of both those things. It's really simple for a guy like Jeter to coast. He's gained the popularity, and respect. Why not allow others to do for him?
Because that isn't who Jeter is! He's a running full on down the first baseline to beat the out kind of guy. He's an emerging from the tunnel first to set an example kind of guy. He's a dive into the stands, flip play home plate making, 3,000th hit record setting kind of guy.
Because that isn't who Jeter is! He's a running full on down the first baseline to beat the out kind of guy. He's an emerging from the tunnel first to set an example kind of guy. He's a dive into the stands, flip play home plate making, 3,000th hit record setting kind of guy.
Maybe my admiration for handwork, dedication and leadership is why I adore Jeter, or maybe it's because of Jeter that I value those things. I'm not entirely certain, and that is completely acceptable.
But I do know that Jeter is all the things I value. Not in the Yankee, but in the person.
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But I do know that Jeter is all the things I value. Not in the Yankee, but in the person.
You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in history. Now shop at the Bleeding Yankee Blue store! Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook!
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