Bobby Martinez – Sports Reporter
And there he goes.
Derek Jeter went out like a legend could only dream to go out like. Jeter, at the age of 40, did what he has been doing since 1995. The 14-time all-star, five time champion and five time gold glove winner, helped his team win his final home game off a game winning single.
Man on second base, Yankees and Orioles tied in the bottom of the ninth inning, it was up to Mr. Clutch in helping his team win the game. As Yankee fans chanted “Derek Jeter, Derek Jeter, Derek Jeter,” Jeter with his ritual foot drag in the batter’s box, hand in the air as his bat touches the plate, Jeter got into his stance.
Orioles pitcher Evan Meek, at first, gave up a leadoff single to Jose Pirela who was replaced by pinch runner, Antoan Richardson. Brett Gardner hit a sacrifice fly that moved Richardson into scoring position. Meek tossed a fastball right down the middle to Jeter where the captain roped a single into right field bringing home Richardson, ending the fairy tale night with the captains last game at home, a win.
Jeter said after the game, he will not play at shortstop in the Yankees final series against rival Boston Red Sox but will play at DH.
“I want to take something special from Yankee Stadium and the view from shortstop here tonight is what I want to take home,” he said. “ I’ve only played shortstop throughout my life and my entire career and the last time I want to play was tonight.”
Now that Jeter has retired, Yankee fans next question is: What now Brian Cashman?
Photo Credit: Keith Allison
