Derek Jeter, whose final game at Yankee Stadium ended perfectly, plans to serve as the New York Yankees designated hitter at some point this weekend against the Boston Red Sox. Jeters decision to play rather than end his career with Thursdays walk-off heroics was centered on his respect for the Red Sox organization and its fans, according to the longtime Yankees shortstop. Its clear the admiration goes both ways. <\/p>\n
I think its perfect, Red Sox slugger David Ortiz said before Fridays game of Jeter ending his career in Boston. This rivalry is a rivalry that, what can I tell you? The fans are involved in it, but its not like the fans personally hated him. It was like, This is my team, that is yours. But everybody has much respect for Jeter. Everybody knows hes the face of baseball. Everybody would love to watch him play. <\/p>\n
Jeter, who broke into the majors in 1995, has spent his entire 20-year career in pinstripes, carving out a huge role in the storied Red Sox-Yankees rivalry. The future Hall of Famer earned five World Series rings, including four in his first five full seasons, and will hang up the cleats as one of the most respected players in Major League Baseball history. <\/p>\n
He did whatever it took. Thats why he has so many World Series rings, said Ortiz, who has captured three titles with Boston since joining the club before the 2003 season. Youre talking about a player thats hard to find and you dont see many Derek Jeters out there. <\/p>\n
There might never be another Jeter, and its largely because his contributions and his legacy extend well beyond the diamond. While his championship success, 14 All-Star selections and five Gold Glove Awards are impressive, his character and integrity are the real separators in todays world of professional sports. <\/p>\n
Hes a professional a guy that has had a heck of a career, Ortiz said. Very special guy that through the years, he taught all of us how to do the right thing. Were going to miss him. <\/p>\n
Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia shares many qualities with Jeter. Hes passionate, hard-working and considered by most to be one of baseballs good guys. But even Pedroia cant help but marvel at Jeters career. <\/p>\n
He competes. In big markets, there are things everybody gets caught up in. He cares about winning. Thats most important, Pedroia recently told WEEI.coms Rob Bradford. He puts the team in front of himself and tries to win games. It doesnt matter what numbers say or what anything says. Hes there for his teammates and trying to win games. Thats what I admire the most. <\/p>\n
Red Sox manager John Farrell was on the American League All-Star Game coaching staff in 2008, one year after Boston defeated the Colorado Rockies for the franchises second World Series title in four years. Farrell, who was Bostons pitching coach under manager Terry Francona at the time, spent several days among some of baseballs brightest stars. One player stood out. <\/p>\n
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David Ortiz, Red Sox Appreciative Of Derek Jeters Career With Yankees<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Derek Jeter, whose final game at Yankee Stadium ended perfectly, plans to serve as the New York Yankees designated hitter at some point this weekend against the Boston Red Sox. Jeters decision to play rather than end his career with Thursdays walk-off heroics was centered on his respect for the Red Sox organization and its fans, according to the longtime Yankees shortstop Continue reading