Derek Jeter

There are a lot of overused phrases and clichés in sports. "Great" is one of them.  But when the word "great" is used in reference to Derek Jeter, the word is used correctly.  Jeter, the classy captain of the New York Yankees, who announced his retirement prior to the start of the season, played in his final All-Star game on Tuesday.  I'm not going to bore you with stats and numbers.  I am going to tell you that Derek Jeter has represented himself, his team and his sport as well as anyone has in recent memory.  When you consider he has been the face of the highest profile team in American sports for two decades, in the era of steroids, social media and gotcha journalism, and his reputation is spotless…it's amazing.  No one, not rival Red Sox fans…no one has a bad word to say about him.  He's been a part of five World Series championship teams, he's at the top of the Yankees all-time hit lists and while we don't really know any of these guys, he seems like a good guy.  I've heard an argument this past week resurface; is Jeter great or is he clutch?  It is ridiculous.  He is great AND he is clutch.  He is as clutch as any player in recent memory…..AND he is great. Twenty years with one team..as the face of that team.  He is a dying breed and a class act.  I hope you enjoy the last few weeks of a true legend's great career.