Confessions of a Derek Jeter fan

I n a season that had been largely forgettable to me as a Yankees fan, it is hard to forget the legacy of Derek Jeter.

Most players don’t realize that how they conduct themselves off the field is more important than what they do on the field. Treating others with dignity, respect and kindness matter, and doing it on a big stage where millions are watching makes it matter even more.

I have been a Yankees fan and a baseball fan for over 50 years, yet in spite of all the games and players I have watched, the most memorable thing to me is the love, admiration and respect the fans showered upon Derek Jeter. Not just Yankee fans — but fans of opposing teams, who under ordinary circumstances would be rooting against the Yankees — no one rooted against Derek Jeter.

Baseball is more than a game. That’s why even though his baseball career is over, he will now spend even more time with his Turn 2 Foundation, an organization that helps at risk youth turn their lives around.

I’m happy that as a family we were able to take our boys to see Derek Jeter play on several occasions, but even more grateful that they have come to know who he is and what he stands for as a person.

On Sept. 28 after his final game, I feel sad — not because the season is over, but because I don’t know when another player will come along who will be able to transcend the game the way he has. I will miss Derek Jeter, but I will always admire all that he stood for. Somehow I think he would want it that way for all of his fans.

Pastor Jeffrey Carney
First Presbyterian Church
South Amboy