End of an era as Derek Jeter announces retirement
Yankees star to quit at end of season
New York Yankees star Derek Jeter’s announcement on Wednesday that this would be his final Major League Baseball season had leaders of the team and sport mourning a legend’s farewell.
The 39-year-old shortstop posted a message on his Facebook account detailing the reasons for stepping aside at the end of the 2014 campaign, ending a two-decade career that has seen him win five World Series crowns.
“In the 21-plus years in which I have served as commissioner, Major League Baseball has had no finer ambassador than Derek Jeter,” major league commissioner Bud Selig said.
“Since his championship rookie season of 1996, Derek has represented all the best of the national pastime on and off the field. He is one of the most accomplished and memorable players of his – or any – era.”
Jeter became a fan favourite quickly in New York, his selfless attitude and success proving an irresistible combination.
When the late Yankee Stadium announcer Bob Sheppard retired after 56 years in the post, Jeter asked him to record Jeter’s introduction, which is still used every time Jeter comes to the plate.
“Derek is the kind of person that generations have emulated proudly and he remains an exemplary face of our sport,” Selig said. “Major League Baseball looks forward to celebrating his remarkable career throughout the 2014 season.”