JETER IS A GREAT ROLE MODEL FIRST, A GREAT PLAYER NEXT

I don't want to give this much time because it doesn't take a brain surgeon to understand that what Keith Olbermann is doing is trying to insert himself in the Derek Jeter farewell tour. Mainly it's because he's irrelevant, and has been for years. This guy's managed to advertise that he's some type of baseball historian or something.  He's not. He's a cry baby who clearly doesn't have a grasp on his own career, and in turn, needs to rank on others to get ratings, reads, clicks, just so at the end of the night, he can look in the mirror and say, "Wow, I'm amazing." Well, I'm here to tell you he's not.  If you didn't know that before, you will after this post.

This was the beginning of Olbermann's commentary:

“Derek Jeter is not the greatest person in baseball history. He did not invent baseball.  He did not discover electricity. He is not the greatest shortstop who ever lived.”

This statement alone is ridiculous, not because it’s not true. Some of it is true, and some of it is opinion. It’s a statement that's obvious and silly. And yes, there was more, plenty more that Keith Olbermann offered in his commentary about Derek Jeter.  A commentary I will not post here at BYB, because it’s hate filled, tired and most of all desperate.

Olbermann offered nothing about Derek Jeter at all, and that’s because if he was truly a follower of the game, or even Derek Jeter for the past 20 years, he’d know that while Jeter was a great baseball player, he’s a better human being... a better role model.  Keith missed it. But of course he did. That’s because Olbermann never sees the big picture about anything. Just look at the goals he’s never reached in his own life. I've made my point... but I'll go on...

Look, Derek Jeter is considered the "Captain of Baseball" by many of the players that followed him in his career. Bryce Harper stated that a few weeks ago. But millions of baseball fans know what Derek Jeter truly represents;  It’s professionalism. It’s respect for one another.  It’s about team before an individual. It’s about family, pride and leading by example.  Sure, Jeet has played baseball for 20 years and broke many, many records. He’s conquered his profession and his achievements are many. But, as a fan like myself, I see the big picture.  Actually, we all see the big picture...

When we watch Jeter, we see what a role model really means.  I see it in my own sons, who not only want to “be like Derek” on the field, but also respecting their teammates.  They’ll give them an “Atta boy” or “Good job” at the appropriate time.  Then, afterwards, when home, they’ll clean their place from the kitchen table.  Maybe my older sons will help my younger sons get their pajamas on and ready for bed. Maybe it’s them studying alittle longer so they can try and ace the big test.  It’s hard work, it’s respect, it’s the kindness in Jeter we see. Again, Jeter was a great ballplayer, but a better human being and role model. Derek Jeter doesn’t only represent baseball, he represents life.  Keith Olbermann wouldn’t have a clue about that. That’s because Keith Olbermann is about himself.

In fact, it was crystal clear to me when Keithy-poo did his best “I know everything” and rattled off stats about how low Derek Jeter ranked in everything in Yankee history as well as baseball history. He mocked the Yankees and Jeter for the farewell tours that are happening over and over again. Keith suggested he didn't understand why no one else realized why the Yankees were doing it. But we do.  We, the fans, know it's about money.  And here’s the thing about honoring Jeter as much as we are; We really don’t care if it's about money and that the Yankees are cashing in on it. You’ll spend hundreds on #2 shirts and hats and socks.  He's a terrific role model, why wouldn't we?

We love what Derek Jeter represents.   We like seeing him out there.  We like when he walks up to the plate and taps the opposing catchers shin guard and says, “Go easy on me today.”  We like how opposing players, and guys like Jorge Posada calls Jeter #1 in baseball and a role model and “all around great guy.” That’s because he is. But it’s not just because of baseball… it’s because Jeter’s attributes can be used throughout anyone’s life. Role models are needed in this world today. Derek Jeter stands out more than the rest.  You know who doesn’t? Keith Olbermann.

 When I grew up, if there was ever a jealous kid trying to rub it in someone’s face, my parents told me to “steer clear” of that.  Normally I’d steer clear of Keith Olbermann, but we needed to make our voice heard heard today… not to defend Derek Jeter, we don’t. He stands on his own.  No… we just needed to make it clear and remind the haters of one important part of Olbermann’s ridiculous commentary that was ignored… Jeter isn’t the greatest baseball player ever.  We never thought he was, even though his stats are tremendously impressive.   No, it’s that working hard, believing in yourselves and leading my example means a helluva lot more these days.  We need it more than ever in life these days… and that’s what Derek Jeter represents.  That Keith, is why we fell in love with this man. You can't stat that.

Jeter is a breath of fresh air. He’s not a blowhard. He doesn’t walk around talking about how “great” he is.  We, the fans, do it for him and we honestly don’t need a blowhard with no ambition trying to prove us or him wrong.  In other words, Olbermann’s ridiculous.

Regardless of what the haters say, know this; Derek Jeter is one of the greatest role models in the modern era.  He learned from his parents and continues to impress us parents who appreciate and applaud what he’s done to help our kids be passionate about baseball and life.  

It’s an honor to see our kids wear #2 on the little league field, because he’s brought both joy of the game as well as a positive role model to our own families.  You know who will never understand that? People with no ambition. People with no drive.  People like Keith Olbermann.  Selfish. All about the numbers... and never about character.

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