IS THIS THE BEGINNING OF THE END FOR OUR CAPTAIN?

On July 28th, Bob Sheppard voice played at Yankee stadium, followed by Eminem saying "People, it feels so good to be back." The batter takes a swing at the first pitch, and hit's a home run. The crowd is in an uproar and in awe. And just like that, Derek Jeter was back. We were happy again. The captain had returned to take control of the sinking ship. Only it didn't last, and a third trip to the DL would be in order for our fearless leader.

Sometimes, it's hard for us fans to face the truth, even when it is right in front of us. Mostly because we don't want to come to terms with it. But there comes point when you just have to admit to what we already know, even if we don't want to.

Jeter is a one of a kind player. There is quite a bit of hero envy where Jeter's concerned. He has always carried himself well, and has respected the game of baseball. There is no doubt in my mind that he is one of the greatest men to have played the game. He is a living legend. 

This is what the beginning of the end looks like. 

I think Suzie Pinstripe said it best when she wrote JETER'S EYES GIVE "IT" AWAY for Bleeding Yankee Blue back in June. She wrote, "Derek Jeter, our very own real life super hero, has fallen and he's not coming back. Perhaps, a new guy, the new Jeter, a more mature, more serious player who will be 39-years-old later this month will be back, but say goodbye to the man who player a passionate shortstop with quick hands and an equally quick throw. He was our lead off man, our go to guy but he will play a new role now and it will not be as starting shortstop for the New York Yankees." 

I'm not saying there is nothing left in the tank. He'll play a few more games at shortstop. But the days of the famous Jeter flip is nearly over. Sooner than we all expect, he'll be our DH. Jeter can absolutely still hit, but his ability to play defense is rapidly decreasing. 

Let's be realistic for a moment. A person's body starts to break down with age. And in the world of professional sports, being 39 qualifies you to receive your AARP benefits. The ankle break in October was a freak accident, the re-break was bad luck, and the quad, and calf strains are just down right frustrating. But you have to wonder how many more signs we will need before we realize that maybe, he can't be our starting short stop for much longer?

Jeter might have another season or two left in him, but the end is approaching. He's had a phenomenal career, and will always be remembered as one of the greatest to have worn pinstripes. But all good things must come to an end. While we have a few more moments left, it's hard to ignore what is right in front of us. So we don't discuss it, and we pretend that we don't know what is happening. But it's here, and finally... we're all seeing it.

Cherish every moment of the Captain, because he's a special player and we won't see the likes of him again for a long, long time after he retires. Most of all though, don't be down. Keep your head high because as a fan, we've witnessed greatness... and his name is Derek Jeter.

 
--Erica Morales BYB Senior Writer
Twitter: @e_morales1804


 

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