WHAT IS A LEADER?

noun

noun: leader; plural noun: leaders

 

1.

the person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country.

It's been several days since Derek Jeter's announcement about his retirement after the 2014 season. It was spine numbing news to hear. Not because it surprised me, but because we knew the day would finally come. One of the finest ambassadors to play this game and don the Yankees pinstripes will take his final bows this year. 

The dynasty of Jeter's 5 Yankees championships is now descending in the horizon. There are so many words that best fit Jeter when spoken about him. One of the first words is leader. It still sits at the top of the list. I looked up the meaning of the word "Leader". When Derek was named Captain of the New York Yankees back in 2003, it was the perfect fit.  There was no better person to give it to. He has fulfilled that role, and will be walking off as the longest tenured Captain since Roger Peckinpaugh who served 8 seasons back in 1914-1921.  

(In Photo: Roger Peckinpaugh)
Jeter represented and still represents the Yankees with nothing but the most earnest effort both on and off the field. Who else leads the charge from the Yankees dugout at the start of home games? 

That's right, it's DJ himself. He is there for players who need support. In 2009, he was there for Alex Rodriguez when he addressed the media about his use of banned substances during 2001-2003.  Why? Because that's what a leader does. He is there to provide moral support for his teammates, regardless of what the issue is. Who can forget his speech at the final game in 2008? 


Truly one of the finest moments to hear him speak and stand there in complete silence as we took in every word that night. For me, it was an epiphany. I have never been more proud to be a Yankee fan like I was that night. It was because of Derek. We need to consider ourselves truly fortunate to have witnessed not only one of baseball's greats to play at Yankees Stadium, but to witness a player who took charge of the players in the field and in the clubhouse and keep them rallied... no matter how tough the going was getting. 

Derek has truly exemplified what a captain is...it's never about himself.... it's always about his team first. We may never see the likes of it again in our lifetime, I believe that. 

Thank you for leading Yankees Universe Derek, you'll forever be my Captain.

-- Rudy Laurens, BYB Writer
Facebook: House of Champions
Twitter: @rlau75
 
 
 

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