Derek Jeter honored in pre-game ceremony at Yankee Stadium
BRONX (WABC) -- The legendary career of New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter was celebrated Sunday in a ceremony at Yankee Stadium.
Family, former teammates and other guests took part in "Derek Jeter Day" before the game against the Kansas City Royals.
It's all part of a month-long celebration for the future Hall of Famer, who has announced he will be retiring after the season.
The shortstop was honored in a 45-minute ceremony that included appearances by NBA great Michael Jordan and baseball ironman Cal Ripken Jr.
Jeter spoke to fans for about 3 minutes. The Yankees didn't retire his number 2 or unveil a plaque in Monument Park, no doubt setting up a Derek Jeter Day 2 at some future time.
New York took a similar approach a half-century ago, holding a Mickey Mantle Day in September 1965 before his 2,000th game, then retiring his No. 7 in June 1969 after his playing days.
Speaking in front of the pitcher's mound at Yankee Stadium, he told fans "I want to thank you for helping me feel like a kid the last 20 years."
Jeter, now in his 20th season, has helped lead the Yankees to five World Series championships, been named a 14-time All-Star, and is sixth on the list for all-time hits.
(Some information from the Associated Press.)
