BOSTON — Derek Jeter’s final hours engulfed everyone.
While neither the Boston Red Sox nor the New York Yankees will play into October, there was distinct buzz in the air Sunday at Fenway Park. Jeter, a symbol of both professionalism and success, retired after 20 incredible seasons with the Yankees, leaving behind a legacy that might go matched this generation.
At roughly 10:50 a.m., Jeter entered the Yankees’ clubhouse. Red Sox manager John Farrell spoke approximately 10 minutes later, praising the longtime Yankees shortstop for setting the bar for current and future major leaguers.
At approximately 11:45 a.m., Jeter emerged from the Yankees’ dugout for batting practice. It was a sight unlike any other, with the Fenway fans cheering Jeter’s every move. The 40-year-old exuded confidence, enthusiasm and a sense he was at peace with his decision to walk away.
Shortly after 1 p.m., Jeter again emerged from the dugout. This time, he trotted out alone in front of a packed house, stopping at shortstop to tip his cap to the raucous crowd. The Red Sox honored Jeter with a pregame ceremony featuring a handful of Boston sports legends. Pete Frates, a former Boston College baseball captain and ALS fighter who inspired the well-known “Ice Bucket Challenge,” met with Jeter in one of the celebration’s most touching moments.
At 1:42 p.m., Jeter stepped into the box for the first time. Any at-bat, in theory, could have been Jeter’s last, as Yankees manager Joe Girardi left the ball in his court. Red Sox shortstop Jemile Weeks — starting in place of Xander Bogaerts, who participated in the pregame ceremony and idolized Jeter growing up — prolonged the future Hall of Famer’s afternoon by catching a sizzling line drive on the lip of the outfield grass.
At 2:25 p.m., Jeter stepped into an MLB batter’s box for the final time. He hit Clay Buchholz’s 1-2 offering to the left side. It was a sky-high chopper that rookie third baseman Garin Cecchini couldn’t handle, resulting in an infield RBI single and Jeter’s departure.
The lovefest continued throughout the afternoon, with Red Sox fans and Yankees fans, alike, chanting, “De-rek Je-ter! De-rek Je-ter!” And at 4:53 p.m. on Sept. 28, 2014, an era ended.
Jeter’s career touched the lives of nearly everyone on the field — and in the stands, for that matter — in some manner. Those who were in some way connected to his final moments at Fenway Park couldn’t help but marvel at the honor after the game.
Here’s their recount, their thoughts and their words on having a front-row seat for Jeter’s finale.
Clay Buchholz, the last pitcher Jeter ever faced
“That’s definitely somebody that I idolized growing up, being a shortstop. I watched him and watched how he played the game. To be the last guy that faced him in his career, it’s pretty cool.”
On shaking Jeter’s hand: “He wished me good health and good luck for the rest of my career and have a long career. … He definitely didn’t have to do that. He went out of his way. He’s just a class act.”
David Ross, the catcher who witnessed history up close and personal
“It was awesome, other than wanting to win. There was a lot going on and what a beautiful day, just environment wise. Sold-out crowd and being able to play in a game like that where Derek Jeter, a guy that’s an icon in our game and you have a lot of respect for, it’s a treat for me.”
On his conversation before Jeter’s first at-bat: “I asked him how many (at-bats) he was getting. I was making sure he was going to get his ovation, whether he got out or not, so I didn’t know how many. He’s like, ‘I don’t know, maybe two.’ And I’m like, ‘All right, man. It’s been an honor and good luck.’ And he wished me luck and tapped me on the shin guard like he always does and went about his business.
“What a true pro. I’m happy he went out the way he’s been able to go out and give me an opportunity to play that last game and him to have the respect for the game to play here in Boston. He could have went out in New York and really went out on a high note, but he gave the respect to these fans and this organization and made it a treat for me to be able to catch that last game. That was special.”
Jemile Weeks, the man who extended Jeter’s finale an extra two innings
“I caught his line drive and the fans booed me. I was like, ‘What? I’ve got to catch it. You know what I mean?’ I got booed, which was fun at the same time.”
“The guys in the other dugout were like, ‘Get out of the way’ or whatever, because I guess after his first hit he was going to go ahead and leave the game or whatever. I messed that up a little bit, but he still did it. It’s OK.”
“I wanted the fans to enjoy the game. If he leaves the game, then everyone starts twiddling their fingers and stuff. So I was helping out everybody.”
Garin Cecchini, the young third baseman whom Jeter targeted in his final at-bat
“He just tipped his cap. I told him when I shook his hand and we were all out there, I told him, ‘Congrats, and thanks for being such a great role model to us.’ I think that’s the highest compliment anyone can give. That was my favorite player, if not everyone’s favorite player, growing up. To be on the same field and to have history like that, that’s pretty cool.”
On the final play: “Obviously I was trying to make the play. But I don’t even know if I make the play if I could get him. I think he was already down the line. The ball was too high. … He runs really well.”
Xander Bogaerts, the 21-year-old Red Sox shortstop looking to carry his idol’s torch
“The Red Sox really know how to put together a great ceremony, just like the ring ceremony earlier this season. Special moment, special day. The years pass by so quick.”
On being in the ceremony: “It was pretty nice. I got a chance to hold the “Respect” sign next to him. I couldn’t ask for anything more than that.”
On Jeter’s advice: “He also told me to stay healthy, so that’s what I kind of take from him a lot. He’s been so great for so long, obviously health-wise also. Just try to stay healthy, and good things can happen once you’re healthy and once you’re on the field.”
