BOSTON — As Derek Jeter prepared to take the field for the final time Sunday at Fenway Park, Red Sox manager John Farrell took some time to reflect on the legacy the future Hall of Famer will leave behind.
“I’m sure everyone at field level will probably look into some of the personal experiences they’ve had across the field — games played, certain situations that have emerged over a period of time,” Farrell said before Sunday’s game. “So, each will take away from their own experiences. But, when you consider a guy of (Jeter’s) caliber, the length of career in one uniform, it’s just pretty remarkable and very unique that Derek has not only had the success he has had, but when you think of 20 years in one uniform, I think we’ll be hard-pressed to see that happen again.”
Farrell said it will be as odd seeing a Yankees lineup without Jeter next season as it was seeing one without Mariano Rivera this year.
“When you look at that big four (Jeter, Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada), and now the final one is retiring, the game moves on,” he said. “I think that’s the thing that we take away from it. Regardless of how talented individuals are, the game doesn’t stop for anyone, and you hope to celebrate some of the experiences along the way with guys like Derek.”
Jeter had the chance to opt out of the season’s final series after smacking a walk-off single in his last game at Yankee Stadium. He chose to play in Boston, though, out of respect to the fans and the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry — a respect Farrell says is one of the shortstop’s defining qualities.
“It’s similar to the way we — or, at least, I — see him handle everything else that’s gone on in his career,” Farrell said. “It’s with respect to the game. It’s with a grace and dignity and integrity that probably is unmatched by others. And as I’ve said many times, he sets the bar by which I think every young player should look up to and aspire to be.”
