As one No. 2 puts the finishing touches on an illustrious career, another No. 2 will wrap up an eventful rookie campaign.
New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter will walk away from Major League Baseball after a 20-year career this weekend at Fenway Park. Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts, who grew up idolizing Jeter, will enjoy the scene from across the diamond, hoping for a chance to sit down with the Yankees legend.
“We’ll see what happens this weekend,” Bogaerts told the Boston Herald’s Scott Lauber on Tuesday of a potential sit-down with Jeter. “If I can make it happen, it’s definitely something I want to do. Hopefully, I’ll have that opportunity.”
Bogaerts, who dons No. 2 because of Jeter, has briefly chatted with his childhood hero during games, but that’s been the extent of their relationship. They have never met privately, according to Bogaerts, and this weekend could be a perfect opportunity for them to do so.
“I don’t know,” Bogaerts told Lauber with a laugh when asked what he’d say to Jeter. “If I have that chance, I’m sure I’ll definitely find some questions for him.”
While Bogaerts and Jeter are on opposite sides of the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry, this weekend could represent a passing of the torch. Jeter’s career is nearing its end, but the sky is the limit for Boston’s 21-year-old No. 2.
