Derek Jeter isn’t dead, but part of his retirement party will include an honor usually saved for the deceased.
The New York Yankees announced Tuesday that they will wear a patch on their jerseys and hats commemorating the All-Star shortstop’s final season. The patch will be worn for the final 22 games of the regular season beginning Sunday. The Yankees also will celebrate Derek Jeter Day on Sunday — three weeks before the season ends.
[tweet https://twitter.com/Yankees/status/506922298410954752 align=’center’]
It’s unclear whether the Yankees will continue wearing the patches in the playoffs, but that bridge hasn’t even been built yet, let alone crossed, with New York fading fast from contention.
The jersey patches usually are used to remember players, coaches, owners, etc. after they pass away, but honoring the living like this isn’t anything new for the Yankees. The team wore a patch honoring closer Mariano Rivera in his final season last year, too.
