The Publish talked with a number of outstanding figures from Derek Jeter’s baseball profession to ship birthday messages as he’s set to show 50 on Wednesday.
Kevin Burkhardt, Jeter’s broadcast companion on Fox
Derek is so many issues to so many individuals, however to me he’s the personification of sophistication. He is likely one of the most down-to-earth individuals I’ve ever hung out with, he simply occurs to be one of many biggest gamers of all time. Welcome to the 5-0 membership Captain!
Michael Kay, Yankees broadcaster
Hey Derek, Glad fiftieth. I can’t imagine you might be at this milestone birthday as I’ll at all times keep in mind you as {the teenager}, recent off being the sixth choose within the draft, that got here into the Yankee radio sales space to speak with me and John Sterling.
After that interview, I went all the way down to the Yankee clubhouse following the sport and requested Buck Showalter what he considered the brand new child. His reply, all these years later, nonetheless resonates with me and is relevant in 2024. Buck stated, “Effectively, we all know he can play, however I’ll let you know this, so long as he’s a Yankee, he won’t ever embarrass the group and can at all times do and say the best factor.” I requested Showalter how he would know that and he rapidly stated, “I met his mother and father. That’s at all times the inform. They raised him the best method to be respectful of others and he won’t ever do the mistaken factor due to that.”
And Buck was proper.
As I instructed you the day the Yankees retired your quantity, thanks for letting me piggyback in your greatness. For some unusual cause, in my 10 years on the radio, regardless of solely doing three innings of play by play every sport, I gave the impression to be on the mic for many of your massive moments (I’m positive to the dismay of Sterls!) I acquired to name Mr. November and the flip play in Oakland.
After which after I acquired to the TV aspect, I used to be in a position to doc your final hit on the Stadium, your final hit in Boston and, in fact, your excellent Jeter second, your 3,000th hit.
So thanks for letting my voice be linked to a lot of your biggest hits. It was and is an honor and a privilege to be related to you even on this small method, including a soundtrack to your profession.
Even on the age of fifty, your life has made historical past with an exclamation level!
Glad birthday!
Alex Rodriguez, Jeter’s broadcast companion on Fox and former teammate
Derek, the place has the time gone?
I keep in mind after we had been youngsters simply hoping to make it to the massive leagues.
So grateful for our friendship that has spanned over 30 years and much more fortunate to name you a teammate as soon as once more, this time at Fox Sports activities.
Glad fiftieth Birthday my pal.
Hal Steinbrenner, Yankees managing companion
Congratulations in your fiftieth, Derek. Thanks for the management you exhibited all through your unbelievable profession in pinstripes, and on your many contributions to this group. I hope you and your loved ones take pleasure in this massive day!
Joe Girardi, former teammate and supervisor
I might inform him, ‘The sport nonetheless wants you. Make sure that your voice is someplace.’ He’s incredible as a broadcaster, so whether or not it’s as that or as an proprietor or no matter he needs to do, I do know your loved ones wants you, too, however maintain your fingerprints on the sport. He’s carried out all of it and I nonetheless assume he can throughout the sport: He might run the sport, handle a membership or run a staff. No matter he needs to do.
Aaron Boone, Yankees supervisor and Jeter teammate in 2003
His confidence — that’s what actually stood out to me. He was actually, actually assured, particularly within the greatest moments. He simply had a presence to him. One other factor that stood out was if he was main off and he’d make an out or one thing, he’d come again to the dugout and also you’d ask him concerning the pitcher, what’s this man acquired? Each time, he’d be like, ‘This man freaking sucks!’ He would at all times say that.
The opposite factor, which is a well-known quote he stated to me a pair instances, he goes, ‘Now and again the ghosts present up throughout the common season, however they undoubtedly present up in October,’ speaking about Yankee Stadium.
Once I acquired traded over, clearly knew he was a great participant. I got here away saying he’s higher than I even anticipated. However his confidence that he performed the sport with was particular.
David Cone, former teammate
My message to him could be ‘Thanks.’ He confirmed up and we took off. He was the lacking piece to us profitable 4 championships in 5 years. He was in the course of all of it and none of us could be the place we’re with out him.
He was so polished, even when he first got here to the massive leagues in ’95 when Tony Fernandez was out. We acquired a glimpse then after which from the primary day of ’96 on, he by no means missed a beat. Now, I believe he’s sort of discovering his method once more within the sport. I do know he wished to be an proprietor and it didn’t work out in Miami, however hopefully he finds a task within the sport, whether or not it’s broadcasting or anything.
David Ortiz, former rival and present broadcast companion on Fox
My brother turning 50 … Wow! Glad birthday, brother. Thanks for being so humble, and I actually admire your friendship. Get pleasure from your time with your loved ones and glad birthday, my brother.
