Derek Jeter may be the captain of the New York Yankees, but he’s not the captain of baseball nor the captain of my Texas Rangers.
I know it’s too late, but can we please at least dab the slobbering over the retiring shortstop?
I’m not saying he’s not a great player or a class act. What I am saying is that it’s offensive for fans of other teams to be subjected to this grandiose feting of Yankees’ players in consecutive All-Star Games. Last year it was Mariano Rivera. Last night it was Jeter, given standing ovations and curtain calls and even a couple very hittable “pipe shots” by Cardinals’ pitcher Adam Wainwright in the 1st inning.
It was Jeter’s 14th and final All-Star appearance and it was cool – I guess? – that he became the oldest player (40) to get multiple hits in the mid-summer classic. But I hate the Yankees. Therefore, I don’t like their captain. And I’m uncomfortable with being forced to stand and salute a player that’s helped beat the Rangers’ brains in (except for 2010) for 20 years.
Chances that NBA cities orchestrate a "farewell tour" for the Mavs' Dirk Nowitzki in a couple years: Zee. Row.
If I want to appreciate Jeter, I can go to Cooperstown one day and kneel at his bust.
But I know I’m in the minority. Appreciate what you got before it’s gone and yadda, yadda and more yadda. I won’t be at Globe Life Park when Jeter comes through Arlington for the final time July 28-30, because I’m certain the Rangers will lay a disgusting bouquet of Texas-themed gifts at his feet. He was a good player for a long time that helped the richest franchise in baseball win in New York so, yeah, let’s give him the keys to Southfork!
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Or maybe – as they inexplicably did for Cal Ripken, Jr. in 2001 – the Rangers will retire another locker in the visitor’s clubhouse.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
