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Derek Jeter, Joe Namath bond at New York Yankees spring training game (Photo)

By Patrick Schmidt

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Mar 3, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Former New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath throws out the first pitch before the spring training exhibition game between the New York Yankees and Washington Nationals at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Former New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath throws out the first pitch before the spring training exhibition game between the New York Yankees and Washington Nationals at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports /

Two of the most iconic New York sports figures crossed paths today when Hall of Fame New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath threw out the first pitch to Derek Jeter at the New York Yankees spring training game in Tampa, Fla. this afternoon.

Jeter had only met Namath once before today and it was brief, but what made Namath so special is also what has made Jeter one of the best to ever play shortstop and that’s the confidence that exudes from the Yankees captain.

"“I didn’t watch him play football because I’m too young, but I’ve admired his confidence, the confidence he played with,” . “It’s one of the perks you get playing here; you get to meet a lot of special people over the years.” Jeter tells Bryan Hoch"

Could you imagine if the quarterback who guaranteed the Jets would beat the heavily-favored Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III played in the era that Jeter has played in? That would have been endless material for social media and blogs who would have a field day.

Jeter announced earlier this winter that this would be his final season in pinstripes as he will retire at the end of the season in what will has been a first ballot Hall of Fame career and the captain stopped short of guaranteeing a World Series like his new pal famously did.

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