10 best MLB All-Star moments

Jeter one year later, final All-Star Game

Speaking of Yankees making their final appearance in an All-Star Game, “The Captain”, Derek Jeter left the All-Star Game spectacle in fitting testament, much like his teammate Mariano Rivera had one year earlier.

Both were known as classy gentlemen, on and off the field. Both were known for greatness. Jeter was always the more glitzy and glamorous star, much of that stemming from his heroics in postseason play and the fact he, unlike even the best closer, was on the field almost every game.

Seeing the New York Yankees for years meant seeing Derek Jeter. Without Rivera, but especially without Jeter, the Yankees are no longer the same. Any pretense for loosening up on the hatred of the 27-time World Series champions is now gone.

They are much less likeable squad now without the two. The absence of Jeter is felt more dearly however. To look out at shortstop and not see Jeter must come as a shock to most longtime Yankee diehards. Sure, we all knew the time would come, but with it now here, it is hard to digest.

But baseball paid respect to the man for a decade or more known as “the face of baseball”. Fans at Target Field in Minneapolis cheered loudly at every mention of Jeter’s name in his final All-Star Game. And he did not let them down.

He had two hits and played the game with his usual youthful enthusiasm. And even National League starting pitcher Adam Wainwright cheered him when he made first plate appearance, and then proceeded to groove the Captain a 1-0 fastball which Jeter used his patented inside-out swing to drive an easy double into the right field corner.

He followed up by BABIP’ing his way to a Texas League flare for his second hit.

It was Derek Jeter doing what he always does, on the biggest stage coming up big by not trying to do too much. Classic Jeter in a classic moment.

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