You may have heard a little something today about New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter announcing he will retire after the 2014 season. After 20 seasons in the majors with one team, Jeter’s plaque in the Baseball Hall of Fame should already have its location reserved among the all-time greats. When the 13-time All-Star made his retirement announcement via Facebook, it turned an otherwise quiet offseason day into a bit of a frenzy as reaction from all over the baseball world poured in.
Let’s take a look at how Jeter’s former Yankee teammates and MLB players across the league reacted to the news. It’s great to see the mix of players who grew up watching Jeter play who have emerged into stars themselves, as well as the older guys who have been his on-field rivals. Sadly, no tweets from Nomar, Big Papi, Cano or A-Rod could be found.
Bernie Williams (Jeter’s teammate from 1995-2006) and Jorge Posada (Jeter’s teammate from 1995-2011) each released statements via the Yankees.
“I’m so happy that Derek will get to go out on his terms — and his way. He was as special a teammate as any player could ever have. I’m blessed to have played with him. Yankees fans and baseball fans all over the world will have a lot to celebrate this season.” — Bernie Williams
“It was an honor and privilege to have Derek next to me for all those years. He made me a better player and a better person. I’m so proud of our friendship and I love him like a brother. Derek was a true champion and the greatest teammate I ever had.” — Jorge Posada
Joe Torre, who managed Jeter with the Yankees from 1996 through 2007, winning four World Series championships, tweeted his congratulations.
Congrats to Derek Jeter on the announcement of his retirement today! A class act & character both on & off the field. A role model to many!
— Joe Torre (@JoeTorre) February 12, 2014
Now let’s check out the tweets from players including Angels’ outfielder Mike Trout (born in 1991, four years before Jeter’s major league debut in 1995), Nationals’ outfielder Bryce Harper (born 1992), Marlins’ outfielder Christian Yelich (born 1991), Dodgers’ shortstop Hanley Ramirez, Brewers’ outfielder Carlos Gomez, Braves’ outfielder B.J. Upton (who wears #2 because of Jeter), Nationals’ pitcher Gio Gonzalez and more.
Grew up watching Jeter play. Always aspired to be the player he was on and off the field. #TheCaptain
— Mike Trout (@Trouty20) February 13, 2014
Derek Jeter is my idol, and will always be the example that I strive to follow. It's been an honor to share a diamond with The Captain #2
— Hanley Ramirez (@HanleyRamirez) February 12, 2014
I've been a fan of everything Derek Jeter has done in this game, except for announcing his retirement before he's done playing.
— Sam LeCure (@mrLeCure) February 12, 2014
The 1st time I talked to Derek Jeter at 2b he acted like he knew me forever. I wear #2 because of the person he is on and off the field.
— BJ Upton (@BJUPTON2) February 12, 2014
The game wont be the same without him. I wish him nothing but the best.
— BJ Upton (@BJUPTON2) February 12, 2014
Might cry when Jeter plays his last game favorite player growing up…did it the right way
— Christian Yelich (@ChristianYelich) February 12, 2014
Baseball will forever be grateful to this legend that walks this earth,Tip your cap #captain for… http://t.co/qNgEj4nZgQ
— Gio Gonzalez (@GioGonzalez47) February 12, 2014
Derek Jeter was my first wow moment on field my first year. Came up to me and patted me on the back & said "welcome and congrats" #rolemodel
— Josh Reddick (@joshreddick16) February 12, 2014
Carlos Gomez’s tweet includes a pretty sweet Instagram photo collage of Jeter and a lovely bilingual message to the Yankees shortstop: “All the best to one of the greatest to ever play the game a true example of a team player, leader and all around class. You are an inspiration and I am honored to have shared the game with you. God Bless #DerekJeter #TheCaptain/Mis mejores deseos a unos de los mejores de jugar el juego, una verdadera inspiración y un ejemplo de seguir. Fue un honor compartir el terreno con un icono del juego. Dios te bendiga.”
All the best to one of the greatest to ever play the game a true example of a team player, leader and… http://t.co/A4vdRW3cwD
— Carlos Gomez (@C_Gomez27) February 13, 2014
Bryce Harper went one better — he changed his Twitter cover photo to one of him and Mr. November talking at Nationals Park, presumably when the two played against each other in June 2012. Nice hustle, kid.
#TheCaptain Derek Jeter will be missed…Won't find a better person on and off the field! One of the greatest ever! pic.twitter.com/alqU2C4u56
— Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) February 13, 2014
