On September 8, 2021, after a long awaited time, shortstop and captain of the Yankees team for 20 years, Derek Jeter, was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Named Rookie of the Year in 1996 with five World Series titles under his arm, Jeter celebrated this special day with his family, fans, and teammates.

Due to the pandemic, the ceremony was delayed a year, but this did not stop Jeter, nor his fans across the world. 20,000 Jeter fans roared in a crowd as they greeted the great on stage. Jeter’s speech left the world in awe for his unbelievable records and work throughout his years on the Yankees. Jeter had 3,465 hits in his career, the sixth highest total in major league history. 

For the past 20 years, Jeter fans marveled over his consistency. But now, it became time for Jeter to thank his loyal fans and followers. “I had one goal in my career, and that was to win more than everyone else, and we did that which brings me to the Yankees fans,” Jeter turns directly to his audience,  “without question, you helped me get here today as much as any individual I’ve mentioned.” 

In addition, he gave recognition to his parents, wife and daughter, who all sat with one another in the audience. He highlighted his father who was his “first idol” and a childhood memory where his love sprouted for the Yankees and baseball. He showed his early love for baseball when he would play wiffle ball imitating former Yankee, David Winfield, who was sitting on stage behind Jeter. 

Luke Hulbert, senior on the Wayne Hills Baseball team, grew up as a fan of Derek Jeter. “Number 2 has always been my favorite number. My love for the Yankees and baseball in general began because of him,” Luke says proudly. “He has represented the MLB and the New York Yankees for the past 20 years. He is my idol.”

Along with Hulbert, millions of others marvel over Derek Jeter’s baseball legacy. Now Derek Jeter will join all the other Hall of Famers and number 2 is officially a retired number. 

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