The New York Yankees will retire Derek Jeters legendary No. 2 jersey Sunday and enshrine him into Monument Park at Yankee Stadium. But before 55,000 fans say thank you to Jeter, the lifelong Yankee decided to thank them and the entire city.
Jeter, whose 20th and final season in pinstripes came in 2014, write a touching tribute on The Players Tribune. Calling himself a 'kid who grew up in the Midwest' and a 'homebody at heart,' Jeter thanked New York City for taking him in and helping to make him great.
From his post:
Thank you, New York, for asking a lot of me. For challenging me. For giving this kid a place to grow up. I wasnt born a New Yorker you asked me to earn it. I wasnt born a Yankee, but you made me into one.
Everyone comes to this city with dreams of being No. 1. You showed me that being No. 2 was more than enough.
Today Im no longer that kid. Ive hung up my uniform, and I know this much for a fact: I wouldnt be the person I am today without you. Because the truth is, no matter where you go in the world, when a place feels like home, as New York does to me, you never really leave.
It will always be with you.
Jeter finished his career with five World Series rings, a World Series MVP Award, five Gold Gloves and 3,465 hits just to name a few of his notable achievements. And on Sunday he will get the ultimate honor from the franchise that drafted him sixth overall in 1992.
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