The 2014 MLB All-Star Game marks the final time Derek Jeter will play in the Midsummer Classic, so all eyes were on the New York Yankees shortstop on Tuesday night.
For the 14th time in his 20-year career, Jeter was a member of the American League All-Star team. Before his farewell All-Star Game, the living legend addressed his teammates in the clubhouse:
The Target Field crowd showed him some love for all he has done for the game during pregame introductions:
Once the pregame ceremonies were over, the future Hall of Famer was ready to play. He nearly robbed Pittsburgh Pirates star Andrew McCutchen—the first batter of the game—of a hit on a diving play.
American League manager John Farrell penciled the Yankees captain into the leadoff spot, and it turned out to be a good move. After receiving a standing ovation from the Minnesota crowd, Jeter doubled to right field to get the AL offense going.
That hit was probably enough to silence the one fan yelling “Overrated!” during the at-bat.
Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Passan revealed a little secret from National League starting pitcher Adam Wainwright:
Los Angeles Angels phenom Mike Trout knocked Jeter in with a triple, and the AL scored three runs in the inning to take a 3-0 lead over the NL.
In his second at-bat of the game, and final of his All-Star Game career, Jeter worked a full count before singling to right field in the bottom of the third inning.
Jeter was then lifted after taking his position in the field before the top of the fourth inning. The shortstop tipped his cap to the crowd as he jogged off the diamond and hugged everyone in the AL dugout before emerging one more time for a curtain call.
Jeter finished the game 2-for-2 and scored the first run of the game. With the second hit, the 40-year-old made a bit of All-Star history:
The overall numbers for Jeter in the All-Star Game are incredible:
[MLB.com, Twitter]
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