When Derek Jeter made it known 2014 would be his last in Major League Baseball, it was expected the treatment he would receive as he visits ballparks for the final time would be similar to that of Mariano Rivera last year.
Throughout the season, Jeter has received gifts from opposing teams and rousing applause from fans in cities outside of New York.
This weekend, the Yankees were in Tampa for a three-game series against the Rays. Not surprisingly, fans of both teams acknowledged Derek Jeter when the opportunity presented itself.
Farewell tour or not, Joe Maddon took the opportunity after Saturday’s 3-2 loss to remind Rays fans it’s okay to root for the Rays when the Yankees are in town.
The Rays are currently 6.5 games back in the American League wildcard race and eternal optimist Joe Maddon would be appreciative of support to urge his guys during their uphill quest for a spot in the postseason.
Unfortunately for Maddon, the Yankees will be back in town September 15-17. That will be Jeter’s last trip to Tropicana Field so Maddon can probably expect more of the same a month from now.
H/T NJ.com
