The Derek Jeter farewell tour continued in Chicago on Sunday before the New York Yankees took on the White Sox. Jeter was presented with a customized bench made up of bats and bases, and the White Sox also made a donation to his charity. If you ask Robin Ventura, the whole thing is a bit much.
“He’s not dying, he’s just retiring,” the White Sox manager told reporters, via JJ Stankevitz of CSNChicago.com. “It’s weird. I’m sure it’s uncomfortable for him going through all of it, but he’s a great player.”
Donating to Jeter’s charity is great, but I personally think the whole gift-giving thing is a bit much. An old-fashioned standing ovation would probably be enough. It doesn’t help that Mariano Rivera just went through the exact same ordeal all last season. How many unique gifts can you get?
Even Jeter seemed to agree with Ventura.
“It’s kind of an awkward feeling because everyone’s wishing you well, and I’m not going to fall off the face of the Earth,” Jeter said. “I’d like to think I’ll be around for a while after this, but everything people have said and done, it’s very much appreciated.”
On one hand, no player in MLB history may be more deserving of the respect Jeter is being shown. On the other, it’s hard to believe the season isn’t even half over. The luster wears off after a while.
H/T SI Wire
Photo: Twitter/New York Yankees
