In case you hate sports haven't heard, New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is retiring from baseball. For those around my age Jeter's significance as a popular culture figure is matched by only a handful of other athletes. I grew to love the Yankees of the late 90s and 00s mostly because he always stood in great contrast to his peers. In a sport full of squares he had more swagger than anyone else, always looking smooth without having to flex.
Jeter's career ends this weekend after 14 All-Star games, five World Series titles and (by my count) 2 would-be MVPs ('99, '06) that steroid users and anti-Yankee voters stole from him. From twenty seasons of great plays, I submit these as the ones that represent him best. They also give us a guide for life's common problems.
2004 ALDS, Game 2: Jeter sprints home to score
Jeter races home on a shallow line drive, risking watching Twins' outfielder Jacque Jones easily throw him out. Jones is half-paying attention and the Yankees win the game.
The lesson: Be bold and take chances. Play life to win rather than to not lose. Sometimes you'll get thrown out, but other times you catch your opposition napping.
2001 ALDS, Game 3: Jeter improvises, nails runner at home
Sprinting out of position to pick off a bad throw from right fielder Shane Spencer, Jeter shovels it home himself to prevent the tying run from scoring. Still "one of the best plays..." we've ever seen from a shortstop.
The lesson: Life's plans are futile; they never follow the script we write. Don't allow fear or stubbornness to stop you from making unconventional adjustments to meet your goals.
Jeter's Jump Throw
Jeter's signature play is physically impossible for most other humans. Even pros can't muster the agility and strength it takes to pull off this kind of movement. If you need one piece of evidence to show someone why Jeter was far better than the average ball player, this is it.
The lesson: Find your signature- whatever it is that you can do better than most other people- and own it. Standing out from the crowd keeps the world from getting too boring. In your #stupid20s, it could also help you get a great job or a date.
2001 World Series, Game 4: Jeter wins it in extras
The Yankees were trailing the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-1 in this game and were down to their final out before a game tying home run extended the contest into early morning hours. Jeter finished off the unlikely comeback with a home run that just made it over the right field wall.
The lesson: I'll swagger jack another famous Yankee: it ain't over 'til it's over. We'll often find ourselves up against perceived deadlines on goals or milestones with little hope of reaching them in time. Fighting until the end and allowing extra time when necessary helps us squeak out improbable victories.
Jeter hits game winner in Yankee Stadium finale
After a disappointing year that saw his team miss the playoffs and his personal statistics drop greatly, Jeter finishes his last home game in an incredible way: he delivers a single to right field to end the game and, for all practical purposes, his career.
The lesson: We live in a broken world where violence, prejudice and hatred exist and sometimes thrive. In the midst of all that, good things still happen. Don't relinquish hope for the end of a bad season you're experiencing. You could miss out on a good finish.
