Today was Derek Jeter’s last home opener in pinstripes. The shortstop is retiring at the end of the season. Before the game, for the pre-game ceremonies, the “Core Four” was reunited. The “Core Four” is composed of Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Derek Jeter. They were part of the ceremonial first pitch. Rivera and Pettitte pitched, while Jeter and Posada were behind the plate.
Before the game against the Orioles Jeter said, “I feel as though Yankees fans are the greatest fans in the world. And that’s no disrespect to any other team or any other sport. That’s just how I feel. You know, they get excited for opening day. This is a big deal here in New York. Us as players, it’s something that we look forward to, and like I said, we feel as though the season doesn’t officially begin until we have our home opener.”
When asked about the meaning of playing in the last home opener of his career he responded “It’s been pretty much like every other opening day,” Jeter said. “Opening day sometimes can be a rush. We got in last night and then you get here quickly, there’s a bunch of stuff in your locker and you’re trying to get organized and you have to get out and stretch. So at this point, at this moment, it feels like every other opening day.”
The “Core Four” won five World Series together in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2009. Jeter will be the last member of the “Core Four” to retire. The Yankees beat the Orioles 4-2. Jeter went 1 for 4 and scored a run. He is batting .250.
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