Baseball legend Derek Jeter, as he dreamed, played only for the New York Yankees throughout his baseball career. Having led the Yankees to 5 World Series titles, the former captain was a champion outside of the ballparks, too. The Hall of Famer had such a great fan following that almost every sports fans were well aware of the charm of the former Yankees champion.

Among those many charmed fans is one who struggled to get out of her seat as Jeter hit his iconic walk-off single in his last game. Because, for her, getting up meant accepting that after giving a great career, Jeter would never get seen wearing the Pinstripes ever again.

Who is the fan that struggled the most after Derek Jeter got retired?

Being one of the greatest fans of Derek Jeter, Tina Stawinski was present at Yankee Stadium when he played his last game on Sept. 25, 2014. But to her, realizing the fact that it was the last time for her to see her idol wearing the Pinstripes. Notably, just like any other Yankee fan, it was tough for her.

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“My childhood was over then,” Stawinski said. “In sports, every kid has that one guy, and Derek was that guy. I grew up watching him, and then, that’s it. My guy is done. The leader of this team, that’s it.”

Talking to the NY Post in 2021 before Jeter’s Hall of Fame ceremony, Stawinski talked about how tough it was for her to watch the legendary shortstop play for the last time. In addition to this, she also recalled the moment that made Jeter her idol. 

How did Jeter become an idol for Stawinski?

It is often said that some moments of childhood get forever imprinted in the kids’ minds. One such moment had come for Stawinski. It happened when she was nine years old and had gone to see a Yankees game. Like many other fans, she sought Jeter’s autograph as the then 22-year-old rookie went inside the old Yankee Stadium. 

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Barricades were up, people were pushing each other and the little girl was getting squished among all of them. Then, the former shortstop noticed her. He made the crowd quiet for a few seconds and gave autographs to the little girl. That moment got imprinted in Stawinski’s mind and forever solidified her support for Jeter till the moment he retired. 

What is your favorite memory of the Hall of Famer Derek Jeter? Let us know in the comments below!