Home

MLB

“Thank You For Everything”: Vintage Picture of New York Yankees Icon Derek Jeter 28 Years After MLB Debut Melts Fans Across the World

Published 05/30/2023, 8:30 AM EDT

Follow Us

via Getty

The year was 1992, and the Houston Astros, wielding the power of the first overall pick in the MLB draft, held the fate of a young prodigy in their hands. The young prodigy was none other than a shortstop hailing from Kalamazoo, Derek Jeter.

Astros scout and Hall of Fame pitcher Hal Newhouser was more than confident, with his eyes fixed on Jeter, and the advantage was with the Astros, as they held the first pick. But their gaze shifted from Jeter to Phil Nevin, and the Astros signed the Cal State Fullerton to a $700,000 contract. The Yankees went sixth, and without any hesitance, picked Derek Jeter, and thus started a brand new chapter in their already-storied history.

Derek Jeter’s first step into greatness

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

After spending three years in the Yankees farm system, Derek Jeter was promoted to the big leagues, after infielder Pat Kelly was injured. Finally, on May 29th, 1995, a die-hard Yankees fan, Derek Jeter, made his Pinstripes debut against the Seattle Mariners, in Seattle, donning the number two.

Then, after long years, Derek Jeter, eventually known as Captain Clutch, retired with five World Championship rings, 14 All-Star appearances, five Silver Slugger awards, and five Gold Gloves.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest MLB stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

28 years after Jeter walked his first steps in the Bronx, his fans continue to celebrate his distinguished MLB career, one that was filled with respect, pride, and the innate and never depleting desire to win. As a result, this is how fans reacted:

That being said, after starting for 13 games, and batting at 0.250 with two defensive errors, Jeter was sent back down, before he made a proper opening-day start in 1996.

After a 20-year-long MLB career, Derek Jeter bid farewell to the Bronx in the most perfect way possible

Twenty years after making his MLB debut, Jeter gained the label of Captain Clutch, after he became the Yankees captain in 2004. In the final game of his career at Yankee Stadium against the Orioles, Derek Jeter hit a walk-off single in the final at-bat and bid the most perfect goodbye to the Bronx, and their die-hard fans.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

via Getty

From Derek Jeter’s various storied career moments, which one is your favorite? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Watch this story:- “Enjoy it and Embrace it”: Derek Jeter Fills 22-Year-Old Yankees Rookie With Glee Through a Special Gesture.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Mohsin Baldiwala

837Articles

One take at a time

Mohsin Baldiwala is a seasoned MLB writer at EssentiallySports, currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. Like many New Yorkers, Mohsin's introduction to baseball was through the storied New York Yankees' tales. However, after covering the sport for almost a year and getting closer to the game, Mohsin has shifted his MLB allegiance from the Pinstripes to Cleveland Guardians, influenced by skipper Tito.
Show More>