JETER ENTITLED TO TAKE ALL STAR GAME OFF…
Jeter crosses home plate after hit #3,000...
Derek Jeter took the baseball world by storm over the weekend, his 3,000th hit representing the highlight of the first half, but when baseball’s best gathered for the All-Star Game, the Yankees‘ captain was nowhere to be found. And not everyone was happy about it.
“Derek Jeter has done everything right during his whole career,” a major-league official said. ”He was wrong on this one.” Really, this is a guy who has done everything right throughout his 16 year career and he doesn’t get to decide if he’s ready to play in an All Star game? His responsibility is to the NY Yankees. He is coming off a calf injury, and if he feels he needs the time off, then he has earned the right to take it. He The official said MLB was hoping Jeter would fly out Tuesday, appear on the field during player introductions, tip his cap and then return to New York. “This could have been a celebration of his 3,000th hit,” the official said. “He didn’t have to play.”
Several players – including a former teammate of Jeter’s – disagreed with the Yankee captain’s decision to skip the Midsummer Classic. “I don’t think it’s my place to speak for others,” said Lance Berkman, Jeter’s teammate last season. “But for me, personally, if you get selected to be here you have an obligation. You gotta be here. If you can go, you gotta go.” Added Carlos Beltran: “I do believe, as a ballplayer, if you have no injuries, you should be here. The fans are the ones that vote for you and want to see you here.” Lance Berkman and Carlos Beltran open their mouths to criticize Jeter??? Are you kidding me??? These two have no right to question him, about anything. Beltran is considered as soft as they come, and Berkman certainly hasn’t done anything to suddenly become the voice for MLB on who should and shouldn’t be there. They both need to shut their mouths, and worry about themselves. According to a major-league source, not even Joe Torre could talk Jeter into showing up to the All-Star Game, as the Captain opted to take three days to himself after his emotional week.
Michael Weiner, the executive director of the Players’ Association, was shocked to hear Jeter’s loyalty to the game being questioned. “I don’t think anybody can seriously question Derek Jeter’s commitment to promoting the game and being an ambassador for the game,” Weiner said. “He’s been as good an ambassador for the game as anybody for the past 16 years. I don’t think that’s a fair criticism.” Unlike fellow All-Stars such as Jose Reyes, who is on the disabled list, and Alex Rodriguez, who had knee surgery Monday, Jeter played the entire week leading up to the break, his calf seemingly presenting no problem. Phillies chairman Bill Giles, the honorary president of the NL, said, “I think it’s too bad that Jeter in particular is not here, because of what he accomplished over the weekend. I think it is a bit of a problem and baseball should study it.” Study what??? What a class guy and model player and citizen he’s been throughout his career??? I guess Mr. Giles is still upset over the 2009 World Series. Youy lost, get over it!!!
Russell Martin said he understood why his teammate bailed on the All-Star Game, having watched Jeter go through an intense week after coming back from his calf strain. “He’s just coming off the DL, he played a bunch of games in a row,” Martin said. “I’m sure the fans wanted to see him here, he just got his 3,000th hit – and the way he did it was incredible – but he’s got to take care of himself, and make sure that he’s healthy. You have to respect that.”
Jeter can’t win with the media these days. He’s constantly being told how bad he is, yet in the next breath the media is celebrating his great career. Jeter is not the player he was 5 years ago, but he is still a very good major league player, and will go down as the BEST SHORTSTOP SINCE HONUS WAGNER!!! He should be treated with a lot more respect than he is by both the media and baseball fans. I will say it once again, he is the best shortstop since 1917!!!
Did you enjoy this post? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically to your feed reader.
Comments
No comments yet.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.