It seems like it was just yesterday when Alex Rodriguez moved over to third base, allowing Cal Ripken J.R to start his last MLB All-Star game at Shortstop. Cal proceeded to hit the first pitch he saw that day clean over the left field wall. The hit earned him MVP honors that day.
Derek Jeter joins Greg Nettles, Cal Ripken and Pete Rose as the only infielder to start an All-Star game at the age of 40. The magic has always been there for Jeter in the Midsummer classic. He is 11-25 in All-Star games, ranking him second all time amongst players with at least 15 plate appearances. Don't be surprised if the captain comes up with another magical moment in his final All-Star appearance.
One year ago Jeter's good friend Mariano Rivera got the big send off from Citi Field. At the time Jeter was rehabbing a broken ankle he suffered during the 2012 postseason. Some fans maybe tired of Yankee players being serenaded in every city for a second consecutive season, but when you win as much as the core four did you earn the right to go out like a king. Jeter will certainly be on his thrown in MLB's 2014 All-Star game.
All the individuals who say Jeter shouldn't be getting the starting nod need to remember one thing, the All-Star game is for the fans. Jeter has been the face of baseball since Mark McGuire, Sammy Sosa, Rafael Palmeiro and dozens of other players disgraced the sport by ushering in an era marred by steroid use.
He is this generations Mickey Mantle in terms of the love affair the fans have with him. Some would even compare him to the great Michael Jordan. Five World Series Championships in the modern era makes him one of the most accomplished athletes alive.
Jeter never got the credit he deserved as a player during his prime. America's love affair with the long ball could be the reason why. The guy that did it the right way while many of his peers chose to cheat is making his last appearance on the games grandest stage. Any sports fan that has a sheer appreciation for greatness should take the time out and watch Jeter's first at bat.
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