Derek Jeter held a press conference Wednesday to take questions about his retirement, but it was not his "retirement" press conference. Jeter emphasized the difference several times, saying that he still has "a season to play ... I can't reiterate enough that we still have a season to play."
Derek Jeter retirement: Yankees SS says he’s ‘ready to do other things’
Derek Jeter held a press conference Wednesday to discuss his impending retirement, but though the Yankees shortstop said he is “ready to do other things,” he emphasized that he isn’t done just yet.
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More: Jeter vs. history
Jeter did not have a speech prepared. He decided to field questions, only, in an apparent attempt to keep proceedings low-key. Then his own teammates betrayed him. They lined up along the wall facing him, damn near the whole squad, and listened.
Large crowd, inc the Steinbrenners & Derek's teammates, were here as he spoke about his decision to retire after '14 pic.twitter.com/nft2m8184I
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) February 19, 2014 So inevitably the non-retirement press conference started sounding like a retirement press conference. Jeter was asked about his decision to leave the game after one more season, and he answered honestly, saying he is “ready to do other things.” He was candid about the grind of baseball and how important his off-field life is to him.
Jeter said he wants to have a family and doesn't know how guys with kids do his job. Said missing time with his young nephew is hard enough.
— Mark Feinsand (@FeinsandNYDN) February 19, 2014 Jeter even deigned to comment on his legacy.
Jeter said he can't answer what he wants his legacy to be since he's not done playing, then added: "Being a Yankee is good enough for me."
— Mark Feinsand (@FeinsandNYDN) February 19, 2014 Asked for his favorite memory: "Every time we win. ... If you ask me what stands out the most, it's winning."
— Mark Feinsand (@FeinsandNYDN) February 19, 2014 But no, this wasn’t a retirement press conference, so please stop trying to make Derek Jeter sad. Via NJ.com:
Someone asked if he’s emotional inside.
“You trying to get me to cry?” he jokes.
Yes, he says, it’s emotional. And he does have feelings. “I’m not emotionally stunted,” he said.
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