When we last saw Derek Jeter in uniform as part of the storied Yankees vs. Red Sox rivalry, he was enjoying the admiration of Boston players and fans at Fenway Park, who reluctantly celebrated his greatness as the shortstop hit an infield hit in the finals beginning of his career.
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Red Sox hitter-designate David Ortiz stood on the top step of the dugout and respectfully applauded as Jeter, who picked up a pinch runner, jogged off the field for the last time. And why not? Both landed in the Hall of Fame – and are now colleagues on FOX Sports broadcasts.
But that’s about it: teammates in the studio.
When Big Papi introduced Jeter with a surprise gift During Jeter’s debut Saturday with Ortiz and fellow Yankees Alex Rodriguez, Jeter carefully opened the box. He was right when he suspected nonsense.
“You know what?” said Ortiz. “I have a gift for you.”
“Okay,” Jeter said.
“All of us,” Ortiz said. “Open it, Cap.”
Jeter donned a Red Sox jersey with his name slung over his shoulders.
While his colleagues laughed, Jeter tossed it aside.
“C’mon, man,” Ortiz said. “This is a gift!”
“It was a great time with you guys,” Jeter said. “You won’t see me anymore.”
“Well, it was a good 24 hours,” joked moderator Kevin Burkhardt.
According to a report by The New York Post’s Andrew Marchand, before hiring Jeter, FOX approached A-Rod, his former teammate and longtime enemy, for permission. Rodriguez, a longtime analyst of Fox Sports’ MLB coverage, praised Jeter.
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