One could say that if the original iteration of Yankee Stadium was the “House that Ruth Built,” the third iteration of The Stadium is “The House that Jeter Built.”
The Captain marked his return to the Bronx in Yankee pinstripes for the first time in nine years (NINE YEARS?!?! Where does it go?) as the 1998 New York Yankees were honored at the 75th annual Old Timer’s Day in the Bronx.
Derek Jeter was a winner, we need more guys like that — love Old Timer’s day 🔥🔥
— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) September 9, 2023
pic.twitter.com/IwsVVgpOYs
Of course, the crowd went nuts as Jeter was introduced by play-by-play announcer Michael Kay. Yankees fans were so loud they drowned out Bob Shepherd’s always chilling, “Now batting. Number 2. Derek. Jeter. Number 2.”
How cool was it for fans and players to see the legendary Yankee in the Bronx? Well, Milwaukee shortstop Willy Adames had a Cheshire cat smile on his face.
Brewers shortstop Willy Adames was PUMPED after meeting Derek Jeter pic.twitter.com/cdJCRNg7hj
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) September 9, 2023
Jeter remarked it was hard to believe that 25 years have passed since the 1998 squad won it all completing a 125-win campaign.
Derek Jeter tells @M_Marakovits what it feels like to be classified as an old-timer: "I'm still the youngest one here... We're going to work on rebranding the name 'Old-Timers' Game.'" 🤣 pic.twitter.com/YmlTn8HT8B
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) September 9, 2023
From Jeter to Volpe
Of course, Jeter also made time for the Yankees’ current shortstop, the young man from Jersey who many think is the heir to Jeter’s throne: Anthony Volpe.
Anthony Volpe and Derek Jeter, September 9, 2023 pic.twitter.com/Q0zhsPqZHu
— Yankees Pics that go Hard (@YanksPics) September 9, 2023
“He’s gonna get better, it comes with experience,” Jeter said of Volpe who is completing his rookie year in the Bronx. “Have fun. What I told young players when they come up, it’s just more people in the stands. Enjoy yourself and get better every day. The bottom line is you gotta win.”
Derek Jeter on Anthony Volpe’s rookie season:
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) September 9, 2023
“Whether he’s had an up and down game, or week, or month offensively, he doesn’t take it to the defensive side and I think that says a lot about his maturity”
pic.twitter.com/4hdAQLxyZR
Joe Torre on Aaron Boone
Former Yankees skipper Joe Torre was asked by the press to comment on embattled manager Aaron Boone, who could be in the crosshairs come the end of the season. Torre who enjoyed the most success at the top step since Casey Stengle won four World Series, didn’t mince words.
“They’ve had some bad breaks, but that is no excuse when you are a member of the Yankees.”
Joe Torre was asked about the heat Aaron Boone has gotten for the Yankees' struggles this season:
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) September 9, 2023
"They've had some bad breaks, but that's not an excuse when you're a member of the Yankees. You're expected to win. When he signed up for it, he knew what he was getting into." pic.twitter.com/Y2XrLbkShR
David Wells sounds off on 2023 Yanks
Meanwhile, former Yankees left, David Wells didn’t mince words either, saying that Boone and GM Brian Cashman don’t deserve blame for this season. Adding fault is on the players.
David Wells, who put tape over the Nike logo, says Cashman and Boone aren’t to blame for the Yankees struggles
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) September 9, 2023
He says struggling players should be sent to the minors no matter how much they’re paid
Wells says players are coddled and babied too much now pic.twitter.com/5JI4uQ1P5g
Somerset Patriots Tribute To The New York Black Yankees
