Playing Ball

Derek Jeter

Without question, sports has always been deeply embedded in the fabric of our nation.  Lessons that are learned on the diamond, in the gym and on the gridiron assist participants in all aspects of their life. Discipline, responsibility, teamwork, perseverance, passion, work ethic and sportsmanship are among the many attributes on display.

Last evening at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter played his last home game in Yankee pinstripes in front of an adoring crowd.  Jeter, who had previously announced he would be retiring at seasons end, had been on a farewell tour which ended for the home crowd on this evening threatened by rain.

You see, this was special.  Jeter will not be considered the best Yankee of all time, as there are legends of the first order for this storied franchise, but Jeter is no doubt among the best.  However, it is worth noting that Jeter is representative of all the aforementioned attributes you can find in a player.

With the media focusing on so many stories about players in various sports who  are having difficulties like the rest of society, fans and parents can point to Jeter to see an example of doing it right.  Jeter, an instant Hall of Famer when eligible, is a class act, and what went on last night was story book.

Jeter hit a walk off single to score a run and give the Yankees a victory of AL East Champion Baltimore.  The Orioles players and staff did not seem to mind, as they were taken in by the events of the evening that put a smile on sports fans everywhere.  Jeter thanked and congratulated the Orioles.

For those who embrace the romance of the game, and those who appreciate the example Jeter set in the world of professional sports, we can all tip out hat to one of the best, Derek Jeter.


The Yankees are not my favorite baseball team, but I do like them and have great appreciation for their storied history.  My favorite team is the Kansas City Royals, with whom the Yankees had legendary battles with in the late seventies and early eighties.

It has been quite a long time since Kansas City was relevant in the game, owning the longest post-season drought in MLB, or any major sport for that matter.  But, behind Alex Gordon and Eric Hosmer, the long drought appears on the brink of ending.

The Hunt for Blue October. My family and I really enjoyed attending a Kansas City Royals game a couple of weeks ago as they attempt to make the postseason for the first time since 1985. Alex Gordon hit a two run homer to knock of the Texas Rangers.

Optimism is high, and with another victory or two, the Royals will be in postseason.  I hop they can make it. #Be Royal #KCR

Kauffman Stadium at The Harry S. Truman Sports Complex, Kansas City MO