For Love Of The Game

Okay, I'll admit it. I hate Jeter. Okay, I still hate Jeter. However, I love baseball. I always have. I have met great baseball players in my lifetime including Ron Washington and Derek Holland. I also had dinner with Pudge Rodriguez for two hours and that was a beautiful day. So you could say I am a huge Rangers fan. So, I automatically despise everything to do with the Yankees. Including Derek Jeter.

I always thought Derek Jeter had this pompous, arrogant attitude about him and honestly, I hated it. I still do. He knows he is good. I guess that;s why he get paid the big bucks. However, despite how good he is, I can't stand the guy. I don't know why. He's awesome. He's talented. And honestly, if I were to see him walking down the street - I'd probably ask him for his autograph.

This year, I changed my views on DJ. I realize that he is a class act. And more importantly, DJ and I have some things in common. Derek Jeter retired from the game that he loved this season. I know that he has probably gone to bed many night exhausted and cried himself to sleep because - honestly, who in their right mind would give up the game they love. Yet, sometimes you know it's over. Sometimes you have to give it all up.

The funny thing, Derek, is that I get you. Time caught up with you. You had a successful career. You were one of the few people who can look back and say to yourself, "I made it!" Unlike some of us whose careers ended at the age of 17, Derek, you had the life that I will never have. You played the game because you loved the game. I love you for that. I love you for playing baseball. I love you for loving the game and giving 100% every time on that field. You didn't care about the money - you cared about the game.

Derek, I look forward to seeing where life takes you from here. You'll probably become a great manager or something. But even if you step away from baseball for good, know that you have a closet fan rooting for you. I never gave you the respect  you deserved. But you played the game damn well and you should be proud.