It’s A Long Way From Cumberland Street in Kalamazoo – Derek Jeter’s Career Gets Its Exclamation Point
I have a friend who was a freshman when Derek Jeter was a senior at Kalamazoo Central. She says he was a nice guy, but nobody knew his baseball career would skyrocket to the level it did. Sunday night, was the exclamation point, the "cherry on top" cap to a two decade career. The New York Yankees retired Jeter's No. 2 on Sunday night. Now, understand, lots of teams have history. But this is the New York Yankees. Jeter's No. 2 is right along side the likes of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Mickey Mantle. Who ever saw that coming from that kid living on Cumberland St. over by the high school.
The baseball accomplishments are wonderful. Was he the greatest Yankee of all-time? No. He wasn't even the best player on his own teams, but here's what impresses me most. Jeter did it the right way. He did it with class. He did it without "hey, look at me" behavior that has grown in our society like crab grass. And, he did it without cheating, unlike so many of his contemporaries.
As a parent, it's a fine example for raising kids. Do it the right way and good things will happen. Ok, not everyone ends up with a supermodel wife, a gazillion dollars, but being able to look at oneself and say I did it the right way and I can hold my head high.
Congrats, Derek. You did it the right way. Walk with pride.
BONUS VIDEO - Eating Kalamazoo