As we bid farewell to the Yankee’s captain and think back about all his memorable moments, you can’t help but give this guy the respect he deserves. I don’t care if you are a die hard Boston Red Sox fan, there’s a spot for him in our hearts somewhere. Besides his storied career on the field, this future hall of famer has quite an impressive résumé off the field too!
Whether it’s his Turn 2 Foundation, his annual golf tournament or the countless hours and donations to charities, the dude is a class act through and through. With all the bad press baseball was getting for a while, Mr. Jeter was an ambassador of what’s good about the game or any sport for that matter. Now, when we look at golf (a sport traditionally considered a “gentleman’s” game), I can’t quite recall anybody in recent years that embodies the golden boy characteristics Jeter does. Tiger was sort of on his way but, well…we all know what happened there. Certainly no one from the U.S. comes to mind anyway – heck even betting sites aren’t giving the USA team a chance this weekend at the Ryder Cup.
But other than Americans, some might argue Rory McIlroy is in line to fill that role (which could very well happen hopefully). Time will certainly tell. Even so, and no offense to Mr. McIlroy, there’s that certain quality Jeter has that McIlroy hasn’t quite developed yet. Many call it the “It” factor, I think in the ol’ Capitan’s case it’s just being genuine. As simple as that sounds, being yourself isn’t always that easy. I mean, look what happens when John Daly is himself…ba dum…I’m only joking with you J.D.
Granted, a player like Jeter only comes around once or twice in a lifetime but for golf’s sake they sure could use one in this lifetime. As we speak, golf (along with our economy) is in a slump. If ever there was a time that golf needs a squeaky clean face, it’s now. You know what…f*** it, I volunteer to be that person! Oh wait…you have to be good at golf. Oh well, a hack can dream, right?
Hit’em long…yell FORE!!! Thanks for the memories Jeter!
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