Thank You, Captain

Derek Jeter broke my husband’s heart when he retired from the Yankees in 2014. There are millions of Jeter fans in the world, and my Dan is definitely one of the most devout.

This summer, eight years after Jeter tipped his hat for the final time, ESPN featured a miniseries documentary called ‘The Captain.’ Dan and I have watched it together, we’ve watched it with our kids, Dan has watched it on his own a handful of times - we’ve loved it. Dan is completely enraptured by Jeter and all the Yankees footage, as are our children. I like all that, too, but I also love remembering that time in our lives, when Dan was watching Jeter and I, just a lovesick gal, was watching Dan watch Jeter.

As it goes with couples, Dan introduced me to his love of Jeter and the Yankees, and it wasn’t long before I had pinstriped spirit wear of my own. Although I’d often go cross-eyed when Dan carried on about the Yankees’ history, and tossed out hundreds of memorized stats, I appreciated his passion and found it endearing. I jumped in and became a bit of a fanatic, too. I created a tradition of giving Dan Yankees ornaments every Christmas, which are now displayed each year on the Yankees Christmas tree. While reading People magazine years ago, I came across the recipe for Derek Jeter’s favorite pancakes - from scratch with a dozen or more ingredients. I was flipping those suckers multiple times a week, whipping egg whites, and wiping flour across my brow like an IHOP pro. Sometimes the process was a pain, but it was always worthwhile and felt special. I made those pancakes because I love Dan and because he loves Derek Jeter and the Yankees. That’s the same reason I wrote this poem in 2014.

Thank You, Captain

It was our very first date when he told me about you.

He spoke of the Yankees and his beloved #2.

“Derek Jeter?” he said, shocked I didn’t know.

But this southern girl learned fast, oh, would my knowledge grow.

I learned of all the greats: Babe, Joe, Mickey and Lou.

Don Mattingly and Yogi Berra, Pettitte, Posada, and you.

He spoke of history and tradition, the pride of the pinstripes.

His love of America’s game and how the Yankees do it right.

I took this inspiration and painted a room for my love.

Gray on the bottom of the walls, navy pinstripes up above.

The room displays many pictures, relics and balls from his youth.

A couple jerseys hang in the closet, a 7 and, of course, a 2.

He took me to Yankee Stadium and I thought he might propose.

Nothing gets him more lovey-dovey, than when the Yankees play at home.

Eventually, we did marry. You were represented on our aisle.

A ring-bearer wore your number, with a Yankees hat and a smile.

And when our son was born, oh yes, you were there, too.

“We have a future Yankees shortstop!” His first words upon meeting our Roo.

We drove to Tampa for Spring Training, and I saw you way up close.

I enjoyed the view as you stretched and ran. Yes, I think I liked you the most!

So many games he’s asked me to watch. So many stats he thinks I’ll remember.

We cheered together on your 3,000th hit; we were proud of you, Mr. November.

When your retirement was announced, he sighed heavily and shook his head.

The Yankees without Jeter…it’s enough to make tears shed.

We watched your last home game. His eyes glistened when you tipped your hat.

He clapped his hands and cheered you on as Bob Sheppard called you to bat.

I got caught up as I watched him, this man I love more than words.

What’s it like to love a team like that? To love a player so much it hurts?

It’s like y’all are his family, this team he’s loved his whole life.

First as a boy and now as a man, who’s brought in a son and wife.

Sunday we’ll watch your final game. We’ll cheer as you take on Fenway.

I know he’ll cry, but I’ll perk him up, with your favorite pre-game pancakes.

And when you walk off to retirement, he’ll tip his hat and say “see ya around.”

Yep, we'll see you again in five years, when they welcome you to Cooperstown.

Jeter, thanks for all you’ve given him, and, in return, all you’ve given me.

I want to thank you, Dan, and the good Lord,

for making this girl a Yankee.

Dan and I went on to have two more little boys after this was written…three precious boys of our own. They’ve all worn pinstripes.