MJ, Cal join ex-Yankees in saluting Derek Jeter

NEW YORK – The No. 2 flags ringing the top of Yankee Stadium waved in the Bronx breeze. Family members, former Yankees and fellow icons stood across the middle of the infield. And The Captain held a microphone in front of the mound, ready to speak on his day, Derek Jeter Day.

The thundering applause finally died down. Jeter stepped up Sunday and, without using the words that a former Yankees captain used in his parting speech, acknowledged that he has been one of the luckier men on the face of the Earth. He gave thanks to many, especially to the fans for giving him more than he gave them along this 20-year joyride.

"In my opinion, I've had the greatest job in the world," Jeter told the 48,110 filling the ballpark. "I got a chance to be the shortstop for the New York Yankees, and there's only one of those. And I always felt as though that my job was to try to provide joy and entertainment for you guys, but it can't compare to what you brought me. So, for that, thank you very much.

"I've loved what I've done. I love what I do. More importantly, I've loved doing it for you. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much."

Then he began to walk off, saying, "And we've got a game to play."

The Yankees ended up losing the game to Kansas City 2-0. Unless they can pull off a comeback in the last 21 games and grab the second wild card, Jeter's storied days in pinstripes will be over this month.

This was a day to celebrate two decades of memories with a five-ringed era in franchise history coming to its conclusion.

"The Yankees know how to throw big ceremonies," Jeter said after the game, when he admitted his hand was shaking a bit out there. "To be a part of it, having all those people come out there and honor you and show their support; and the fans, the way they've treated me — this is a day I'll remember forever."

The Yankees trotted out former teammates Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada, Bernie Williams, Tino Martinez and Hideki Matsui, to name a few; plus former manager Joe Torre and former Yankees Reggie Jackson and Dave Winfield, Jeter's boyhood idol; plus those icons, Cal Ripken Jr. and Michael Jordan.

A video tribute was played, and the Yankees kept the video messages coming between innings, from countless sports, entertainment and media figures, ranging from Eli and Peyton Manning to Kobe Bryant to David Letterman.

The team gave the 14-time All-Star some gifts, including a massage machine and a 10-day vacation to Tuscany. The Yankees also donated $222,222.22 to Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation.

"He's the face of the Yankees to begin with, the face of Major League Baseball," Martinez said. "When he's done this year, it's a whole new beginning for the New York Yankees as far as new leadership, new attitude."

Chase Headley came up with the idea to let Jeter run out alone right before the game.

"He deserved the moment to be out there by himself on his day," Headley said.

The hits don't spray off his bat as often as they used to, but this is Jeter at 40. He had an infield hit — No. 3,450, No. 6 in major-league history — and a walk in four plate appearances on his day. He's batting .260 with three homers and 40 RBI.

Rivera didn't want Jeter to ultimately get pushed out of the game.

"I don't want to see a man like that struggle," Rivera said. " … I think he chose right. It's time to do other things."

If there are no playoffs, Jeter's finale is scheduled for Sept. 28 at Fenway Park.

"The last day will be the toughest," Rivera said.

Jordan, who once played baseball in the Arizona Fall League when a young Jeter was also out there, raved about how he handled life as a New York superstar, and game pressure. Jordan said Jeter will adjust to his post-baseball days just fine, saying, "He's prepared for this."

But life is sure going to be different around here without the future Hall of Famer.

"He's going to be missed," manager Joe Girardi said. "There's no doubt about it. But the game will go on."

Twitter: @bheyman99