SPORTS

Yankees notebook: Jeter thanks fans in new commercial

Brian Heyman
bheyman@lohud.com

Yankees starting pitcher Shane Greene works during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays Thursday night at Yankee Stadium.

NEW YORK –

Derek Jeter walked the last bit of the way to Yankee Stadium one day in July, greeting fans, signing autographs, even stopping in at Stan's Sports Bar on River Avenue before ultimately walking up the dugout steps and out into cheers.

Frank Sinatra's "My Way" has now joined the trip as the soundtrack.

This is Jeter's new Gatorade commercial that follows his Nike Jordan Brand tip-your-cap "RE2PECT" commercial. The Yankees' retiring shortstop said before Thursday's night opener to his final homestand that the new one took about 30 minutes for him to do. And it had a deeper meaning that just pitching the energy drink.

"It was an opportunity, I felt, to thank people, which I've been pretty consistent with every time I've spoken, how much the fans have meant to me and my entire career," Jeter said. "It was sort of a way to thank them for what they've meant to me. It was a fun experience."

Jeter said he likes Sinatra music. So why "My Way" in particular?

"I've always liked the song," Jeter said. "I thought it was fitting. I thought it fit for what I'm going through, so I'm happy we were able to use it. … That was easy to come up with. You meet with creative people and you let them know. Fortunately, we were able to use it."

Beltran back: Joe Girardi said before the game that Carlos Beltran would be available despite the sad news that came Wednesday that he and wife Jessica had lost their unborn son, reportedly due to a miscarriage. But Beltran didn't appear in the game.

"My heart goes out to him, and obviously to his family," Girardi said. "When guys go through this, I think sometimes people think we're immune to problems because we're professional athletes. We deal with things on an everyday basis and we go through issues, too. That's the most difficult part."

Tanaka time coming again: Masahiro Tanaka threw 32 pitches in the bullpen to prep for his return Sunday in the series finale. There were no problems reported with his problematic right elbow, which has sidelined him since July 8.

"So far, so good," Girardi said.

Twitter: @bheyman99