Derek Jeter to Miss Yankees Old-Timers Day
It has been announced that Derek Jeter will not participate in this year’s Old-Timers Day for the Yankees.
Suzyn Waldman, a broadcaster for WFAN, shared on Wednesday that Jeter, now 51, is skipping the event on August 9th, which is intended to celebrate the 2000 World Series team, due to plans for his daughter’s birthday celebration.
“They’re throwing a big party for her,” Waldman mentioned in a conversation with Brandon Tierney.
Jeter and his wife, Hannah, have three daughters and a son, with their eldest child, Bella Lane, born on August 17, 2017.
In the discussion, Tierney asked Waldman, “Couldn’t they celebrate on another day?”
Waldman responded, “Well, he’s been a part of this for 25 years. It’s his daughter’s birthday, and maybe he just doesn’t want to come home and see her upset. I’m not entirely sure. I don’t think it means he doesn’t want to engage with the game. That’s just how I see it.”
Meanwhile, the Yankees are gearing up for their Old-Timer’s Day, marking the first event like this since 2019.
Boomer Esiason expressed his opinions about Jeter’s absence on Tuesday’s show, saying, “It’s somewhat insulting… I think he should be present. He ought to be part of it. It comes off as a bit elitist.”
Last year, Jeter mentioned he wouldn’t return to play during Old-Timers Day and had only participated in two previously. He talked about concerns regarding potential injuries, stating, “They don’t expect me to step back out there. I’m worried about getting hurt. But that’s not the reason for my absence; I don’t make those calls.”
This year, other notable players making their first appearances include Roger Clemens, David Justice, Alfonso Soriano, and Jose Viscano.
