Thank you Derek Jeter...

I know you've all been wondering, where is the blog post for Derek Jeter? My personal all time favorite baseball player from the greatest team ever invented. (This is where all Bosox fans can just stop reading... I joke I joke). Has there ever been a more dignified, classier player than Derek Jeter? Sure, you can make the argument that there have been some before him (Roger Maris, Roberto Clemente, Cal Ripken Jr., Yogi Berra) but something that Harold Reynolds said (I know, I was shocked something intelligible came out of his mouth as well) on ESPN the other day that really struck a chord. Derek was able to remain classy and basically scandal free in TODAY'S day and age. I mean think about it. In an age where selfies are the requirement, phones can take and upload videos in 2 seconds flat and where for as vast as the world wide web is, we all seem to be way up in each other's business, this man has remained with a reputation that is untarnished. So, in my own personal way, I am sharing with you my Thank You letter to Derek Jeter. (I haven't emailed it out yet...so tell me what you think...lol)

Dear Mr. Jeter, (I mean we're not friends...yet. I'd like to keep it professional until then)

Thank you for being the class act person that you are. While I don't profess to know you personally, I can appreciate the public persona that is Derek Jeter. I appreciate that the fact that in a world where scandal and disappointment seem to be the norm, you have been able to hold your head up high and continue going to your job everyday and realize that it's just that, a job. Sure, it's a hell of a job to have and certainly a coveted job, but a job none the less. Integrity, commitment, achievement and philanthropy are the values I see when I watch you do your job. Certainly family values appear to be a top priority for you as well as evidenced by the support of your parents at every step of your journey. The fact that you value family above all else is a nod to your upbringing. I can't imagine the pride your parents must have felt every time they watched you step onto the field and conduct yourself like a true professional. I am sure they swell with even more pride at all of your even more important accomplishments (Turn 2 Foundation, etc.). Thank you for keeping your mouth shut. I truly mean that. I appreciate that you realize that you are not a psychologist, a doctor or even a politician and that you're just a guy doing a job.(Again, doing a HELL of a job) Thank you for using your celebrity for meaningful projects and not using it to push your social, political or even professional agendas. Thank you for reminding everyone that hard work still matters and taking pride in your work is still valued. Thank you for being one of the best shortstops that the NY Yankees have ever had. Thank you for taking your role as Captain seriously and treating it as more than just a random title thrown at you by the boss (may he rest in peace). Thank you for showing men that you can date all the women you choose to (and well, let's be candid here, you've dated a lot) and still be a gentleman about it. Thank you for sacrificing your body for a game that many New Yorkers value so dearly and bringing a smile to their faces even if it's only a game.Thank you for respecting those that came before you, respecting those you played with and against and paving the way for those who will come after you. Thank you for never, ever, ever, making race an issue.Thank you for giving me many great days and nights at the old and new Yankees stadiums that I've shared with friends and family alike. Thank you for flipping that ball to Jorge Posada and getting Jason Giambi out at home.And most importantly Mr. Jeter,  a sincere, heartfelt Thank you for kicking the shit out of Boston through the years, I mean really, I can't thank you enough for that one. 
I will miss you, New York City will miss you and baseball fans all over the world will miss you. 

Yours truly and your future BFF, 
Jennifer 
P.S.-I even wore the #2 when I played softball a few years back....it didn't make me any better, but it sure looked good. ;0)