Ben Affleck explains why even Boston sports fans respect Derek Jeter
Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter emerged as a once-in-a-generation talent amid the high heat of the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry. For many years, he was the symbol of all things pinstripes.
But as the Sox-Yanks rivalry cooled down, Boston sports fans had no choice but to respect Jeter for his Hall of Fame play coupled with his outstanding character. At the ESPYs on Wednesday night, movie star and Boston native Ben Affleck expressed the bitter-sweet feeling Boston fans get when they think of No. 2 and presented Jeter with the “Icon Award.’’
[fragment number=0]
“If you’re from Boston, you always wanted to hate our next honoree [Jeter], but there was something about him that made the boos ring a little hollow,’’ Affleck said. “Maybe it was his inimitable class. Maybe it was that he won with dignity and lost with grace. Maybe it was simply that we knew, no matter what, he was a winner regardless.
“Boston sports fans can be many things, but we know baseball, and we respect those that play the game the way it was meant to be played. He broke my heart 100 times — if not more — and he broke it again when he retired, because he was absolutely one of the very best ever to play the game of baseball.
“So to you Derek Jeter, I tip my hat, and I thank you for every last moment of your incredible career. You make the game better for everyone.’’
A highlight-filled montage of Jeter’s career ensued, and Jeter took the stage.
He said: “I know it pained him to say every one of those words, so thank you very much.’’
Jeter was a 14-time All-Star, five-time World Series champion, Rookie of the Year and World Series MVP during his 20-year career with the Yankees.
Red Sox-Yankees Memorable Moments
[bdc-gallery id=”463851″]
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com