MLB

Baseball world reacts to Jeter retirement news

After Derek Jeter announced his plan to retire following the 2014 season, ending a decorated career after 20 years in Yankees pinstripes, appreciations for the future Hall of Fame shortstop came flooding in from around the sport of baseball. Here is a sample:

Hal Steinbrenner, Yankees owner 

“Derek called me this morning to tell me that he planned to retire following the season. In our conversation, I told him that I respected his decision because I know he put a lot of thought into it. I also let him know that I thought it was great that he was letting fans know now so they will have a chance to say goodbye to him.

He is unquestionably one of the greatest Yankees ever. He has meant so much to fans, the organization, my father and our family. I’m glad we have this year to celebrate everything he has meant to us and all the great things he still stands to accomplish.”

Joe Girardi, Yankees manager

“Derek Jeter has been a great representative of what the Yankees have stood for over the years. He has been a team player who has only cared about winning. He has also been a fine example both on and off the field over his long tenure as a Yankee. It has been a real pleasure to manage him and play alongside him.”

Brian Cashman, Yankees general manager

“It has been an incredible honor having a front row seat for one of the great players of all time. Derek has been a winner every step of the way. I am already looking forward to an exciting final chapter of his storied career.”

Bud Selig, MLB commissioner

“In the 21-plus years in which I have served as Commissioner, Major League Baseball has had no finer ambassador than Derek Jeter. Since his championship rookie season of 1996, Derek has represented all the best of the National Pastime on and off the field. He is one of the most accomplished and memorable players of his – or any – era.

“Derek is the kind of person that generations have emulated proudly, and he remains an exemplary face of our sport. Major League Baseball looks forward to celebrating his remarkable career throughout the 2014 season.”

David Wright, Mets third baseman

“I was fortunate as a young player in this town to be able to watch how Derek Jeter conducted himself on and off the field. I had the privilege to call Derek a teammate during the World Baseball Classic and got to see firsthand how to lead by example.

“I’ve always been a big Derek Jeter fan for what he has done on the baseball field. I became an even bigger fan after getting to know Derek and learning there is more to this game than what goes on between the lines. Excluding the Subway Series, I wish him all the best in his final season.”

Don Mattingly, Dodgers manager and longtime Yankees first baseman

“I’m excited for him. It’s kind of nice to see him go out on his own terms.”

Cal Ripken, legendary Orioles shortstop

“Derek has represented the Yankees and the game of baseball so well for so many years. He has had a wonderful career, and as a fan I will miss watching him play. He will be remembered as one of the all-time greats, and I hope he enjoys his final season in pinstripes.”

Tony Clark, MLBPA executive director and former Yankees first baseman 

“For nearly 20 years, there has been no greater ambassador to the game of baseball than Derek Jeter. Day in and day out, on the world’s greatest stage, and through the peaks and valleys of a 162-game schedule, Derek consistently demonstrates awe-inspiring levels of passion, determination and excellence.

“I had the pleasure of playing against and with Derek. As his teammate in 2004, I had the privilege of seeing his leadership and professionalism manifest itself daily.

“A champion on and off the field, Derek’s impact cannot be understated. Not only does he make the game better, he makes lives better through his Turn2 charitable foundation. Derek has set the standard that we should all strive to achieve.

“I wish Derek all the best this season and in all his future endeavors.”