Red Sox manager Terry Francona was in the visiting dugout at Yankee Stadium on July 1, 2004, when Derek Jeter dove face-first into the stands to make a catch, and has managed more than 150 games against the Yankees captain. Here is his salute to Jeter, as told to Mark Hale.
The first year I managed the All-Star Game, in 2005, Derek Jeter did not make the American League team. I saw him at Fenway and told him, “You know, it’s kind of a big honor [for me]. The fact that you’re not in this game hurts me.” I respect him as much as anybody in the game.
Why? Look at how he handles himself. He cares about the team. He has integrity. He’s stand-up. He competes. Same reason we don’t like seeing him hit with the game on the line.
And you can tell he genuinely likes playing. He’s good for the game.
Anybody who likes baseball, I don’t know how you don’t appreciate him.
I don’t think playing in this rivalry matters with good players in terms of their ability to thrive. Good players are going to enjoy the bigger the game. He’s certainly in that category. It doesn’t have to be Red Sox. He’s done pretty well against everybody.
There’s no play or moment or at-bat that stands out because he does it every game. He’s one of those rare players. Dustin Pedroia’s got a lot of the same qualities. I knew they’d hit it off in the All-Star Game. And they did.
Jeter is going to get his hits any time, but with the game on the line, you’re going to get the very best out of him. He’s a great player. And when the game’s on the line, he’s even better. And that bothers me.
Because we want to win.
Doesn’t matter if he’s not hitting well. You’re going to get the very best out of him. It’s part of the reason I respect him so much.
I watched him in the Arizona Fall League. I saw him grow up. It’s not like I knew him personally but I watched him as a player, watched the way he handles himself. And I don’t like when he’s in the batter’s box because he’s good. But I think he’s good for the game.
He’s actually great for the game. And I respect him.