MINNEAPOLIS — There is only one way to go out: leading off.
Derek Jeter will be batting first for the American League on Tuesday night at Target Field in his final All-Star Game.
This is his 14th All-Star selection, but it was clear from Monday’s comments the players are here to honor Jeter.
No. 2 is No. 1 in their baseball hearts.
Respect for Jeter runs deep.
“He’s a very special player,’’ Rays ace David Price said of the Yankees shortstop, “and, honestly, saying that about him does an injustice. He glorified the game of baseball on and off the field. To be able to do what he’s done, on that stage in New York, the biggest stage in baseball, and to do everything the right way, that’s extremely tough to do.
He’s a delight to watch play.
“If I could be with anybody that I grew up watching and be a part of history with, it’s Derek Jeter. He’s a mentor. He has all the accolades, but he is completely normal.’’
AL manager John Farrell said it was a no-brainer to bat Jeter leadoff.
“This is a way to celebrate a player who’s not only a champion but a guy that sets the bar that I think all players should aspire to — the way he’s handled himself with class, with performance, no doubt a Hall of Famer,” Farrell said.
“This will be a day that many baseball fans that are either in the ballpark or watching, [they] will remember Derek’s last All-Star Game.”
This was a day of decisions for Farrell and NL manager Mike Matheny. The St. Louis manager opted to start his ace Adam Wainwright over the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw, who pitched a no-hitter this season.
This is Jeter’s All-Star Game, though.
The opposing starting shortstop, Troy Tulowitzki, also wears No. 2, which is not a coincidence.
“I’ve always looked up to him. It’s sad, it’s sad to see him go, but at the same time at least he gets to go out on his own terms. Hopefully, he has a great showing,’’ Tulowitzki said. “To wear No. 2 is an honor,. Everybody knows why I wear No. 2. Every day it’s a reminder to be a professional. To see him not change throughout his career is a blessing.’’
Jeter said he has many All-Star memories.
“The first one you’re always going to remember,’’ Jeter said of the 1998 All-Star Game. “ … First game I got a chance to start [2000] in Atlanta. The Yankee Stadium All-Star Game [2008] was special.
“One of the ones that stands out the most is we were in Boston in ’99 and they did the All-Century team, I got a tap on my shoulder, and it was Hank Aaron. He was looking for me because he wanted to meet me. That’s something that stands out. That’s one of the best moments I had on a baseball field.’’
A Hall of Fame All-Star moment.
Jeter said he will have seven family members at the All-Star Game.
“I’m excited to play,’’ he said.
Former teammate Robinson Cano will be at second base, next to Jeter. “It’s going to be fun,’’ the Seattle star said. “To be back on the same field with Derek again, that’s something I’m looking forward to and I can’t wait.’’
Dodgers infielder Dee Gordon was 14 when his dad, Tom, pitched for the Yankees, and Dee first met Jeter.
“He was always so nice to me and my brothers,” Dee Gordon said. “I can’t wait to go up to him and give him a big hug.’’
Angels star Mike Trout, growing up in South Jersey, idolized Jeter, and Tuesday night he will hit second, behind Jeter.
“Seeing him leadoff is going to be pretty cool,’’ Trout said.
Trout said he emulated Jeter’s professional style and his swing.
“The inside-out swing, but the biggest thing to me is that he is always humble,’’ Trout said. “He’s not cocky, he just goes out there and performs.’’
Noted Orioles center fielder Adam Jones: “He’s meant a lot to me, he plays the game hard, I play the game hard. He means a lot to baseball and baseball is going to miss his character.’’
That character will once again be on display Tuesday night in Jeter’s final All-Star Game.
—Additional reporting by Ken Davidoff