Derek Jeter Ripe For Retirement After 2014 Season

by Cesar Tordesillas

Tampa, FL

Derek Jeter says he feels the time is right to retire after the 2014 season and that he is ready to set his focus on other things.

"I feel the time is right," said the 39-year-old Jeter during a recent news conference. "There are other things I want to do."

Among the other things he wants to do are to start a family post-retirement, extend his business career and do more philanthropic work.

Jeter emphasized that his conditioning had nothing to do with his decision.

"Physically, I feel great, and I look forward to playing a full season," said Jeter.

Jeter played in only 17 games in 2013 because of of injuries related to the dislocated ankle he suffered in Game 1 of the 2012 American League Championship Series.

He decided a few months ago that he wanted to retire, but friends and family advised him to wait before making the decision public.

A week ago he finally announced his plans via Facebook.

Jeter has played in the most postseason games and racked up the most playoff hits and runs in history.

He enters his final season needing just four hits to move past Paul Molitor's 3,319 for eighth place all time.

Jeter's 3,316 hits are sixth-most for a player with one franchise.

He ranks first in New York Yankees history in hits, stolen bases, at-bats and games played.

More importantly, he has helped the Yankees win five championships.

When he finally calls it a day, he hopes that his association with the ballclub is the primary thing that gets into the mind of fans.

"The thing that means the most to me is to be remembered as a Yankee," Jeter emphasized.

 

 

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"Derek Jeter Ripe For Retirement After 2014 Season"