‘Something New’
“For the last 20 years I’ve been completely focused on two goals: playing my best and helping the Yankees win,” Jeter said. “That means that, for 365 days a year, my every thought and action were geared toward that goal. It’s now time for something new.”
With five World Series championships, Jeter is the Yankees’ record holder in hits, games played, stolen bases, at-bats and singles. His 3,316 hits rank first among active major league players.
“He is unquestionably one of the greatest Yankees ever,” Yankees Managing General Partner Hal Steinbrenner said in a statement. “I’m glad we have this year to celebrate everything he has meant to us.”
Jeter said upon signing his final deal that his 2013 season was “pretty much a nightmare.” He played in 17 games, hitting a career low .190 in 73 plate appearances, and was placed on the disabled list four times with ankle and leg injuries.
Last season the Yankees lost all-time saves leader Mariano Rivera and starting pitcher Andy Pettitte, a 256-game winner, to retirement. Both pitchers joined the big leagues with Jeter in 1995.