Baseball: A Two-Way Player-Chapter 668 - 20: The Legend Comes Home

"Ah, it feels great to return to the Bronx once again. Especially seeing the current team's young lads so full of energy, it makes me even more delighted!"

May 14, 2017, on Mother's Day in the United States. On this special day, Yankee Stadium welcomed its most familiar guest—

When Derek Jeter, as he did during his 20-year career, casually walked into the New York Yankees' players' locker room, he was greeted by the entire active roster lining up to welcome him, accompanied by a tidal wave of enthusiastic applause.

"Don't be like that, don't be like that." Jeter, accompanied by family and team staff, waved at the Yankees players in front of him and joked humorously, "Such a big setup, an outsider might think I'm retiring and making a comeback."

Upon hearing this, CC, who had been teammates with Jeter for six years, was the first to jump out from the crowd, "Then Derek, just come back! I'm telling you, this season we're really in good form, you coming back might even snag another championship ring..."

Derek Jeter rolled his eyes at his old teammate who he had a good relationship with, and unrestrainedly retorted, "Come on, CC, as the team's fourth starter, how dare you say such things? Even if we do win the championship this season, the credit would go to young guys like Lin, Aaron, and Sevy. You old guys should be getting ready to retire instead!"

"Moreover..." At this point, Jeter deliberately extended his right hand in the direction of Sabathia, "In terms of championship rings, I've got enough —— but you, CC, with only one championship ring, should just keep quiet."

The moment Jeter extended that right hand, it instantly drew the attention of everyone present, including Lin Guang:

The reason was simple, every finger on Jeter's right hand was adorned with a shining championship ring—an honor only available to members of a World Series championship team, sought after by so many top players who end their careers without even one.

And Derek Jeter alone had a total of five, including a three-peat from 1998-2000—aside from legendary figures who achieved numerous honors with the Yankees dynasty in the early 20th century, Jeter's five World Series wins were enough to set him atop the championship leaderboard.

Today, this record-holder of many team achievements and one of the greatest Yankees players was marked to reach yet another milestone in his career:

Before today's game between the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros, Jeter's number 2 jersey would be officially retired by the Yankees, and a plaque bearing this number would be placed at the forefront of Monument Park for future generations to admire.

Sensing the gaze from the crowd, Derek Jeter standing at the front smiled lightly: Why did he specially make a trip to the locker room today? This was the answer!

After experiencing several years of decline, with the introduction of Lin Guanglai, the promotion of Aaron Judge, and Luis Severino this season, the revitalized Yankees exploded with vigor that shocked the whole league:

This team now had balanced offense and defense, aside from the young players' relatively fluctuating states and slight lack of experience, in Jeter's eyes this team had all the elements necessary to win the championship!

And today, he chose to wear his five cherished championship rings as the most direct visual stimulus to spark the young players' competitiveness, ignite their deep desire for championships, for honor—from the players' reactions, his goal was indeed achieved.

Players like Gardner and Sabathia, who had followed the team to the 2009 World Series win, were okay, but for young talents like Lin Guanglai and Judge, their undisguised desire and greed almost overflowed from their eyes.

Seeing this, Derek Jeter decided to give the team another boost: He simply walked over to the crowd and stopped in front of Lin Guanglai and Aaron Judge.

Looking at these two tall, similarly young and talented individuals, the smile on Jeter's face was unstoppable: "Lin, Aaron, I've watched every game this season—you both performed exceptionally well, whether as the team's former captain or a regular Yankees fan, I'm very satisfied."

But then, the legend changed his tone, "Whether it's Lin or Aaron, I know that as newcomers, you've already achieved unparalleled success...But I also hope you don't forget what the pinstripe uniform on your back signifies!"

"Go for it, kids! This season, I hope to see you in games in October, even November, I hope to see you lift that trophy by hand in the Bronx, I hope to see you personally place a shining championship ring on your finger in next season's opener! Believe in your own strengths, and trust my judgment as an MLB player—you absolutely have what it takes!"

After finishing a long speech, Jeter gave Lin Guanglai and Aaron Judge a firm pat on the shoulder, and after chatting a bit with other players, he turned to leave accompanied by family and staff.