Earlier in the year, New York Yankee shortstop and captain, Derek Jeter, announced that this would be his final season in pinstripes. After 20 years in Major League Baseball, Jeter’s retirement marks the official end of the Yankee dynasty that began in 1996 with a World Series win against the Atlanta Braves.
Throughout his last season, fans, reporters and even other teams have paid tribute to Jeter’s brilliant career with a barrage of tributes and gifts. But no tribute will give you goosebumps like this commercial from the Jordan brand, which Jeter has been a part of for more than a decade.
The commercial begins with Jeter being given a tip of the cap by Boston Red Sox pitcher, John Lester. The commercial then continues with tips of the cap being given by fans, teammates, opponents and a range of celebrities, such as Spike Lee and Jay Z.
For fans of the Yankees, or baseball in general, this commercial signifies the end of an era, as one of the last great players of both the ‘90s and 2000s hangs up his cleats for good.
Important figures from throughout Jeter’s career also show up in the commercial to pay their respects, including Jorge Posada, Tino Martinez and legendary Yankee skipper Joe Torre. Former New York mayor, and rabid Yankee fan, Rudy Giuliani also shows his love for the captain in the ad.
Even if you’re not a sports fan, it’s hard to deny the impact a player like Jeter has had on the city. He was an integral part of the Yankee dynasty, which reinvigorated the New York sport scene from 1996-2000. And his classic homerun during Game 4 of the 2001 World Series lifted the city up in the wake of 9/11.
That’s what makes this commercial so poignant. For New Yorkers younger than 30, Jeter was a constant since childhood, and his absence marks the changing of the guard for a generation of fans. Plus, it’s one of those rare ads that manages to convey a message about something other than consumerism, despite the omniscient presence of the Jordan brand logo. In fact, you couldn’t be blamed for not realizing this was a commercial until Michael Jordan himself shows up at the end.
So, for Yankee fans everywhere, say goodbye to the captain with this beautiful ad. And don’t worry, those goosebumps will go away eventually.
