Derek Jeter returns to Yankee Stadium for Bernie Williams Day
New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter made his triumphant return to Yankee Stadium on Sunday. Jeter wasn't just there to enjoy the game, however, he came to support former teammate Bernie Williams.
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The club retired Williams' number prior to the contest, and enshrined him in Monument Park. Williams has not played in the majors during the last nine seasons, but formally retired earlier this season. The franchise has not allowed another player to wear No. 51 since Williams left in 2006. The current Yankees will also wear a commemorative patch on their jerseys in honor of Williams.
For Jeter, it was the first time he had appeared at Yankee Stadium since his retirement.
Derek Jeter is on hand for #BernieDay celebrations! pic.twitter.com/U9RU53DUAy
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) May 24, 2015
The former shortstop was joined by a number of his teammates, including Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera.
Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, grinning from ear to ear on #BernieDay. pic.twitter.com/rb10FKRAgX
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) May 24, 2015
Earlier this season, Jeter made it clear that he's enjoying his retirement, and has no regrets about walking away from the game.
For the most part, he's managed to keep a pretty low profile after leaving the game. Jeter popped up at a charity event in Japan to support former teammate Hideki Matsui, but, other than that, he's stayed out of the spotlight.
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In that sense, it was probably great for the fans to see the captain on the field once again. Despite his popularity, Jeter never pursued attention as a player. Considering that, it's not really a surprise that his life away from the game has remained quiet.
Though he's settled in to a mostly carefree life post-baseball, Jeter will always have a place at Yankee Stadium. While it doesn't appear he has any interest to get back into the game, Jeter will always remain a beloved figure in New York when he does show up for future Yankees events.
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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik