Jeter dismisses criticism on All-Star game absence, prepares for the second-half games – MLB News
Derek Jeter who added a new chapter in the history of baseball with his 3,000th hit last week triggered intense debate for his absence in the All-Star game. While, incidentally, his decision not to play was due to the sore right calf.
However, much to the amazement and - from how Jeter himself reacted, displeasure of the Yankees captain, not only did his absence from the All-Star game caused anger but also speculations if he was fully fit to play in the second half of the season.
But before the team and Jeter himself could realise what was brewing, the lava of anger erupted on all the television channels and some sections of the print media, questioning what kept him away from the game.
"It seemed to be a non-issue at the time," Jeter said before starting Thursday night's game in Toronto. "I hadn't heard a word about it until someone told me it was all over the TV on Tuesday."
While the anger initially seemed confined to the circles of fan and for an overzealous media, there were words even from the officials who wondered why Jeter missed such an awaited game.
“I think it's too bad that Jeter in particular is not here, because of what he accomplished over the weekend," Philadelphia Phillies’ chairman Bill Giles, the honorary NL president said, "and I think it is a bit of a problem and baseball should study it."
However, for Jeter, who became the 28th hitter of baseball having hit 3,000 hits, the whole reaction was gratuitous. Many fans and supporters were unhappy that Jeter chose not to be a part of the All-Star game.
For Jeter and the New York Yankees that he represents, the reaction was a stark discovery. It therefore became obvious by Thursday that Jeter would react along with the team.
The strongest voice that expectedly came in his support and was reassuring for the legendary hitter, was the Yankees’ manager Joe Girardi who was of the candid view that it was “unfair” to question the choices Jeter makes.
Jeter’s performance against the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday that included his historic 3,000th as well, he is unwilling to get overwhelmed with the intensity of the criticism and wants to do something greater in the second half of the season.
As the Yankees prepare themselves for the series against the Toronto Blue Jays, it would indeed be something interesting to see how Jeter can guide his team to more victories in the days to come with his majestic brilliance.
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