Goodbye to the Captain

     The MLB All -Star game took place Tuesday.  Did anybody watch?  The game was on the TV at WestSide Pizza and a few locals enjoyed the game.  One of the special features included a tribute to the man and career of the "Captain".   Some have called him the captain of major league baseball.   Derek Jeter, the quintessential professional athlete: dependable, exceptional, professional during the ups and downs of a 19 year career.   He smiles and doffs his cap as the generous fans stand and offer accolades as he begins the last half of his final season with the American League New York Yankees, his only employer during this remarkable run.
     He did it all: hitting, fielding, base running, and dealing with the injuries and comebacks that bedevil those players in their final active playing days.   In time, he will be inducted into the "Hall", a reward for his service.  Like his peers, he will bask in the limelight, and retreat into comfortable retirement, called out on special occasions to put a face on the history of a generation, and on the face of Yankee stardom.
     What a pleasure to watch this talented individual play a game that is so hard to master and play it so well.   All fandom revels in his collective accomplishments.
     We, in turn, doff our caps to "The Captain"- Derek Jeter.
Enjoy the next 80 games.