“He’s like a second father to me,” Derek Jeter once paid EMOTIONAL tribute to ex-Yankee coach Joe Torre during his HOF induction
MLB Derek Jeter once gave an emotional tribute to his former manager Joe Torre when the skipper was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.
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Joe Torre and Derek Jeter (Pic Credit: AP)
As the postseason in baseball continues, the name of the New York Yankees is nowhere to be found. This was just the second time since 2016 that the Bronx Bombers had failed to reach the knockout phase. At one point, things were different. The Yankees were one of the teams that others wanted to avoid. Such was the influence of legendary manager Joe Torre. He was once called a “second father” by Derek Jeter.
The MLB Hall of Famer was one of the key members of Torre’s side in the past. Jeter was nicknamed “The Captain,” and he, along with the other Core Four members, led the Yankees to one of their most successful eras. That era seems like a distant memory to the fans now. The 48-year-old also had an amazing relationship with his skipper and was left emotional when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.
When Joe Torre made it into the Hall of Fame in 2014, his former players celebrated with joy. One of the greatest managers was going to be immortalized. As a result, Jeter would pay a heartfelt tribute to him, calling him a father-like figure.
“He’s like a second father to me. He’s like a second father to all of us,” Jeter said at the start. The then-Yankee captain further added, “He’s the reason why we’re today. He gave us an opportunity… He trusted us when we were younger and gave us an opportunity to play. So we all wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him.”
Joe Torre: A true MLB icon who defined the sport
Making it into the Hall of Fame in any form of sports is one of the hardest things. An individual is conferred this prestigious honor to thank them for their continued contribution and for others to cherish their achievements. Joe Torre was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014 for his magnificent services to the New York Yankees.
The 83-year-old veteran currently serves as the special assistant to the MLB Commissioner (currently Rob Manfred). His involvement in baseball goes all the way back to 1960, when he made his playing debut. In his 17-year playing career, he would record 252 home runs while collecting 1,185 RBIs on 2,342 hits. These numbers might have been enough to see him make it into the Hall of Fame, but his managerial career was even more iconic.
Joe Torre would enjoy a 29-year managerial tenure with several teams while working for 11 years at the Yankees. During his eleven-year spell with them, he would make the Yankees one of the most feared teams. They would win six pennants and four World Series titles. Their best run probably was the 1998 season, where the side finished with a 114-48 record and claimed the crown with an 11-2 record in the postseason.
Things have changed drastically for the team now. Current manager Aaron Boone also has a special kind of relationship with his players. However, the fans have not been on their side. The current skipper could perhaps take some notes from the MLB great and hope to turn things around next year.
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Vinay Dave
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