Derek Jeter: Long Journeys And Short Stops

  • Saturday, October 25, 2014
  • Lisa DiRosso

We are often reminded to “enjoy the ride” because in the blink of an eye it’s over. Adored and revered baseball icon, Derek Jeter, shortstop and team captain with the New York Yankees, certainly had some ride. This honored legend will always have crucial meaning in my life. I became a new baseball fan during the summer of 1995 when Derek was still a rookie, too; he was almost 20 years younger then and so was I. He was embarking on his hopeful long journey as an outstanding baseball player and I was at the point where I believed all things were possible in my own life. There was so much ahead back then. Not to say that there isn’t a lot in front of each of us now to look forward to and hope for; however, it’s different all these years later. 

I suppose life rotates in cycles because when each one is exhausted it is time for another to begin. I think that when people are disillusioned maybe it is because their present cycles have ended and they haven’t begun new ones yet; perhaps they don’t realize they need to start building once again.  The newness of stages in life gives us enthusiasm, optimism, and priceless hope. With the completion of every cycle is the ability to move forward, reinvent ourselves, and become more of the people we were ultimately meant to be. Maybe that is the answer to the famous debatable question, “What is the meaning of life?” Perhaps it’s to discover ourselves and follow our own precious paths in spite of fear and without hesitation. I don’t know, but possibly.

So, I sit here and ponder Derek Jeter’s baseball career and quite the run it has been for him. Each time he sprinted around the bases was unlike any of the previous times. Even though he completed cycles over and over again, they were different. The circumstances by which Derek landed on base varied. The cycles to arrive at home plate were unique from one another and that is my point about life cycles. When we get tangled in the mindsets that circumstances just keep repeating themselves without the recognition that we have the power to make changes, we become defeated at our own hands. 

Derek Jeter’s final home game was on September 25, 2014. He is not stopping here; this isn’t the end of the road. Derek hasn’t won life’s game yet, not now and maybe not ever. And that’s alright because it really is how the game is played, with blood, sweat, and tears. Whenever he slammed the ball to get onto base it signified breaking through a barrier to achieve a goal. Starting a cycle. And when playing shortstop, catching the ball represented actively changing life’s direction. Stopping a cycle. 

My writing career has been nothing less for me even though plainly unparalleled to the fame and excitement Derek has been blessed with. Starting out was seemingly impossible and anything but smooth sailing. Every step of the way was a learning curve with fastballs mockingly leaving their painful bruises. I’m referring to the ones Derek had to endure also. He is now moving on to the next level in his life, persevering forward. I can’t stop here either. I want the next phase, my next life cycle.  I’m ready to push onward and know starting again won’t be easy. But if Derek Jeter can try to do it I am capable of making the attempt as well. 

I am going to make a conscious effort to savor every step of the game because in the blink of an eye it truly is over. Only in baseball is a player out after three strikes. In life we must keep swinging the proverbial bat as many times as it takes to smack the ball as hard as we can and see how far it will allow us to run. And at times we must put fear aside as difficult as it is and slide painfully to touch the prize.

 

Happenings
Michael Gerard Receives American Police Hall Of Fame Civilian Medal Of Appreciation
Michael Gerard Receives American Police Hall Of Fame Civilian Medal Of Appreciation
  • 3/18/2024

Collegedale officers responded to Garden Plaza of Greenbriar Cove on Sept. 21, 2023, after receiving a report of a missing elderly resident with dementia. The patient had left the facility approximately ... more

New Hamilton County Marriage Licenses
  • 3/18/2024

Here are the new marriage licenses from the County Clerk's office: SCOTT EDWARD KELLEY JAIMIE LYNN PASTORI 2205 JAMES AVE 4203 TENNESSEE AVE CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374156511 CHATTANOOGA, ... more

Chief John Ross DAR Presents Gold ROTC Medal
Chief John Ross DAR Presents Gold ROTC Medal
  • 3/18/2024

Chief John Ross Chapter, NSDAR had their March meeting on the 13th, and the meeting theme was Women’s History Month. Officials said, "Chapter member, Kay Sencabaugh, presented an entertaining ... more