Mets Honor Derek Jeter With Subway-Themed Gifts, Turn 2 Donation
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The New York Mets honored Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter before his final regular-season Subway Series game Thursday night, presenting him with a Subway-themed gift.
Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon gave Jeter a No. 2 subway-tile mosaic featuring Mets and Yankees colors. The team also gave the Yankees captain a cake by the "Cake Boss" with a No. 7 and No. 4 train and Jeter's number.
Wilpon, on behalf of the Mets Foundation, made a $22,222.22 donation to Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation.
"That means a lot to me," Jeter said before the Yankees' 1-0 win. "I think a lot of people know how much the foundation means to me, so for you to do that, I really appreciate it and I can't thank you enough."
Jeter had a little fun with the donation after Wilpon fumbled a bit with the amount, asking if the check was for "$222.22."
Wilpon replied, "No. No. No."
Jeter has played 88 regular-season games against the Mets. He announced before the start of the season that this would be his last year as a player.
He hit .368 with 13 homers and 44 RBIs against the Mets going into Thursday's finale of this year's Subway Series matchup at Citi Field.
"I have a lot of great memories here," Jeter said. "It's been fun playing in these series. I've always said that the fans are very energetic on both sides. That makes it very fun for us as players to go out there and compete."
Jeter said it was the fans who made the rivalry exciting for everyone.
"What's special is the energy in the stadiums, both stadiums -- all four, actually, old Yankee Stadium, new Yankee Stadium, Shea and Citi," he said. "It's the fans that remain the same and the fans that make it fun for us."
Jeter was the MVP of the 2000 World Series when the Yankees beat the Mets in five games.
"It doesn't get any bigger than playing in the World Series against them. I think that was something I think the whole city was pulling for," he said.
Jeter was on the disabled list last year when Mariano Rivera was honored by the Mets. Told that the former Yankees closer struggled on the night of his tribute, Jeter drew laughs.
"Well, I won't blow a save. I know that much," he said.
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