The Fun of Spring and Opening Day
- Posted 7 months ago|
- 21 comments
Back as promised, another beautiful day in Tampa winding down and I'm glad to be back in the blogging rhythm... feels good. So another Spring Training is coming to an end in just a few days, which means we'll finally get to kick off the 2009 season. It's been a long time coming, I'll tell you that. Feels like I've been getting ready for this season to start for way too long.
Obviously this past offseason felt like it was a few weeks longer than usual because it was. The timing of everything made it feel different. For the first time in a long time, the Yankees didn't go to the playoffs. And then in order to get ready for the World Baseball Classic, I had to start doing my regular baseball preparation activities a little bit earlier. That means everything was pushed up about three weeks or so, lifting weights earlier, running earlier, hitting earlier, throwing earlier... it was all just moved up in order to be prepared a little bit earlier than a regular Spring Training.
What I really like about the Classic is that not only do you get to represent your country, but it's a lot of fun getting to play with the different players. You know, guys that you've been around a little bit, but never really been around for two or three weeks. It really is different than just playing with some of these guys in an All-Star game were you're there for two days. And even then, some of the guys you don't see too much of and you don't get an opportunity to talk to because you go into different directions.
I've been a member of the Yankees for my entire career. Almost 15 years. So while it may be kind of awkward at first, getting the opportunity to put personalities to people and get to know guys is a treat. You get to enjoy playing with them.
And let's be honest - Spring Training can get kind of long at times and we're playing for like six weeks and once you get a few weeks in, you're just ready to go. So for me, to be able to leave and go play some important games for Team USA and then come back for 10 games before we get going again, it's been a nice change of pace. No game, even if it's Spring Training, is ever meaningless, but the WBC was a real help for me not just in terms of being ready to play on the field. It really did break things up - and that can only help in terms of mental preparation too.
And after another week back at Spring Training, I'm feeling good. This time is always kind of laid back, much more so than the regular season because sometimes you don't play every day. Maybe you play five, six, seven innings then come out of the game. Which means it's more relaxed. And it's also about catching up, I mean I haven't seen a lot of my teammates for the entire offseason, so I've enjoyed really getting to interact with them again.
One week to go until Opening Day. And remember, we celebrate Opening Day on Weplay tomorrow morning - 8 a.m. on Good Morning America. And if I'm getting up that early, so should you. Talk soon,
-Derek
You rock!
Hey Derek, I'll be at achool, but I'll be sure to record it and watch it was soon as i get home!!
DJ!!! Great Job in the WBC!
AND IF YOU HAVEN'T HEARD YET, THE YANKEES HAVE A GREAT TEAM THIS YEAR AND WILL GO ALL THE WAY!
I GOT TICKETS ON JULY 1st, FIRST BASE SIDE, BY THE FOUL POLE, SO I'LL SEE YOU THERE!
AND... if you stop by, we can swap autographs.
I can't wait to go to New York this summer and see my first game in the new stadium!
I'm saving my money for souvenirs...
GO JETER!
GO YANKEES!
i agree with 8 am being early haha anything before 11ish but for one day i guess i'll manage lol :D
Yeah, 8am is pretty early i agree but I'll be at school but ill definitely record it and watch it when i get home.... :-)
well i have school so i'll be up at about 5 am et and in my first class at 7:17 but i'm going to record good morning america so i can watch when i get home....it was great to hear from you
Lauren
Well Derek, I was up n I watched u. I saw u promoting "Weplay" & " Turn 2 Foundation". Its been awhile seeing u but I wanna welcome u back 2 Ny on Thurs. Gud job in da WBC, best of luck w/ da new season approaching. Keep up da gr8 wk captain Jeter n c u.
I woke up later than usual, if it wasn't because I ray of sun hit my face while I was asleep I would have woken up later. I did catch you in GMA, it was fun! And yeah, I got late to work today.. LOL... I can't wait for next week to come by.
hey Derek-
I saw you this morning on good morning america. you looked good. i like how you were talking about turn 2 and weplay. I can t wait for the season either. i loved watching you in the classic. im so stoked for monday. c u soon love jen
man i love you :)
Cool!
Thanks for finally adding something!!!!!!! <3
XOXO
im ttly DVRing that!
GO YANKEES!
2009 is our year to shine!
--#2 fan DANIELLE
I could not see the Good Morning America episode in the Netherlands, but I think you were good as always!! Maybe I can see it on the computersometimes?
Saw you in February during Spring Training. I wished we could talk then, but you were to far away.
AHHHHH DEREK JETER I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THIS !!! I WILL BE AT THE GAME APRIL 19TH THE DAY AFTER I GET BACK FROM ISRAEL ... there will be a little jet lag but there is no way everrr i can miss a yankee game ! can not waitt for this season !!
-1ST #1 FAN ARI
You're awesome!
Hi Derek, Just want to wish you the best this season. I jist picked up my tickets for July against the Angels. Cant wait!!! We'll own the Angels this year
I can't wait until opening day!!!!!! AHH!!! I wish I could go but my parents only got 2 tickets!!!!!!!! I cant wait to go to the new stadium in the summer!!!! ;D
Derek, I can't wait to go to a game. I've seen the new yankee stadium and it is gorgeous. You have a awesome team. Hope AROD gets better, but Cody is getting the job done pretty darn good. =D <3
whats up man...I went to both exhibition games you had at the new stadium...it is awesome. The reason im posting is because, I spotted out your dad walking on game day nd i took a nice picture with him..he is a very nice person. Have a good season man.