"I’m so disappointed I couldn’t be there in person" - New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter upset at missing teammate Paul O'Neill's jersey retirement
New York Yankees legend Paul O'Neill just received the honor of his jersey number going into Monument Park at Yankee Stadium. During today's game against the Toronto Blue Jays, O'Neill had his #21 jersey retired by the Yanks.
Usually during a jersey retirement, other former teammates are present in support of the ceremony. For Paul O'Neill, this would mean that players like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Jorge Posada would normally be in attendance. Jeter, unfortunately, could not make it. Rather, he posted on social media congratulating O'Neill.
I’m so disappointed I couldn’t be there in person. Congratulations @PaulONeillYES on a well-deserved honor! twitter.com/yankees/status…
"I’m so disappointed I couldn’t be there in person. Congratulations @PaulONeillYES on a well-deserved honor!" - Derek Jeter
Paul O'Neill and Derek Jeter spent seven seasons in the pinstripes together, from 1995-2001. They won four World Series Championships together, and were key components of the team.
It is unfortunate that Derek Jeter had to miss this special event for Paul O'Neill., given he has been in the public eye quite often recently. At the end of May, Jeter created accounts on both Twitter and Instagram.
Many speculated as to why Jeter suddenly established a social media presence. One theory was that it was in anticipation of his ESPN series 'The Captain' that aired a few weeks ago.
That said, it has been nice to see Jeter out in the public eye, which was a rare occurrence in the years after his retirement in 2014.
Paul O'Neill is one of the most underrated New York Yankees stars
Despite spending the first half of his career with the Cincinnati Reds, O'Neill is primarily known as a Yankee. O'Neill arrived in New York prior to the 1993 season and became an instant impact player. Through 1,254 games in the pinstripes, O'Neill batted .303, slugged just shy of .500, with an .869 OPS. He also has 304 doubles and 185 home runs as a Yankee.
Paul O'Neill made sure to shoutout the Bleacher Creatures before he finished his speech, and he asked Aaron Judge "does it get any better?" https://t.co/XeqyMRUyJU
"Paul O'Neill made sure to shoutout the Bleacher Creatures before he finished his speech, and he asked Aaron Judge "does it get any better?" - Talkin' Yanks
During his tenure in New York, Paul O'Neill was named to four All-Star games and received MVP votes in those seasons. The right fielder started in all four World Series wins the New York Yankees had during that time, contributing 10 postseason home runs.