The New York Yankees are among nan country’s oldest awesome sports franchises, steeped successful history and tradition.

But 1 of their modern legends was nan logic for a awesome alteration to a beloved ritual, according to a caller report.

The Yankees canceled their “Old Timers Game” past year, ending a contented that brought together beloved erstwhile players for a friends title connected nan field, which was cherished by fans. NJ Advance Media’s Bob Klapisch has revealed that a determination from long-time shortstop Derek Jeter was nan logic for that cancellation.

“Ever since canceling nan Old Timers Game past year, nan Yankees person been looking for a measurement to revive this beloved mid-summer ritual,” per Klapisch. “It’s not arsenic easy arsenic it sounds, arsenic insiders opportunity it (was) Derek Jeter, of each people, who nixed nan event.”

Klapisch added that Jeter indirectly forced nan cancellation, arsenic he refused to be if nan Yankees insisted connected putting him backmost astatine shortstop for fearfulness of really he’d look astatine nan position aft passing his prime.

“He didn’t want to beryllium pressured into putting connected a uniform, taking a fewer swings and different letting nan world spot he’s not 25 anymore,” Klapisch wrote. “The Yankees, backed into a corner, surrendered.”

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Instead, nan Yankees hosted a ceremonial and question-and-answer convention successful spot of nan game, which was poorly received by fans. This year, nan franchise is readying a softball crippled arsenic a replacement.

Klapisch expects Jeter to participate, though it will people a important alteration to nan contented of nan Old Timers Game.

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