Derek Jeter played his last home game at Yankee Stadium as he prepares to retire from baseball, ending one memorable era. INSIDE EDITION has more.
It was the bottom of the ninth, and to deafening cheers from a capacity crowd, New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter stood at home plate for his final turn at bat in Yankee Stadium, with a chance to win the game.
The likes of Jay-Z and Jimmy Fallon were there to cheer him on.
And in Hollywood, lifelong Yankee fan Denzel Washington wished he was there.
On Jimmy Kimmel Live, Kimmel said, "Tonight is the last game for Derek Jeter. This is it, and you're here."
Washington replied, "I’d rather be here."
"You are a good actor. That's incredible," joked Kimmel.
The tension grew by the moment, just as it did in Pride of the Yankees, that classic movie about Yankee immortal Lou Gehrig who promises to hit two home runs for a boy in the hospital and delivers.
It may not have been a home run, but sure enough, Jeter delivered the game-winning hit.
“Base hit to right field!” exclaimed an announcer. "Derek Jeter, where fantasy becomes reality!"
It was absolute pandemonium at the stadium. Jeter hugged his teammates. His family and his girlfriend were there to celebrate the victory.
This player who thrilled fans for twenty years was humble to the end.
Jeter stated, "Everybody's chanting 'Thank you Derek,' and I'm thinking to myself – for what? You know, I'm just trying to do my job, so thank you guys."
And just like in that Hollywood movie, Jeter walked away a champion.
"So long, Derek," said Yankee broadcaster Michael Kay.
