Last year the New York Yankees said goodbye to reliever Mariano Rivera, perhaps the game’s greatest closer. On Thursday, shortstop Derek Jeter plays his final home game at Yankee Stadium. This one hurts more.

Nothing against Rivera. But he didn’t play every day and he rarely appeared for more than one inning at a time. His brilliance involved short bursts, usually against only three baffled batters.

Jeter was day-in and day-out. Steady. Clutch. Decent and disciplined. No hint of scandal, no taint.

It’s a hot and expensive ticket in New York to say goodbye to a player who gave 20 years to the team and helped the Yankees win five World Series. StubHub was reporting prices from just under $400 to a little more than $9,700 for tickets for Thursday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles, the AL East champions.

Expensive, but perhaps worth it to offer a final salute to Jeter. Fourteen times an All-Star, plus being MVP of the All-Star game and the World Series in 2000. He’s the Yankees’ all-time leader in hits, games played, stolen bases. Winner of five Gold Glove awards. Did we mention no scandal, no taint?

The end really comes for Jeter on Sunday in Boston, against the Red Sox. There’s no love for the Yankees there (duh). But at Fenway Park, getting to boo the Captain one last time will cost $533, with the top ticket selling for more than $10,000.

Jeter was drafted by the Yankees out of high school in 1992 and became the regular shortstop in 1996. The Yankees have not drafted or developed talent nearly so well over the recent years and they’re missing the postseason for the second consecutive season.

Too bad Jeter goes out without one last look at October, a month in which he entertained and played so well.

Today’s question

What is your favorite memory of Derek Jeter? How about that 3,000^th hit being a home run?

Answers in the comment box, please.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .