VIDEO: Jeter hits walk-off single in final game at Yankee Stadium
Derek Jeter provided a Hollywood ending to his historic career at Yankee Stadium.
The Captain hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning as the New York Yankees edged the Baltimore Orioles, 6-5, Thursday night in the Bronx.
"It was above and beyond anything that I’ve ever dreamt of," Jeter said following the game.
(Courtesy: MLB.com)
After Jose Pirela singled to lead off the ninth, Brett Gardner advanced him to second on a sacrifice bunt. Manager Joe Girardi brought in 30-year-old pinch runner Antoan Richardson – who entered Thursday with 19 games of big-league experience – as the table was set for Jeter.
The future Hall of Famer didn't waste any time, driving the first pitch from Orioles right-hander Evan Meek through the right side of the infield to score Richardson for the winning run.
The hit capped off an impressive night for the 40-year-old at the plate, as Jeter finished 2-for-5 with three RBI and ended the eight-game home stand hitting .352.
Though the farewell tour has been a season-long affair, Jeter acknowledged that the thought of his career coming to an end became more of a reality Thursday.
"These last few weeks have been very difficult," Jeter said. "It's gotten more and more difficult as we've gotten to today. There was a couple times I almost lost it.
"The first inning I was saying 'please don't hit it to me.' Last inning I almost lost it, same thing, I don't know how many times in my career I've said 'please don't hit it to me' but that seemed to be what was going on over and over in my mind. I really thought I was going to break down."
The Yankees wrap up their season with a three-game set in Boston, a series that Jeter said he would only DH for.
"I've only played shortstop my entire career, and the last time I want to play was tonight," Jeter said.