Derek Jeter’s decision to skip this year’s New York Yankees Old-Timers’ Day has sparked criticism from former NFL quarterback and broadcaster Boomer Esiason.
Esiason, a Long Island native who spent nine seasons with the New York Jets, called the move “a little bit insulting” during his morning radio show on New York’s WFAN.
Jeter, he said, should still attend the festivities, even if he doesn’t suit up for the traditional alumni baseball game, which is making a return after a four-year hiatus.
Old-Timers’ Day Marks 2000 World Series Anniversary
Yesterday, the Yankees announced the return of the traditional game beloved by fans, along with dozens of franchise greats, for the 77th Old-Timers’ Day on August 9. The festivities will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the 2000 World Series championship team.
But Jeter, who was a central figure on that championship roster and a five-time World Series winner, has reportedly told the organization he doesn’t want fans to see him hit at this stage of his life.
His final at-bat at Yankee Stadium in 2014 — a walk-off single in his farewell game — remains one of the defining moments of his illustrious career, and he has largely stayed away from on-field events at Yankee Stadium.
Esiason Points to Jeter’s Role as ‘The Captain’
On WFAN, Esiason argued that Jeter’s presence is about more than his ability to play, emphasizing what the Yankees captain represents to fans.
“He’s the captain. He was the guy that was embraced by the fans and loved by the fans, and still is to this very day. It feels a little bit elitist, that’s all.”
Esiason also noted that Old-Timers’ Day isn’t about reliving past glory on the field so much as honoring the connection between the team’s legends and its fans. His co-host, Gregg Giannotti, added that Yankees icons Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio both played in the 1969 Old-Timers’ Game — despite not having been teammates since 1951 — to illustrate the tradition’s significance.
First Old-Timers’ Game Since 2019
This year’s event is the first time since 2019 that the Yankees will host an actual Old-Timers’ Day baseball game. In recent years, the celebration had been scaled back to a ceremony without on-field action. The return of the full game, paired with the 2000 World Series celebration, was expected to bring out nearly every living star from that championship roster — except Jeter.
Confirmed participants include Mariano Rivera, Bernie Williams, Andy Pettitte, and Jorge Posada, among others. Fans will also see appearances by Yankees greats from other eras, including Ron Guidry and Willie Randolph.
For the complete list of Yankees legends confirmed for Old-Timers’ Day, click here to see every player and coach attending.
Tickets remain available for the August 9 event, which typically draws a sellout crowd as fans get a rare chance to see Yankees legends back on the field.
The 77th Annual New York Yankees Old Timers’ Day celebrations will take place ahead of the afternoon game between the Yankees and the Houston Astros.
Tickets start at around $30 for upper-deck seats.
Date & Time: Saturday, August 9, 2025, 2:05 PM
Location: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
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