Derek Jeter On Retirement: ‘The Time Is Right’

Derek Jeter is finally ready to start his life after baseball, saying he knew inside that 2014 was the time to retire.

The New York Yankees legend announced earlier this month that this season would be his last, and this week elaborated on how he knew to hang up his cleats.

“I feel the time is right,” Jeter told reporters on Wednesday, speaking publicly for the first time about his intention to reture. “There are other things I want to do”

Jeter said he would like to start a family after retiring, and also extend his business and philanthropic work.

Jeter was hampered last season, playing in only 17 games while dealing with the lingering effects of a broken ankle in Game 1 of the 2012 ALCS. But Jeter said his injuries had nothing to do with his decision to retire.

“Physically, I feel great and I look forward to playing a full season,” Jeter said.

In announcing his last week his plans to retire, Jeter said he will be taking many memories with him.

“I will remember it all: the cheers, the boos, every win, every loss, all the plane trips, the bus rides, the clubhouses, the walks through the tunnel and every drive to and from the Bronx,” the post read. “I have achieved almost every personal and professional goal I have set. I have gotten the very most out of my life playing baseball, and I have absolutely no regrets.”

Derek Jeter has the chance to pass a few milestones before retirement. He needs just four hits to pass Paul Molitor’s 3,319 for eighth all time. Jeter will also retire as the player with the most postseason games and most playoff wins and runs — along with five World Series titles with the Yankees.

Derek Jeter will retire after a three-game stretch at Fenway Park on September 26 through 28 — unless the Yankees legend has one last playoff run in him.

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