BRONX, NEW YORK — Back in 2009, Yankee Stadium was ablaze with lights as Derek Jeter — the Yankees’ immortal icon — stepped out in a gleaming striped jersey. Nearly two decades later, the man who was once a fixture at the Once Upon a Time festival will be absent on Aug. 9. And this time, the reason isn’t simply… “fear of injury.”
Declined for fear of… time and loss
According to insiders, Jeter has been thinking a lot about his physical and mental health in recent years. He once confided:
“I’m not going to bat anymore. I’m afraid of getting hurt — but that’s not the only reason.”
The most prominent is the pressure of expectation not only from fans but also from himself – the symbol of the golden generation of Yankees. Every time he appears, even at a Q&A event, he faces the pressure of “having to be the best.”
After Old-Timers – not just the stage
Some close friends revealed: Jeter once experienced insomnia, sudden anxiety, when facing “a crowd of expectations”. According to them, refusing to participate in the cheering match is just a part of being famous. He wants to be absent to keep his mental health for a long time.
No Return – Keep the Best Memories
Legends like Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada… will all be there (especially the 2000 World Series Team).
And Jeter knows that absence — even if regretful — is a way to keep his image in the minds of fans forever.
An insider said: “He can sit on the throne, give smiles, contain no pressure to content, main stage.”
Goodbye to the ballpark – not special
Derek Jeter does not have a defined “goodbye” event. He still agreed to attend the Q&A session of the conference – but only if he did not have to participate in the cheerleading battle. According to SI, Jeter himself once proposed a talk show instead of playing live.
Every Absence is a Message
Jeter’s refusal to attend Old-Timers’ Day is about more than substance. It’s about a man — accolades, success, but also personal choices to protect his mind, maintain his image, and love the dark side.
He left the stage perfectly, gently… just as he became a legend.