Derek Jeter is in the final stretch of his long rehabilitation that has kept him out of games in the Bronx since he broke his ankle back in October. Saturday marked the first action Jeter has seen in a live game since spring training when he re-broke his ankle. It’s been a long and emotionally painstaking road for the notoriously impatient Yankee captain and he is in a hurry to get back where he belongs. However, fans in Scranton, Pennsylvania wouldn’t mind if Jeter took a little longer to get back in his familiar pinstripes.
Since Saturday, Jeter has been playing for the Scranton Railriders, a Class AAA affiliate of the New York Yankees. He has put on quite the clinic, doing his best to prove to the suits in the Bronx that he is ready to help his team. The passed 3 games at the newly renovated PNC Park have all been sell out crowds of 10,000 and Jeter even admitted to being a little nervous before Saturdays game. So far, Jeter’s progress has been well documented. A few scouts even marveled at how honed in Jeter seems even after missing so much time. However, Jeter’s impact on the field may not compare to the impact he is having on this small town community in Pennsylvania.
Derek is staying at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center and I’m sure it wouldn’t be difficult for a person of his means to stay shut in his hotel suite while he is not at PNC Park but the star shortstop has done just the opposite. He has gone out to many local business to show his face and his support. And with social media being so readily available, it doesn’t take long for business to pick up at whatever local eatery Jeter is at.
Jeter has been to Osaka on Adams Avenue for dinner, the Backyard Alehouse on Linden Street for drinks. He’s been to the Downtown Deli on Spruce Street in Scranton for lunch. He’s also enjoyed a couple of steak houses such as Carl Von Luger Steak and Seafood and State Street Grill in Clarks Summit. As you may know, Jeter loves his Starbucks so he has even paid a visit to the Steamtown Mall coffee-house for a triple grande non-fat cappuccino. Staff at each local business described Jeter as friendly and approachable. Many calling him just a normal guy. It didn’t take long for word to spread each time and Jeter graciously took photos and signed autographs for fans who were nice enough to keep their distance until Jeter was finished with his meal.
Mark Grambo, 23, had dinner with his mom and sister at the State Street Grill. He described Mr. Jeter as a normal guy, dressed in jeans and a T-shirt and eating a salad.
“As a baseball fan, it doesn’t get any better than Derek Jeter,” said Mr. Grambo, noting that he’s an Atlanta Braves fan. “It doesn’t matter who you like, it was awesome. He’s the face of the game, a non-steroid using hero.” Grambo also said that within 20 minutes, the restaurant was packed.
Plenty of Yankee fans wait with bated breath for the captain to return but while he is in Scranton he seems to be doing all he can to generate revenue for local business owners. It seems the community around Scranton, PA will be sad to see Jeter go.
Excerpts taken from an article posted with The Times-Tribune
