Jeter-fan Chisholm dons A-Rod’s number for Yankees amid fight to rebound

Jazz Chisholm Jr. made his New York Yankees debut in the midst of the storied Yankees-Red Sox rivalry, following his trade from the Miami Marlins. Beyond the change in teams, the newest Yankee also encountered a significant change in his jersey number.

Chisholm, who wore No. 2 with the Marlins, had to relinquish this number upon joining the Yankees. The number has been retired in honor of Derek Jeter since 2017, following Jeter’s retirement in 2014. He and Jeter share a strong bond from Jeter’s time as CEO of the Marlins, and Chisholm had hoped to continue wearing his childhood idol’s number in New York. However, the Yankees’ longstanding policy on retired numbers made this impossible.

Despite not being able to wear No. 2, Chisholm embraced his new chapter with the Yankees, donning an alternative jersey number as he looked to make his mark in pinstripes.

Chisholm get A-Rod’s jersey number in Yankees debut

In a significant move, the New York Yankees have assigned newly acquired player Jazz Chisholm Jr. jersey number 13, a number with deep roots in the organization. This number was famously worn by Alex Rodriguez during his 12 seasons with the Yankees.

Rodriguez’s tenure with the team was marked by outstanding achievements and notable controversies. He earned two AL MVP awards and played a crucial role in the Yankees’ 2009 World Series victory, their last championship to date. However, his relationship with the franchise soured over time, involving legal battles, including a lawsuit against a team doctor.

Rodriguez has voiced his hope for his number to be retired by the Yankees, expressing disappointment that this honor has not yet been granted. He attributes this to the complexities of his relationship with the organization towards the end of his career.

Interestingly, Chisholm’s assignment of number 13, which was previously worn by Joey Gallo, may carry additional layers of significance. Yankees legend Derek Jeter once revealed that he had initially hoped to wear number 13. However, he was given number 2, a number that later became iconic in his illustrious career.

Jeter humorously reflected that his assignment of number 2 might have been more practical than symbolic. He suggested it was possibly the smallest available jersey when he joined the team, fitting his slender frame. Jeter recalled being measured at 6’2″ and 154 pounds when he signed with the Yankees, which dispelled exaggerated high school basketball statistics that listed him as taller and heavier.

Chisholm’s new jersey number ties him to the rich history of the Yankees’ uniform legacy, linking the team’s storied past with its newest member.

Yankees’ Chisholm shares Jeter connection

Jazz Chisholm Jr., the New York Yankees’ recent acquisition from the Miami Marlins, has disclosed a special connection to Yankees icon Derek Jeter.

During a recent podcast, Chisholm revealed that Jeter, while serving as the Marlins’ part-owner and CEO, played a direct role in the trade that initially brought him to Miami. The infielder, who wore Jeter’s famed No. 2 during his time with the Marlins, expressed deep admiration for the Hall of Famer.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. details how Derek Jeter told him that he was the reason why Jazz became a Marlin.

After Kobe Bryant died (Jazz’s idol), Jazz called Derek Jeter crying to tell him that Jeter needed to step up to be his new idol.

Crazy stuff. Born to be a Yankee. pic.twitter.com/Je47ZoWut2

— Bronx Central (@BronxCentral) July 27, 2024

Chisholm also recounted a touching episode involving Jeter after the tragic passing of NBA legend Kobe Bryant in 2020. The player, who plays both infield and outfield positions, had plans to meet Bryant at the Mamba Academy in Los Angeles just days before Bryant’s fatal helicopter accident.

Stricken by the news of Bryant’s death, Chisholm reached out to Jeter, seeking solace in his grief. He asked Jeter to become his mentor, a role model to replace the one he had lost.

According to Chisholm, Jeter responded with compassion, offering guidance and support from that day forward. This mentorship continued even as Jeter envisioned Chisholm as the future cornerstone of the Marlins’ infield.

Now, as Chisholm joins the Yankees, the team where Jeter’s legacy was cemented, this unique bond brings an added layer of interest to his arrival in New York. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this relationship will influence Chisholm’s tenure in the Bronx.

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