New York — The New York Yankees have unveiled a star-studded roster for their upcoming Old‑Timers Day. On Saturday, August 9 at Yankee Stadium, the 77th edition of the annual event returns with a full alumni baseball game. It marks the first game since 2019 and coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Yankees’ 2000 World Series title.
The Yankees alumni lineup includes legendary names: Mariano Rivera, Joe Torre, Ron Guidry, Paul O’Neill, Tino Martinez, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada, and Bernie Williams. It also welcomes first‑timers Roger Clemens, David Justice, Alfonso Soriano and Jose Vizcaíno. Mary Martin, widow of Billy Martin, and others representing the team’s legacy will join, too.
Yet one notable name is absent: Derek Jeter. The Hall of Famer Yankees legend has opted out of playing. Sources say his decision stems from a desire to avoid embarrassment on the field. Jeter has long maintained he no longer wants to risk injury or poor performance during a game. As one insider put it, “Jeter doesn’t want to embarrass himself,” according to the New York Post. However, the real excuse is the Yankees’ Old Timers Day clashes with his daughter’s birthday.
Clemens’ first pinstripe return
Former Yankees ace Roger Clemens will join Old‑Timers Day for the first time. Known for dominating the mound in the late 1990s and 2000s, Clemens was previously snubbed amid Hall of Fame controversy. His inclusion has sparked buzz — and few raised eyebrows — reflecting his long-stalled relationship with the franchise and his friend-turned-foe Andy Pettitte.
Clemens’ presence now on the field completes a power-packed alum roster that balances iconic figures across generations, along with those from the Yankees’ 2000 championship squad.
Jeter’s decline causes controversy
Derek Jeter’s absence is not new. He has skipped the Yankees’ Old‑Timers Day since his retirement in 2014. After MLB canceled the alumni game in the wake of the pandemic, Jeter said he “would be afraid I would hurt myself” if he returned to play. Asked this week whether he’d appear in 2025, Jeter remained firm, telling a fan he didn’t want to embarrass himself.
“They’re not gonna see me hit again. No, I would be afraid I would hurt myself,” Jeter told at 2024 Old-Timers Day. “But that’s not saying the reason there’s no game is because I’m not playing. I don’t make those decisions, contrary to your belief.”
The former Yankees captain announced he would not attend this year’s Old-Timers’ Day ceremony a month ago. His absence stems from a family commitment – celebrating his daughter Bella Raine’s eighth birthday at home. Following this development, the organization has returned to its traditional format: an informal baseball exhibition featuring beloved former Yankees players, according to a team insider.
The decision removes any potential awkwardness from the annual celebration while allowing the focus to return to honoring the franchise’s rich history through its retired legends.
His stance contrasts with other members of the Yankees’ Core Four. For instance, CC Sabathia and Jorge Posada previously expressed interest. Posada declined citing age, but Sabathia joked he was “ready to play.”
Vintage lineups, fresh excitement for Yankees fans
The Yankees’ Old-Timers Day traditionally welcomes dozens of club legends. This year’s event brings a strong mix of healthy, game-ready former players. Some, like Clemens and Soriano, are alumni of the 2000 squad celebrating their return to the field.
Michael Kay will lead introductions. Yankees fans are urged to arrive early; first pitches are set for 12 p.m. ET. It’s expected to be a lively, multi-generation alumni show — with veterans showing off their skills on hardball again after years of Q&A formats.
Why this year’s event matters
- Return of the game: Old-Timers Day returned to full gameplay for the first time since 2019. The 2022 and 2023 events featured only Q&A formats.
- 25th anniversary celebration: The game also honors the 2000 World Series team—many of whose members are participating.
- Clemens’ bold return: After Hall of Fame exclusion, Clemens’ entry into Old-Timers Day is surprising. It adds renewed interest to the event.
Looking ahead: What to expect
The 2025 Old-Timers Day is more than just nostalgia. It will include two-to-three innings — a quick but competitive affair. Fans will see legends from the 70s, 90s, and 2000 teams lined up. Yankees family members Mary Martin, Diana Munson and Jill Martin will be introduced, continuing the tradition of celebrating baseball wives and family. It reflects the Yankees’ tradition, fan loyalty and competitive heritage at its best.
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025
- Time: Pre-game introductions at 12 p.m. ET, followed by exhibition
- Tickets: Available now; upper-deck seats start near $30
What do you think? Will Clemens steal the spotlight? Or will fans miss Jeter’s presence? Leave your comment below.
What do you think?
