SI.com · Jun 23, 2022
Derek Jeter Tweets Message to Red Sox Rookie Jeter Downs Before MLB Debut
Over the past three decades, Red Sox fans have grown to associate the name “Jeter” with the enemy. Now, they’ll welcome the former Yankees captain’s namesake into the fold.
Rookie shortstop Jeter Downs made his big league debut with Boston on Wednesday. Ranked among the top 100 prospects in baseball by Baseball America and MLB Pipeline, the 23-year-old’s name was inspired by Derek Jeter, and he received some words of encouragement from the Hall of Fame shortstop before Wednesday night’s game.
“Had a chance to meet Jeter Downs a few years ago (he wasn’t with the Red Sox then),” Jeter wrote. “Congratulations and good luck … unless you are playing the Yankees.”