A Salute To Number 2, The Captain

"When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." - Proverbs 16:7  AMP

RESPECT:
- a feeling of admiring someone or something that is good, valuable, important, etc.
- a feeling or understanding that someone or something is important, serious, etc., and should be treated in an appropriate way
- a particular way of thinking about or looking at something 

On July 15, 2014, Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter played his final All Star baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, home of the Minnesota Twins. It was as much a crowning moment in his career as it was a mid-season celebration of the sport. By the time the 2014 season ends, Derek will have played 20 seasons in major league baseball, every single one of them in Yankee pinstripes, with a place in the Baseball Hall of Fame most likely waiting for him.  In the commercial above, shown on television before his at bat in the bottom of the first inning, Derek displays his signature move: a tip of his helmet, saluting his opponent, a show of respect. In turn he is saluted by all who watch him as he takes his place in the batter's box, getting ready to hit as he has done thousands of times in his career.

In short, Jeter (known as The Captain among Yankee fans) understands his place in the game, as well as his place in the grand scheme of things. He doesn't have a big ego, he doesn't see himself as bigger than anyone else. The best way to describe Number 2 is with three simple words:

HE GETS IT.

Derek is respectful of others, and is loved and respected in return, by teammates, fans, and opponents alike. If there is any lesson than can be learned from his playing career and carried from the baseball diamond to any field of endeavor, it would simply be this: respect the people you meet every day, whether customers, prospects, partners, co-workers, friends, even competitors, serve others with the best you have within you every day to the best of your ability, rather than seeking to be served, and when your time comes to walk off the field for the last time, whenever that is, be sure you can do so with as few regrets as possible.

"And Jesus called them to Him and said, You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men hold them in subjection [tyrannizing them]. Not so shall it be among you; but whosoever among you that wishes to be great must become your servant..." - Matthew 20:26 AMP

Maybe you won't walk off to a standing ovation and the sing-song chant of your name from thousands of fans and well-wishers ringing in your ears (or maybe you will, one never knows), but one thing is for certain, the respect that you bestow upon others will be returned to you many times over. And your place among the great will be assured, because like respect, greatness is not demanded, it is earned.

Here's to you, Number 2.  You proved you can make it here, you can make it anywhere...

That's all for now, gotta run.  Until we meet again, remember:

Keep it simple...See ya!