Even though Derek Jeter needed to leave yesterday’s victory over the Royals early, fans at Yankee Stadium were ecstatic to see the captain back on the field in his season debut.
“Derek Jeter’s the heart and soul of the team,” said Kenwyn Nicome, 29, from Fort Greene. “He has been since ‘95, ‘96. It’s a good thing that he’s back.”
The 13-time All-Star shortstop, who was sidelined with a pair of fractures to his left ankle, started at the designated hitter spot before being pulled when his right quadriceps muscle tightened up.
PHOTOS: JETER RETURNS TO YANKEES LINEUP
Despite the setback, fans are still counting on him to pull the team back into contention.
“Hopefully he’ll get [the team] out of this funk that they’re in,” said Andrew Van Hoek, 17, of Yonkers, who wore a Jeter T-shirt. “I think he’ll bring some excitement back into the stadium.”
The Yankees’ season has been plagued with injuries. They are currently in fourth place in the AL East.
“I think he’ll provide that spark that we’ve been waiting for,” said Pete Mason, 35. “The rest of the team has held it down. He’ll give us that needed push.”
Fans were hoping he could be a presence in the clubhouse as well.
“They need somebody to take charge of the team,” said Andrea Arrigo, 39, from Staten Island.
One fan said “morale” would be the biggest contribution from the Yankees great.
“He’s the captain,” said Josh Lasker, 34. “He’ll provide an emotional boost for the team.”