“We Just Had Close, Close Friends”: Despite 2 Core Four Members’ Absence, Derek Jeter’s Privacy Led to Treasured Nuptials With Hannah Davis 7 Years Ago

There’s nothing quite like baseball to bring people together. Throughout his New York Yankees years, Derek Jeter had some close friendships. Cases like Alex Rodriguez‘s, which turned into an absolute dumpster fire after 2001, were rare. For the most part, the former Captain’s friendships were lifelong bonds. While some missed it, most were also present at his wedding.

The former Yankees slugger started dating Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Hannah Davis in 2012, though they wouldn’t make their first official public appearance until 2015. The couple tied the knot 2016 in a private ceremony at Meadowood Napa Valley Resort in St. Helena, California. While they insisted it was ‘small,’ fans didn’t imagine that even Jeter’s famous friends would miss it.

Hannah and Derek Jeter’s Private But ‘Fun’ Day

When the couple first said ‘I do’ in 2016, details were not easily given. Seven years later, the Jeters are opening up more about their special day. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE magazine, the couple discussed how they hadn’t wanted their wedding day to be too crowded. Although it still meant one of their favorite (and famous) bands would perform, some missed the party.

But in a way, it’s the tiny guest list that contributed to the fun. “That might have been the thing,” the former shortstop said, and his wife agreed. “That’s what I loved about our wedding, was that we didn’t — it wasn’t like a meet and greet,” said Hannah. “We didn’t have to go around. We just had close, close friends of ours there. [And] we got to have a lot of fun.”

Incidentally, Derek Jeter’s Core Four group, which also includes Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada, and Andy Pettite, was not present. These players wreaked havoc on the league in the late 1990s and early 2000s, a powerful team combo if there ever was one. Only Posada made it to the bachelor’s party and the actual day, along with Andruw Jones and Tino Martinez. While Pettite gave no public explanation, Mo had a good reason.

Why Mariano Rivera Missed the Jeters’ Special Day

Rivera and Jeter played together in Pinstripes for 19 years before Mo hung up his cleats. The next year, the former captain also announced he was retiring. Two years later, Jeter got married but Rivera was enjoying a vacation in Italy! According to FOX News, “Rivera will be in Italy, on a swanky vacation provided by the New York Yankees as a send-off to his 2013 retirement.”

READ MORE – “Don’t Want Anyone to Show Up”: Hannah Davis’ Joke on Her Wedding to Derek Jeter Revealed How Similar the Power Couple Were in 2015

Apparently, his shortstop friend didn’t know it yet but Rivera was almost confident that he would be fine with it. Well, given that they’re still friends, all was probably forgiven!

WATCH THIS STORY – MLB Legend Derek Jeter Unveils Unseen Photos of Wife Hannah Jeter From Their Iconic Commercial to Celebrate Women’s Day