‘Thanks for Teaching Us How to Play With Intensity’- Derek Jeter Sends a Heartwarming Message to Ex-Teammate Paul O’Neil After Yankees Retire His Jersey No. 21

To honor the legacy of legendary right fielder Paul O’Neil, the New York Yankees retired his jersey number #21 in a grand event on Sunday in the Bronx. From the former Yankees manager Joe Torre to legendary Yankees captain Derek Jeter, they congratulated and sent their best wishes to paul on his big day.

Notably, paul O’Neil was a big part of the legendary Yankees squad that won four world series in a span of just five years. Under the guidance of visionary manager Joe Torre and the leadership of Derek Jeter, the Yankees dominated the late 90s in MLB.

However, Jeter and Torre could not make it to the event as they sent their messages through recorded videos.

Derek Jeter was all praise for ex-teammate Paul O’Neil on his big day

Not every athlete has their jersey number retired unless they have done something extraordinary for their team. And Paul O’Neil was one of such players who would go to any extent for the sake of their team.

While congratulating Paul, Jeter thanked him for teaching the squad how to play with intensity. Notably, the two have won four World Series together. 

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“Sorry, couldn’t be there in person. But I wanted to reach out to you and say congratulations on having your number #21 retired into monument park. But I also want to say thanks, man,” Jeter said. “Thanks for teaching us how to play with intensity, to show up every single day, and expect perfection.”

Taking to Twitter, Jeter also showed his disappointment in not being with Paul on his big day. “I’m so disappointed I couldn’t be there in person. Congratulations Paul O’Neil on a well-deserved honor,” Jeter tweeted.

Joe Torre also congratulated Paul O’Neil

Joe Torre was the chief architect of the dynasty era of the New York Yankees. Notably, he helped the Yankees win four World Series. Torre also congratulated Paul through a video message.

“Hey, Polly! Congratulations! Having your number retired as a New York Yankees is pretty special…” Torre said.

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Whom do you think the Yankees should consider retiring their jersey number next?